Nanomedicine

About: Nanomedicine is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 4287 publications have been published within this topic receiving 200647 citations.

Shape-specific polymeric nanomedicine: emerging opportunities and challenges

Abstract: Size and shape are fundamental properties of micro/nanoparticles that are critically important for nanomedicine applications. Extensive studies have revealed the effect of particle size on spherical particles with respect to circulation, extravasation and distribution in vivo. In contrast, the importance of particle shape has only recently begun to emerge. For example, cylindrically-shaped filomicelles (diameter 22-60 nm, length 8-18 μm) have shown persistent blood circulation for up to one week after intravenous injection, much longer than their spherical counterparts. Disc-shaped nanoparticles have demonstrated higher in vivo targeting specificity to endothelial cells expressing intercellular adhesion molecule receptors in mice than spherical particles of similar size. In this Minireview, we will discuss the recent advances in the fabrication of shape-specific nanoparticles and their unique biological and pharmacological properties. Computational models are presented to provide mechanistic understanding of the shape effects on cell targeting under flow conditions. Shape-specific nanoparticles have the potential to significantly improve the performance of nanomedicine in diagnostic imaging and targeted drug delivery applications.

Development of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONS) for Translation to Clinical Applications

Abstract: Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have attract a great deal of interest in biomedical research and clinical applications over the past decades. Taking advantage the fact that SPIONs only exhibit magnetic properties in the presence of an applied magnetic field, they have been used in both in vitro magnetic separation and in vivo applications such as hyperthermia (HT), magnetic drug targeting (MDT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), gene delivery (GD) and nanomedicine. Successful applications of SPIONs rely on precise control of the particle's shape, size, and size distribution and several synthetic routes for preparing SPIONs have been explored. Tailored surface properties specifically designed for cell targeting are often required, although the generic strategy involves creating biocompatible polymeric or non-polymeric coating and subsequent conjugation of bioactive molecules. In this review article, synthetic routes, surface modification and functionaliztion of SPIONs, as well as the major biomedical applications are summarized, with emphasis on in vivo applications.

Protein Polymer-Based Nanoparticles: Fabrication and Medical Applications

Abstract: Nanoparticles are particles that range in size from about 1–1000 nanometers in diameter, about one thousand times smaller than the average cell in a human body. Their small size, flexible fabrication, and high surface-area-to-volume ratio make them ideal systems for drug delivery. Nanoparticles can be made from a variety of materials including metals, polysaccharides, and proteins. Biological protein-based nanoparticles such as silk, keratin, collagen, elastin, corn zein, and soy protein-based nanoparticles are advantageous in having biodegradability, bioavailability, and relatively low cost. Many protein nanoparticles are easy to process and can be modified to achieve desired specifications such as size, morphology, and weight. Protein nanoparticles are used in a variety of settings and are replacing many materials that are not biocompatible and have a negative impact on the environment. Here we attempt to review the literature pertaining to protein-based nanoparticles with a focus on their application in drug delivery and biomedical fields. Additional detail on governing nanoparticle parameters, specific protein nanoparticle applications, and fabrication methods are also provided.