title: A holistic approach to targeting disease with polymeric nanoparticles.
abstract: The primary goal of nanomedicine is to improve clinical outcomes. To this end, targeted nanoparticles are engineered to reduce non-productive distribution while improving diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy. Paradoxically, as this field has matured, the notion of targeting has been minimized to the concept of increasing the affinity of a nanoparticle for its target. This Opinion article outlines a holistic view of nanoparticle targeting, in which the route of administration, molecular characteristics and temporal control of the nanoparticles are potential design variables that must be considered simultaneously. This comprehensive vision for nanoparticle targeting will facilitate the integration of nanomedicines into clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: 1] Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA. Present address: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Cheshire, Connecticut 06410, USA. [2].
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.affiliation: 1] Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA. [2].
authors.forename: Gregory T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Tietjen
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Saucier-Sawyer
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA.
authors.forename: W Mark
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Saltzman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D050997:Nanomedicine; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers