Functionalized and Nonfunctionalized Nanosystems for Mitochondrial Drug Delivery with Metallic Nanoparticles

Background: The application of metallic nanoparticles as a novel therapeutic tool has significant potential to facilitate the treatment and diagnosis of mitochondria-based disorders. Recently, subcellular mitochondria have been trialed to cure pathologies that depend on their dysfunction. Nanoparticles made from metals and their oxides (including gold, iron, silver, platinum, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide) have unique modi operandi that can competently rectify mitochondrial disorders. Materials: This review presents insight into the recent research reports on exposure to a myriad of metallic nanoparticles that can alter the dynamic ultrastructure of mitochondria (via altering metabolic homeostasis), as well as pause ATP production, and trigger oxidative stress. The facts and figures have been compiled from more than a hundred PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus indexed articles that describe the essential functions of mitochondria for the management of human diseases. Result: Nanoengineered metals and their oxide nanoparticles are targeted at the mitochondrial architecture that partakes in the management of a myriad of health issues, including different cancers. These nanosystems not only act as antioxidants but are also fabricated for the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. However, the biocompatibility, safety, and efficacy of using metal nanoparticles is contested among researchers, which will be discussed further in this review.