Internal and External Triggering Mechanism of “Smart” Nanoparticle-Based DDSs in Targeted Tumor Therapy

Title:Internal and External Triggering Mechanism of “Smart” Nanoparticle-Based DDSs in Targeted Tumor Therapy

Volume: 24 Issue: 15

Author(s): Xian-ling Qian, Jun Li, Ran Wei, Hui Lin and Li-xia Xiong*

Affiliation:

• Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006,China

Keywords: Nanoparticle, DDS, triggering mechanism, tumor targeted therapy, pH, enzyme, GSH, light, ultrasound, temperature.

Abstract: Background: Anticancer chemotherapeutics have a lot of problems via conventional Drug Delivery Systems (DDSs), including non-specificity, burst release, severe side-effects, and damage to normal cells. Owing to its potential to circumventing these problems, nanotechnology has gained increasing attention in targeted tumor therapy. Chemotherapeutic drugs or genes encapsulated in nanoparticles could be used to target therapies to the tumor site in three ways: “passive”, “active”, and “smart” targeting.

Objective: To summarize the mechanisms of various internal and external “smart” stimulating factors on the basis of findings from in vivo and in vitro studies.

Method: A thorough search of PubMed was conducted in order to identify the majority of trials, studies and novel articles related to the subject.

Results: Activated by internal triggering factors (pH, redox, enzyme, hypoxia, etc.) or external triggering factors (temperature, light of different wavelengths, ultrasound, magnetic fields, etc.), “smart” DDSs exhibit targeted delivery to the tumor site, and controlled release of chemotherapeutic drugs or genes.

Conclusion: In this review article, we summarize and classify the internal and external triggering mechanism of “smart” nanoparticle-based DDSs in targeted tumor therapy, and the most recent research advances are illustrated for better understanding.

Cite this article as:

Qian Xian-ling , Li Jun , Wei Ran , Lin Hui and Xiong Li-xia *, Internal and External Triggering Mechanism of “Smart” Nanoparticle-Based DDSs in Targeted Tumor Therapy, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2018; 24 (15) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612824666180510094607