Volume 4, Issue 1 p. 52-65
Advanced Review

Novel approaches for drug delivery systems in nanomedicine: effects of particle design and shape

Nicole Daum

Nicole Daum

Drug Delivery, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany

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Clemens Tscheka

Clemens Tscheka

Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany

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Andrea Neumeyer

Andrea Neumeyer

Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany

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Marc Schneider

Corresponding Author

Marc Schneider

Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany

Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, GermanySearch for more papers by this author
First published: 02 December 2011
Citations: 85

Abstract

The identification of novel drug candidates for the treatment of diseases like cancer, infectious diseases, or allergies (especially asthma) assigns new tasks for pharmaceutical technology. With respect to drug delivery several problems occur such as low solubility and hence low bioavailability or restriction to inconvenient routes of administration. Nanotechnological approaches promise to circumvent some of these problems, therefore being well suited for future applications as nanomedicines. Furthermore, efficient and sufficient loading is a critical issue that is approached through mesoporous particles and/or through nonspherical particles both offering larger volumes and surfaces. Special interest is laid on the effect of shape of particulate materials on the body and related physiological mechanisms. The modified response of biological systems on different shapes opens a new dimension to adjust particle system interaction. Finally, the biological response to these systems will determine the fate with respect to their therapeutic value. Therefore, the interaction pattern between nonspherical particulate materials and biological systems as well as the production processes are highlighted. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2012, 4:52–65. doi: 10.1002/wnan.165

This article is categorized under:

  • Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
  • Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology