How are Nanoparticles Designed for Targeted Drug Delivery?
Nanoparticles are designed to improve the selectivity of cancer treatments through various strategies:
Surface modification: The surface of nanoparticles can be coated with specific ligands or antibodies that bind to receptors overexpressed on cancer cells. Controlled release: Nanoparticles can be engineered to release their payload in response to specific stimuli, such as pH changes or enzymes present in the tumor microenvironment. Size and shape: The size and shape of nanoparticles can be optimized to enhance their circulation time and penetration into tumors. Multifunctionality: Nanoparticles can be designed to carry multiple therapeutic agents, such as a combination of drugs or a drug and a gene therapy agent, to achieve a synergistic effect.
