Nanoparticles with transformable physicochemical properties for overcoming biological barriers

In recent years, tremendous progress has been made in the development of nanomedicines for advanced therapeutics, yet their unsatisfactory targeting ability hinders the further application of nanomedicines. Nanomaterials undergo a series of processes, from intravenous injection to precise delivery at target sites. Each process faces different or even contradictory requirements for nanoparticles to pass through biological barriers. To overcome biological barriers, researchers have been developing nanomedicines with transformable physicochemical properties in recent years. Physicochemical transformability enables nanomedicines to responsively switch their physicochemical properties, including size, shape, surface charge, etc., thus enabling them to cross a series of biological barriers and achieve maximum delivery efficiency. In this review, we summarize recent developments in nanomedicines with transformable physicochemical properties. First, the biological dilemmas faced by nanomedicines are analyzed. Furthermore, the design and synthesis of nanomaterials with transformable physicochemical properties in terms of size, charge, and shape are summarized. Other switchable physicochemical parameters such as mobility, roughness and mechanical properties, which have been sought after most recently, are also discussed. Finally, the prospects and challenges for nanomedicines with transformable physicochemical properties are highlighted.