Multifunctional nanoparticles for imaging, delivery and targeting in cancer therapy

Abstract

The application of nanoparticles for the delivery and targeting of pharmaceutical, therapeutic and diagnostic agents in cancer therapy has received significant attention in recent years. Nanoparticles may be constructed from a wide range of materials and used to encapsulate or solubilize chemotherapeutic agents for improved delivery in vivo or to provide unique optical, magnetic and electrical properties for imaging and therapy. Several functional nanoparticles have already been demonstrated, including some clinically approved liposome drug formulations and metallic imaging agents. The next generation of nanoparticle-based research is directed at the consolidation of functions into strategically engineered multifunctional systems, which may ultimately facilitate the realization of individual therapy. These multiplexed nanoparticles may be capable of identifying malignant cells by means of molecular detection, visualizing their location in the body by providing enhanced contrast in medical imaging techniques, killing diseased cells with minimal side effects through selective drug targeting, and monitoring treatment in real time. This article highlights recent progress in the design and engineering of multifunctional systems, as well as discusses the development of a new, scalable and economic method for the modular preparation of multiplex nanoparticles where functional properties can be precisely and simply tailored.

Peptide-Based Polymer Therapeutics

“…Relevant scientific studies related to this topic have been already reported [20,179,180]. The presence of end functionalities in the polymer carrier allows site-specific conjugation of drugs in parallel with imaging probes and/or targeting moieties, enabling the design of advanced theranostics or polymer-based combination nanopharmaceutics, limelight topics in this area due to current clinical needs.…”

High resolution SPECT imaging for visualization of intratumoral heterogeneity using a SPECT/CT scanner dedicated for small animal imaging

“…We have previously reported on the preparation of 111 In-labeled liposomes with high radioactivity and excellent tumor accumulation of the liposomes [15,16]. Currently, liposomes are drawing attention as multifunctional nanoparticles for imaging, delivery, and targeting in cancer therapy [12,24,25].…”

Nanotechnology-based approaches in anticancer research

“…47 Moreover, arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motif has been found to exhibit a strong affinity and selectivity for cell surface in many proteins, thus proclaiming it to be a suitable ligand for tumor targeting by therapeutic NPs. 48 …”

“…48,50 Their properties could be attributed to their small sizes, lower drug toxicity, maximized bioavailability, cell death, and modification of drug pharmacokinetics. [51][52][53] Figure 1 depicts several nanotechnology based drug delivery systems used in recent years.…”