![conference banner](/images/conference-banner.jpeg)
Abstract
Nanomedicine, the application of nanotechnology to medicine, is being increasingly used to improve and exploit the advantages of efficient drug delivery. Different nanodevices have been developed in recent years, among them protein-based nanoparticles which have gained considerable interest. Albumin is a versatile protein carrier with several characteristics that make it an ideal candidate for drug delivery, such as its availability, its biocompatibility, its biodegradability, and its lack of toxicity and immunogenicity. This review embodies an overview of different methods available for production of albumin-based nanoparticles, with focus on high-energy emulsification methods. A comparison between production by using sonication, which involves acoustic cavitation, and the high pressure homogenization method, where occurs hydrodynamic cavitation, is presented. Taking into account important properties of nanoparticles required for intravenous administration, the use of poloxamers, tri-block copolymer surfactants is discussed as it improves blood circulation time and bioavailability of nanoparticles. Thus, nanoparticles can be engineered to provide adequate features to therapeutic applications, in which can be included surface functionalization with targeting agents. Different albumin-based formulations and their therapeutic applications are presented in this review, with emphasis on applications in cancer therapy, where albumin-based strategies are promising for targeted drug delivery in innovative clinical strategies.
Keywords: Nanomedicine, albumin, nanoparticles, production methods, specific drug delivery, cancer therapy.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title:Albumin-Based Nanodevices as Drug Carriers
Volume: 22 Issue: 10
Author(s): Ana Loureiro, Nuno G. Azoia, Andreia C. Gomes and Artur Cavaco-Paulo
Affiliation:
Keywords: Nanomedicine, albumin, nanoparticles, production methods, specific drug delivery, cancer therapy.
Abstract: Nanomedicine, the application of nanotechnology to medicine, is being increasingly used to improve and exploit the advantages of efficient drug delivery. Different nanodevices have been developed in recent years, among them protein-based nanoparticles which have gained considerable interest. Albumin is a versatile protein carrier with several characteristics that make it an ideal candidate for drug delivery, such as its availability, its biocompatibility, its biodegradability, and its lack of toxicity and immunogenicity. This review embodies an overview of different methods available for production of albumin-based nanoparticles, with focus on high-energy emulsification methods. A comparison between production by using sonication, which involves acoustic cavitation, and the high pressure homogenization method, where occurs hydrodynamic cavitation, is presented. Taking into account important properties of nanoparticles required for intravenous administration, the use of poloxamers, tri-block copolymer surfactants is discussed as it improves blood circulation time and bioavailability of nanoparticles. Thus, nanoparticles can be engineered to provide adequate features to therapeutic applications, in which can be included surface functionalization with targeting agents. Different albumin-based formulations and their therapeutic applications are presented in this review, with emphasis on applications in cancer therapy, where albumin-based strategies are promising for targeted drug delivery in innovative clinical strategies.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Loureiro Ana, Azoia G. Nuno, Gomes C. Andreia and Cavaco-Paulo Artur, Albumin-Based Nanodevices as Drug Carriers, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2016; 22 (10) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612822666160125114900
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612822666160125114900 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Blood-based biomarkers in large-scale screening for neurodegenerative diseases
Disease biomarkers are necessary tools that can be employ in several clinical context of use (COU), ranging from the (early) diagnosis, prognosis, prediction, to monitor of disease state and/or drug efficacy. Regarding neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a battery of well-validated biomarkers are available, such as cerebrospinal fluid ...read more
Current Pharmaceutical challenges in the treatment and diagnosis of neurological dysfunctions
Neurological dysfunctions (MND, ALS, MS, PD, AD, HD, ALS, Autism, OCD etc..) present significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment, often necessitating innovative approaches and therapeutic interventions. This thematic issue aims to explore the current pharmaceutical landscape surrounding neurological disorders, shedding light on the challenges faced by researchers, clinicians, and ...read more
Diabetes mellitus: advances in diagnosis and treatment driving by precision medicine
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic degenerative metabolic disease with ever increasing prevalence worldwide which is now an epidemic disease affecting 500 million people worldwide. Insufficient insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells unable to maintain blood glucose homeostasis is the main feature of this disease. Multifactorial and complex nature of ...read more
Emerging and re-emerging diseases
Faced with a possible endemic situation of COVID-19, the world has experienced two important phenomena, the emergence of new infectious diseases and/or the resurgence of previously eradicated infectious diseases. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of such diseases has also undergone changes. This context, in turn, may have a strong relationship with ...read more
![Wayfinder Image](/images/wayfinder.jpg)
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Updates on the Role of FDG-PET/CT in Gynecological Malignancies
Current Molecular Imaging (Discontinued) Enhancing Endothelial Progenitor Cell Function Through Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulation: A Potential Approach to Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Molecular Mechanisms of Diabetes and Atherosclerosis: Role of Adiponectin
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets The Anti-Cancer Charm of Flavonoids: A Cup-of-Tea Will Do!
Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery Targeting the mTOR Pathway in Tumor Malignancy
Current Cancer Drug Targets Identification of EMT-associated LncRNA Signature for Predicting the Prognosis of Patients with Endometrial Cancer
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening Wnt/β-catenin Antagonists: Exploring New Avenues to Trigger Old Drugs in Alleviating Glioblastoma Multiforme
Current Molecular Pharmacology Cancer Prevention with Promising Natural Products: Mechanisms of Action and Molecular Targets
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Resveratrol and Clinical Trials: The Crossroad from In Vitro Studies to Human Evidence
Current Pharmaceutical Design To Investigate Growth Factor Receptor Targets and Generate Cancer Targeting Inhibitors
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Quinone Methide Bioactivation Pathway: Contribution to Toxicity and/or Cytoprotection?
Current Organic Chemistry Curcumin Combats against Organophosphate Pesticides Toxicity: A Review of the Current Evidence and Molecular Pathways
Current Medicinal Chemistry Nonsteroidal Aromatase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Breast Cancer: An Update
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Personalizing HER2-Targeted Therapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer Beyond HER2 Status: What We Have Learned from Clinical Specimens
Current Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine Functions of S100 Proteins
Current Molecular Medicine Targeting CD4 to Disrupt Signaling Through Membrane Rafts: Towards a Raft-Based Therapeutics
Immunology, Endocrine & Metabolic Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Discontinued) Role of Adiponectin in Cervical Cancer
Current Drug Metabolism Review of PI3K/mTOR Inhibitors Entering Clinical Trials to Treat Triple Negative Breast Cancers
Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery Azole Antimycotics - A Highway to New Drugs or a Dead End?
Current Medicinal Chemistry Polyketide Natural Products, Acetogenins from Graviola (Annona muricata L), its Biochemical, Cytotoxic Activity and Various Analyses Through Computational and Bio-Programming Methods
Current Pharmaceutical Design