Biofunctionalized targeted nanoparticles for therapeutic applications.
BACKGROUND
The development of nanoparticles for the delivery of therapeutic agents has introduced new opportunities for the improvement of medical treatment. Recent efforts have focused on developing targeted nanoparticles, which are formulated by (for therapeutic delivery) functionalizing nanoparticle surfaces with targeting molecules, such as antibodies, peptides, small molecules and oligonucleotides.


OBJECTIVE
To review the state of targeted nanoparticles development.


METHODS
The authors discuss the nanoparticle platforms for therapeutic delivery, targeting molecules and the biofunctionalized targeted nanoparticles currently in development.


CONCLUSIONS
Biofunctionalized targeted nanoparticles have demonstrated exciting results in preclinical studies. With continued improvements, they may fulfill their potential as therapeutics carriers that can deliver the maximum dose to diseased tissue while minimizing effects on normal cells.
Wang
Andrew Z
AZ
Department of Anesthesiology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Gu
Frank
F
Zhang
Liangfang
L
Chan
Juliana M
JM
Radovic-Moreno
Aleksander
A
Shaikh
Mariam R
MR
Farokhzad
Omid C
OC
D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D053758:Nanoparticles; D013812:Therapeutics
D008024:Ligands