Title:Nano/Microcarriers in Drug Delivery: Moving the Timeline to Contemporary
Volume: 30
Issue: 26
Author(s): Ana Vujačić Nikezić*Jasmina Grbović Novaković
Affiliation:
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic
of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Keywords:
Smart nanocarriers, drug delivery vehicles, micro/nanorobots, biomedical application, targeted therapy, toxicity.
Abstract: Treatment of various diseases, especially cancer treatment, includes the potential
use of different types of nanoparticles and nanostructures as drug carriers. However,
searching for less toxic and more efficient therapy requires further progress, wherein recent
developments in medicine increasingly include the use of various advanced nanostructures.
Their more successful application might be achieved by leveling imbalances between
the potentiality of different nanostructures and the demands required for their safe
use. Biocompatibility, biodegradability, prolonged circulation time and enhanced accumulation
and uptake by cells are some of the key preconditions for their usage in efficient
drug delivery. Thanks to their greatly tunable functions, they are major building
blocks for manufacturing novel materials. Nevertheless, given that their toxicity is questionable,
their practical application is challenging. Hereof, before entering the sphere of
human consumption, it is of critical importance to perform more studies regarding their
toxicity and drug distribution. This review emphasizes recent advances in nanomedicine,
employing different kinds of conventionally used nanoparticles as well as novel nanoparticles
and nanostructures. Special emphasis is placed on micro/nanomotors (MNMs), discussing
their opportunities, limitations, challenges and possible applications in drug delivery
and outlining some perspectives in the nanomedicine area.
