Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) and nanostructures can facilitate multianalyte detection,
imaging and selective targeting of therapeutic molecules to cancer cells. This method
increases the drug dose and maximizes at the anticipated location, and the healthy
cells/tissues and their environments are protected simultaneously. To develop the
targeting potential of therapeutic molecules, the surface and size characteristics of NPs
should be improved, thereby enhancing their targeting effectiveness and circulation
time. Here, we have highlighted recent advances and progress in smart stimuli-sensitive
nanocarriers synthesized to improve the efficiency and localization of drugs compared
to unmodified drugs. Multifunctional NPs could enhance the controlled release and
targeting ability of drugs/therapeutic agents/biomolecules. The smart multifunctionality
establishes versatile NPs, moreover, localized controlled drug delivery systems
(LCDDSs) are promising and considerably increase the efficiency of therapy and
diagnosis (theranosis) in pharmaceutical and biomedical science/engineering.
Keywords: Cytotoxicity, Biocompatibility, Nanoparticles, Nanocarriers, Localized drug delivery, Triggered delivery.