An insight into functionalized calcium based inorganic nanomaterials in biomedicine: Trends and transitions

• Published in: Colloids and surfaces, B, Biointerfaces B, Biointerfaces, 2015-09, Vol.133, p.120-139
• Main Authors: Sharma, Shweta, Verma, Ashwni, Teja, B. Venkatesh, Pandey, Gitu, Mittapelly, Naresh, Trivedi, Ritu, Mishra, P.R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Calcium - metabolism; Endosome disruption; Mineralization; Nanostructures; pH dependant solubility; siRNA delivery; Tissue engineering
• ISSN: 0927-7765; 1873-4367
• DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.05.014

•Discussion on characteristic properties and major challenges in comparison to other nanomaterials as well as method of preparation.•Focus is more on systemic applications than localized delivery.•Discussion on application in gene, protein and small molecules delivery for diseases like cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes and vaccination.•Covers all the surface modification or functionalization that has been done to improve their applicability.•Mineralization of calcium phosphate over other nanosized delivery systems. Over the recent years the use of biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles in biomedicine has become a significant priority. Calcium based ceramic nanoparticles like calcium phosphate (CaP) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) are therefore considered as attractive carriers as they are naturally present in human body with nanosize range. Their application in tissue engineering and localized controlled delivery of bioactives for bones and teeth is well established now, but recently their use has increased significantly as carrier of bioactives through other routes also. These delivery systems have become most potential alternatives to other commonly used delivery system because of their cost effectiveness, biodegradability, chemical stability, controlled and stimuli responsive behaviour. This review comprehensively covers their characteristic features, method of preparation and applications but the thrust is to focus their recent development, functionalization and use in systemic delivery. On the same platform mineralization of other nanoparticulate delivery system which has widened their application drug delivery will be discussed. The emphasis has been given on their pH dependent properties which make them excellent carriers for tumour targeting and intracellular delivery. Finally this review also attempts to discuss their drawback which limits their clinical utility.