Smart polymeric nanostructures for targeted delivery of therapeutics

Abstract

In recent times, research at the interface of polymer chemistry and biology has been going through a tremendous progress. A lot of interesting works have focused toward synthesis of tailored polymers either by generating a macromolecule with a certain composition through specific choice of comonomers, and/or by developing specific architectures using advanced polymerization techniques. Such efforts have successfully opened up a plethora of opportunities for these polymers in drug and gene delivery. In case of conventional non-targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, nonspecific distribution and internalization of the therapeutic molecules into healthy cells result in several undesired side-effects. Efforts are continuously being made to minimize such effects by encapsulating the therapeutic molecules into suitably designed nanocarriers that would be stable enough to endure the harsh physiological conditions while delivering the cargo selectively and controllably at the affected site under the action of internal or external stimuli, either single or multiple. A diverse range of stimuli responsive polymeric nanostuctures viz. micelles and vesicles, core-cross linked nanoparticles, nanogels, drug-polymer conjugates have been investigated in this purpose. Some of the most recent advances in the polymeric nanocarriers developed with the aim of controlled and sustained release of therapeutics has been reviewed in this article.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Nanoparticles
• micelles
• core-shell
• drug delivery
• stimuli-responsive polymers
• cancer
• therapeutic

Acknowledgment

I am thankful to Dr. Uma Bhaumik, Principal, Vivekanada Satavarshiki Mahavidyalaya (affiliated to Vidyasagar University, West Midnapur, West Bengal) for giving me the opportunity for writing this review. I also thank Gargi Biswas and Sharmita Bera for their assistance in drawing.