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Published on: March 9, 2019
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Pharmacokinetics of metallic nanoparticles
Zhoumeng Lin1, Nancy A Monteiro-Riviere, Jim E Riviere
1Institute of Computational Comparative Medicine (ICCM), Department of Anatomy and Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology
|October 16, 2014
Summary
Understanding metallic nanoparticle pharmacokinetics is vital for nanomedicine safety. Factors like size, charge, and coating influence how gold and silver nanoparticles distribute, accumulate, and are eliminated in the body.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Pharmacokinetics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly used in nanomedicine.
- Understanding their pharmacokinetic behavior is essential for risk assessment and safe application.
- This review focuses on gold (Au) and silver (Ag) NPs, also considering iron oxide, titanium dioxide (TiO2), and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacokinetics of metallic NPs.
- To identify factors influencing NP absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
- To discuss the development and application of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for metallic NPs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on metallic NP pharmacokinetics.
- Analysis of factors affecting NP behavior: particle characteristics (type, size, charge, coating), protein binding, exposure route, dose, and species.
- Examination of NP distribution, accumulation, BBB and placental transfer, and excretion pathways.
- Review of existing PBPK models for specific metallic NPs.
Main Results:
- Pharmacokinetics vary significantly based on NP properties and administration route.
- Low absorption (<5%) via oral, dermal, or inhalation routes, but higher with smaller sizes and specific coatings.
- NPs distribute widely, accumulating in liver, spleen, and lymph nodes, with potential long-term retention (≥6 months).
- NPs ≤100 nm can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and transfer across the placenta, influenced by surface modifications.
- Renal and biliary excretion are generally low, but can be enhanced by specific coatings and smaller sizes.
- PBPK models for Au/dendrimer, AgNPs, and TiO2 NPs have been developed and extrapolated to humans.
Conclusions:
- Metallic NP pharmacokinetics are complex and influenced by numerous factors.
- Understanding these dynamics is critical for the safe and effective use of metallic NPs in nanomedicine.
- PBPK models offer valuable tools for risk assessment and guiding the design of future nanomedicine applications.
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