Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 12.1
Current targeting drug delivery systems for cancer therapy.
Targeting drug delivery system
Advantages
Disadvantages
Ref.
86-88
Nanocarriers
Liposome
1. Can carry both hydrophilic and
hydrophobic agents.
2. Are composed of natural materials
and are essentially nontoxic.
1. Rapidly cleared from the
bloodstream by the
reticuloendothelial defense
mechanism.
2. Instability of the carrier and
burst drug release.
3. Nonspecific uptake by the
mononuclear phagocytic
system (MPS).
89-91
Polymeric nanoparticles
1. Could reduce dosage and minimize
side-effects.
2. Protects drugs against degradation
and enhances drug stability.
3. Potential for tumor targeting and
could improve cancer therapy.
1. Inherent structural
heterogeneity of polymers.
2. Low drug loading capacities.
3. Prone to form agglomerates
and may lead to an occlusion
of capillaries.
92
Microbubbles
1. Used for site-specific delivery of the
bioactive agents.
2. Could reduce the dosage.
1. Burst drug release
93
Nano-emulsions
1. Are relatively safe after entering into
the body.
2. Have sustained-release properties.
1. Physiochemical stability
problems.
94,95
Inorganic nanoparticles
1. Inert and nontoxic.
2. Ease of synthesis.
3. Ready functionalization.
4. Have photophysical properties which
could trigger drug release at remote
place.
1. Not biodegradable or small
enough to be cleared easily.
2. Potential accumulation in the
body and may cause long-term
toxicity.
