'Passive' nanoparticles for organ-selective systemic delivery: design, mechanism and perspective

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery
• Biomaterials Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Nanotechnology has revolutionized drug delivery, enabling novel therapeutics like RNA medicine.
• Surface modification of nanoparticles for active targeting is a common strategy for organ-specific delivery.
• Emerging evidence suggests passive targeting of organs is achievable without surface ligands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review 'passive' nanoparticles and their mechanisms for organ-selective delivery.
• To summarize lipid-based, polymer-based, and biomimetic nanoparticles exhibiting organ tropism.
• To discuss the opportunities and challenges in passive organ-selective nanoparticle delivery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on organ-selective nanoparticle delivery.
• Analysis of nanoparticle compositions (lipid-based, polymer-based, biomimetic).
• Discussion of underlying mechanisms, including protein corona and size effects.

Main Results:

• Passive nanoparticles can achieve organ selectivity without surface ligand modification.
• Various nanoparticle types (lipid, polymer, biomimetic) demonstrate tropism to specific organs.
• Mechanisms like protein corona formation and particle size influence organ targeting.

Conclusions:

• Passive organ-selective nanoparticle delivery presents a promising alternative to active targeting.
• Understanding nanoparticle-organ interactions is crucial for optimizing delivery strategies.
• Further research is needed to overcome challenges and harness the potential of passive targeting.