Facing the truth about nanotechnology in drug delivery

Abstract

Nanotechnology in drug delivery has been manifested into nanoparticles that can have unique properties both in vitro and in vivo, especially in targeted drug delivery to tumors. Numerous nanoparticle formulations have been designed and tested to great effect in small animal models, but the translation of the small animal results to clinical success has been limited. Successful translation requires revisiting the meaning of nanotechnology in drug delivery, understanding the limitations of nanoparticles, identifying the misconceptions pervasive in the field, and facing inconvenient truths. Nanoparticle approaches can have real impact in improving drug delivery by focusing on the problems at hand, such as enhancing their drug loading capacity, affinity to target cells, and spatiotemporal control of drug release.

Figure 1

Evolution of controlled drug-delivery systems. Adapted with permission from ref . Copyright 2013 Springer.

Figure 2

Relative distribution of a drug at a target tumor site by (A) conventional solution formulation and (B) nanoparticulate formulation. The majority of the administered drug ends up at non-target sites, but the 5× more efficient delivery of the drug by nanoparticles can be exploited for maximizing drug efficacy. Adapted with permission from ref . Copyright 2013 Springer.