Multifunctional systems based on nano-in-microparticles as strategies for drug delivery: advances, challenges, and future perspectives

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Innovative delivery systems are a promising and attractive approach for drug targeting in pharmaceutical technology. Among the various drug delivery systems studied, the association of strategies based on nanoparticles and microparticles, called nano-in-microparticles, has been gaining prominence as it allows targeting in a specific and personalized way, considering the physiological barriers faced in each disease.

Areas covered

This review proposes to discuss nano-in-micro systems, updated progress on the main biomaterials used in the preparation of these systems, preparation techniques, physiological considerations, applications and challenges, and possible strategies for drug administration. Finally, we bring future perspectives for advances in clinical and field translation of multifunctional systems based on nano-in-microparticles.

Expert opinion

This article brings a new approach to exploring the use of multifunctional systems based on nano-in-microparticles for different applications, in addition, it also emphasizes the use of biomaterials in these systems and their limitations. There is currently no study in the literature that explores this approach, making a review article necessary to address this association of strategies for application in pharmaceutical technology.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Biomaterials
• drug delivery system
• nanotechnology
• microencapsulation
• polymers

Article highlights

• Nano-in-microparticles are promising systems for drug delivery;

• This review proposes to discuss nano-in-micro systems, updated progress on the

• main biomaterials used in the preparation of these systems;

• The main preparation techniques used in the preparation of nano-in-microparticles are described;

• Multifunctional systems based on nano-in-microparticles can be a valuable tool in drug delivery for applications in lung, intestinal and neurological diseases;

• Challenges and future perspectives of nano-in-micro systems are discussed.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

The authors are thankful to FAPESP (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo) Grant 2019/10761-5, CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil) – Finance Code 001 and São Paulo State University (Unesp). This work is part of the National Institute of Science and Technology in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology: a transdisciplinary approach INCT-NANOFARMA.