Biopharmaceutics and therapeutic potential of engineered nanomaterials

Abstract

Engineered nanomaterials are at the leading edge of the rapidly developing nanosciences and are founding an important class of new materials with specific physicochemical properties different from bulk materials with the same compositions. The potential for nanomaterials is rapidly expanding with novel applications constantly being explored in different areas. The unique size-dependent properties of nanomaterials make them very attractive for pharmaceutical applications. Investigations of physical, chemical and biological properties of engineered nanomaterials have yielded valuable information. Cytotoxic effects of certain engineered nanomaterials towards malignant cells form the basis for one aspect of nanomedicine. It is inferred that size, three dimensional shape, hydrophobicity and electronic configurations make them an appealing subject in medicinal chemistry. Their unique structure coupled with immense scope for derivatization forms a base for exciting developments in therapeutics. This review article addresses the fate of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of engineered nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo. It updates the distinctive methodology used for studying the biopharmaceutics of nanoparticles. This review addresses the future potential and safety concerns and genotoxicity of nanoparticle formulations in general. It particularly emphasizes the effects of nanoparticles on metabolic enzymes as well as the parenteral or inhalation administration routes of nanoparticle formulations. This paper illustrates the potential of nanomedicine by discussing biopharmaceutics of fullerene derivatives and their suitability for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Future direction is discussed as well.

Fig. (1). Possible routes for translocation and metabolism of nanoparticles in biological system

There are many pathways for systemic exposure, translocation and excretion of nanoparticles, which were proposed in published literatures. The exact pathways for transport and metabolism of nanoparticles are not clear. Further in vitro and in vivo investigations are necessary.

Fig. (2). Unique structural and surface features of nanoparticles

This sandwich-type nanostructure carries a potent anticancer nanomedicine that may produce little side-effects to normal tissues in vivo and nearly no cytotoxicity to normal cells in vitro. The inner core with or without heavy metallic atom, the type and number of outer surrounded functional-groups can be changed to generate different series of relatively non toxic anticancer nanomedicine. The size of individual particle is at nanolevel (less than 100 nm). The paramagnetic metallic atom inside the cage can serve as an MRI contrast agent to simultaneously monitor the chemotherapeutic effects during treatment of tumor.