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Updated: May 27, 2026
09:03
Manufacture and Drug Delivery Applications of Silk Nanoparticles
Published on: October 8, 2016
Cell delivery of therapeutic nanoparticles
JoEllyn McMillan1, Elena Batrakova, Howard E Gendelman
1Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science
|November 19, 2011
Summary
Nanomedicine utilizes nanoscale systems for improved drug delivery, targeting diseases like cancer and infections. Researchers are developing cell-based nanoparticle delivery to enhance treatment outcomes for infectious and degenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nanomedicine leverages nanoscale systems (<100 nm) for enhanced delivery of drugs, proteins, and antibodies.
- Current limitations in drug delivery include poor efficacy, short circulation half-lives, and toxicity.
- Nanoscale systems offer unique biological potential for treating various diseases, including cancer, inflammatory, and infectious conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the development of cell-based nanomedicine for improved clinical outcomes.
- To investigate the use of mononuclear phagocyte lineage cells as carriers for therapeutic nanoparticles.
- To discuss the potential and challenges of translating nanomedicine from research to clinical application.
Main Methods:
- Development of cell-based carriage systems using nanoparticles.
- Utilizing mononuclear phagocyte lineage cells (dendritic cells, monocytes, macrophages) as drug carriers.
- Investigating applications in infectious and degenerative diseases.
Main Results:
- Cells of the mononuclear phagocyte lineage have been successfully used as 'Trojan horses' for anti-inflammatory and anti-infective medicines.
- Nanoparticle properties enable targeted delivery and improved therapeutic potential.
- Cellular carriage enhances the efficacy of nanomedicines.
Conclusions:
- Cell-based nanomedicine holds significant promise for treating a range of diseases.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges in clinical translation and ensure safety.
- This approach offers a novel strategy to improve drug delivery and patient outcomes.
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