Overview of nano-drugs characteristics for clinical application: the journey from the entry to the exit point

• Published in: Journal of nanoparticle research : an interdisciplinary forum for nanoscale science and technology 2014-08, Vol.16 (8), p.1-25, Article 2527
• Main Authors: Bose, Tanima, Latawiec, Diane, Mondal, Partha Pratim, Mandal, Subhra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodegradation; Biological and medical sciences; Biotechnology; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Diseases; Drug delivery systems; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General equipment and techniques; Human body; Inorganic Chemistry; Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Journeys; Lasers; Materials Science; Medical services; Methods. Procedures. Technologies; Nanocrystalline materials; Nanomaterials; Nanoparticles; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Nanostructure; Nanotechnology; Optical Devices; Optics; Others; Photonics; Physical Chemistry; Physical properties; Physicochemical properties; Physics; Review; Sensors (chemical, optical, electrical, movement, gas, etc.); remote sensing; Side effects; Various methods and equipments
• ISSN: 1388-0764; 1572-896X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11051-014-2527-7

The ever-increasing number of diseases worldwide requires comprehensive, efficient, and cost-effective modes of treatments. Among various strategies, nanomaterials fulfill most of these criteria. The unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles have made them a premier choice as a drug or a drug delivery system for the purpose of treatment, and as bio-detectors for disease prognosis. However, the main challenge is the proper consideration of the physical properties of these nanomaterials, while developing them as potential tools for therapeutics and/or diagnostics. In this review, we focus mainly on the characteristics of nanoparticles to develop an effective and sensitive system for clinical purposes. This review will present an overview of the important properties of nanoparticles, through their journey from its route of administration until disposal from the human body after accomplishing targeted functionality. We have chosen cancer as our model disease to explain the potentiality of nano-systems for therapeutics and diagnostics in relation to several organs (intestine, lung, brain, etc.). Furthermore, we have discussed their biodegradability and accumulation probability which can cause unfavorable side effects in healthy human subjects.