Cell membrane coated nanocarriers - an efficient biomimetic platform for targeted therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• Conventional drug delivery faces challenges in solubility, sustained release, and targeted accumulation at diseased sites.
• Polymer coatings like polyethylene glycol (PEG) on nanoparticles improve pharmacokinetics but can cause immunogenicity and allergic reactions.
• Limitations in polymer coating procedures and conjugation chemistries hinder in vivo efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the emerging field of cell membrane coated nanoparticles (CMCNPs) as an advanced drug delivery system.
• To highlight CMCNPs as a biomimicking alternative to traditional polymer coatings for enhanced theranostic applications.
• To discuss the preparation, cell membrane sources, nanoparticle cores, and future prospects of CMCNPs.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on nanoparticle coatings and cell membrane biomimicking strategies.
• Emphasis on the preparation methods for CMCNPs.
• Analysis of various cell membrane sources (e.g., RBCs, WBCs, cancer cells, stem cells) and nanoparticle cores used.

Main Results:

• CMCNPs utilize cell membranes to coat nanoparticle cores, offering improved biocompatibility and immune evasion.
• Diverse cell membrane sources and nanoparticle cores can be employed for tailored CMCNP functionalities.
• CMCNPs show potential for targeted drug delivery, photothermal therapy, diagnosis, and imaging (theranostics).

Conclusions:

• CMCNPs represent a significant advancement in overcoming the limitations of conventional nanoparticle coatings.
• Their biomimicking nature and versatile applications position them as powerful theranostic tools.
• Further research into advancements and limitations is crucial for the clinical translation of CMCNPs.