How are nanoparticles used in targeted drug delivery?

Nanoparticles are used in targeted drug delivery to transport medication directly to diseased cells, minimising side effects.

Nanoparticles, tiny particles with a size range of 1-100 nanometres, have revolutionised the field of medicine, particularly in the area of drug delivery. Their small size and large surface area make them ideal vehicles for transporting drugs directly to the site of disease, such as a tumour, thereby reducing the impact on healthy cells and minimising side effects.

This targeted drug delivery is achieved through a process known as passive or active targeting. In passive targeting, nanoparticles loaded with drugs naturally accumulate in tumour tissues due to their leaky blood vessels and poor lymphatic drainage, a phenomenon known as the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect. This allows for a higher concentration of the drug to reach the tumour cells, enhancing its therapeutic effect while reducing systemic toxicity.

Active targeting, on the other hand, involves the modification of the nanoparticle surface with specific ligands or antibodies that can bind to receptors overexpressed on the surface of tumour cells. This allows the nanoparticles to selectively home in on the diseased cells, delivering the drug payload directly to them. This not only increases the efficacy of the drug but also minimises damage to healthy cells.

Nanoparticles used in drug delivery can be made from a variety of materials, including lipids, polymers, and metals. The choice of material can influence the properties of the nanoparticles, such as their size, shape, and surface charge, which in turn can affect their drug loading capacity, stability, and release characteristics. For example, liposomes, spherical vesicles composed of one or more phospholipid bilayers, are often used due to their biocompatibility and ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs.

In conclusion, the use of nanoparticles in targeted drug delivery offers a promising approach to improve the treatment of various diseases, including cancer. By delivering drugs directly to the site of disease, nanoparticles can enhance the therapeutic effect of the drugs while minimising their side effects. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and challenges associated with this technology.