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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
Manufacture and Drug Delivery Applications of Silk Nanoparticles
Published on: October 8, 2016
Nanoparticles for tumor targeted therapies and their pharmacokinetics
Jianqiu Wang1, Meihua Sui, Weimin Fan
1Program of Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310004, China.
Abstract:
Various types of nanoparticles, such as liposomes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, superparamagnetic iron oxide crystals, and colloidal gold, have been employed in targeted therapies for cancer. Both passive and active targeting strategies can be utilized for nano-drug delivery. Passive targeting is based on the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect of the vasculature surrounding tumors. Active targeting relies on ligand-directed binding of nanoparticles to receptors expressed by tumor cells. Release of loaded drugs from nanoparticles may be controlled in response to changes in environmental condition such as temperature and pH. Biodistribution profiles and anticancer efficacy of nano-drugs in vivo would be different depending upon their size, surface charge, PEGylation and other biophysical properties. This review focuses on the recent development of nanoparticles for tumor targeted therapies, including physicochemical properties, tumor targeting, control of drug release, pharmacokinetics, anticancer efficacy and safety. Future perspectives are discussed as well.
Insights
Nanoparticles offer advanced cancer treatment by targeting tumors via passive (EPR effect) or active (ligand binding) strategies. Their properties influence drug release, biodistribution, and efficacy for improved nano-drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Nanoparticles are increasingly utilized in targeted cancer therapies.
- Delivery systems include liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, and magnetic/gold nanoparticles.
- Targeting strategies involve passive (EPR effect) and active (ligand-receptor) mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in nanoparticle-based tumor targeted therapies.
- To analyze the impact of nanoparticle physicochemical properties on drug delivery and efficacy.
- To discuss controlled drug release, pharmacokinetics, and safety aspects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of nanoparticle applications in cancer therapy.
- Analysis of passive and active targeting strategies.
- Evaluation of controlled drug release mechanisms (pH, temperature).
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle characteristics (size, charge, PEGylation) significantly affect in vivo biodistribution and efficacy.
- Both passive and active targeting enhance nano-drug delivery to tumors.
- Controlled release systems improve therapeutic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticles represent a promising platform for developing effective and safe tumor targeted therapies.
- Further research into optimizing nanoparticle properties and targeting strategies is warranted.
- Understanding nanoparticle behavior is crucial for clinical translation.
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