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Drug delivery can affect drug pharmacokinetics , absorption, distribution, metabolism, duration of therapeutic effect, excretion, and toxicity.   Nanoparticles  (NPs) are thought to have potential for novel drug delivery and release purposes. Critical considerations for a successful nano based drug delivery system include its ability: To target specific tissues and cell types   Endocytosis  (uptake into the cells) Targeting agent (address tags) To escape from the biological particulate filter   Mononuclear Phagocyte System (clearance of unwanted particulate material) Clearance avoidance  Main NP research question—how is particulate material recognized and cleared? In this article, we will cover the above four highlighted areas. Figure 1. Endocytosis (Credit: Mariana Ruiz Villarreal LadyofHats - Own work) Biological Particulate Filter  Cells of  Mononuclear Phagocytic System  ( MPS ) are cells  responsible for the...

The development of drug delivery systems entails a wide range of tasks familiar to the engineer: the development of materials suitable to the specific application (biodegradable, pH-sensitive, anionic , flexible, etc.), the attainment of a particular degree of drug loading and type of release kinetics (slow, fast, pulsatile), and proof of efficacy. To apply nanoparticle systems in drug delivery technology, there are many design considerations which will be discussed in the article. Design Considerations of a Drug Delivery System Drug delivery is the method of administering a bioactive compound to achieve a therapeutic effect, in humans or animals. Drug delivery systems are formulations that modify the drug release profile and the ability to cross biological barriers, the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics , improving its efficacy and safety, as well as the patient compliance . The general design considerations for a drug delivery system include: Potential interaction with tissues a...

Each injection of Novavax vaccine includes many spike nanoparticles (i.e., Matrix-M adjuvant ), along with a compound extracted from the soapbark tree . The compound attracts immune cells to the site of the injection and causes them to respond more strongly to the nanoparticles. Matrix-M is composed of 40 nanometer particles based on saponin extracted from the Quillaja saponaria Molina bark together with cholesterol and phospholipid . In this article, we will cover the details of nanoparticles used in the targeted drug delivery system. The clinical use of drug delivery systems is significant. [22] with a global market of over $150 US billion in 2013. Controlled Drug Delivery Systems Conventional drug administration often requires high dosages or repeated administration to stimulate a therapeutic effect, which can lower overall efficacy and patient compliance, and result in severe side effects and even toxicity. [16-18] F or example, intravenously administered Interleukin-12 (IL...