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Review
. 2012 Feb;80(2):241-6.
doi: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2011.08.004. Epub 2011 Aug 25.

Expert opinion: Responsive polymer nanoparticles in cancer therapy

William B Liechty  1 , Nicholas A Peppas
Affiliations
Review

Expert opinion: Responsive polymer nanoparticles in cancer therapy

William B Liechty et al. Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2012 Feb.

Abstract

Polymeric nanoparticles are emerging as an attractive treatment options for cancer due to their favorable size distribution, drug carrying capacity, and tunable properties. In particular, intelligent nanoparticles that respond to biological cues are of interest because of their ability to provide controlled release at a specific site. Tumor sites display abnormal pH profiles and pathophysiology that can be exploited to provide localized release. In this expert opinion, we discuss passive and active targeting of nanoparticles and several classes of pH-responsive nanoparticles.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Typical length scales of responsive nanoscale drug delivery systems
Figure 2
Figure 2. Barriers to oral delivery of therapeutic molecules. Physical and diffusive barriers, such as the tight junctions and mucus layer, limit access of therapeutics to the underlying capillary structure in the lamina propria
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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