A review on core-shell structured unimolecular nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Polymeric unimolecular nanoparticles (NPs) with core-shell structures are gaining attention for biomedical applications.
• Their single-molecular architecture offers enhanced stability, high drug loading, and versatile surface chemistry.
• These characteristics make them ideal nanoplatforms for advanced therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse architectures of polymeric unimolecular NPs.
• To explore their applications in delivering both hydrophobic and hydrophilic agents.
• To discuss future opportunities and challenges in the field of unimolecular NPs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on polymeric unimolecular NPs.
• Categorization of NPs based on their structure (e.g., unimolecular micelles, water-soluble NPs).
• Analysis of reported biomedical applications and performance data.

Main Results:

• Identified various polymeric unimolecular NP architectures suitable for different drug types.
• Highlighted successful in vitro and in vivo applications, demonstrating superior stability and efficacy.
• Showcased the versatility of unimolecular NPs for targeted drug delivery and diagnostics.

Conclusions:

• Polymeric unimolecular NPs represent a promising nanoplatform for advanced biomedical applications.
• Their unique single-molecular design overcomes limitations of traditional nanoparticles.
• Further research into their development and clinical translation is warranted.