Pharmaceutical nanotechnology and nanomedicines

What is pharmaceutical nanotechnology?

The application of nanoscale materials (1-100 nm) in designing, developing, and delivering therapeutic and diagnostic agents (nanomedicines).

What are the key advantages of nanomedicines?

Precision drug delivery, improved drug stability and bioavailability, enhanced therapeutic outcomes, and advanced diagnostics.

What is PEGylation, and why is it important?

PEGylation is the addition of polyethylene glycol to nanomedicines, which improves stability and circulation time in the blood by reducing immune recognition and clearance.

What are lipid-based nanocarriers?

Lipid-based nanocarriers include liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC).

What is the role of ligands in nanomedicines?

Ligands are added to nanomedicines to recognise specific receptors on target cells or tissues, enhancing their targeting ability.

What is the difference between the top-down and bottom-up approaches in nanoparticle fabrication?

• Top-down: Breaking down bulk materials into smaller particles (e.g., ultrasonication, high-pressure homogenization).

• Bottom-up: Building nanoparticles from molecular/atomic levels (e.g., chemical reduction, green synthesis).

Why are cleavable linkers important in drug conjugates?

Cleavable linkers prevent the carrier from entering the cell, ensuring the payload is released at the target site.

How do micelles form, and how do they encapsulate drugs?

Micelles form from amphiphilic polymers above the critical micelle concentration (CMC). The hydrophobic core encapsulates hydrophobic drugs, while the hydrophilic shell interacts with water.

What is Abraxane, and how does it improve drug delivery?

Abraxane is a protein-based nanomedicine where paclitaxel is bound to albumin nanoparticles, improving solubility, circulation, and tumor delivery.

What are the advantages of polymeric nanomedicines?

Targeted drug delivery, controlled release, improved bioavailability, reduced toxicity, and high drug loading capacity.

What are the limitations of inorganic nanoparticles like iron oxide?

Potential toxicity, clearance issues, and accumulation in tissues. Adding a polymer or lipid coating can reduce toxicity.

How do iron oxide nanoparticles work in cancer treatment?

They can be influenced by a magnetic field to target specific areas (e.g., tumors) and generate heat (hyperthermia) to kill cancer cells.

What are the advantages of lipid-based nanomedicines?

Biocompatibility, controlled release, enhanced drug solubility, and suitability for various administration routes.

What is the EPR effect, and how does it aid in drug delivery?

The Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect allows nanoparticles to accumulate in tumor tissues due to leaky blood vessels and poor lymphatic drainage

What are dendrimers, and what makes them unique?

Dendrimers are highly symmetric, nano-sized molecules with a well-defined structure, interior cavities, and multi-functional terminal groups, making them ideal for drug delivery.

What is the role of albumin in drug delivery?

Albumin improves the delivery and circulation of hydrophobic drugs (e.g., paclitaxel in Abraxane) by binding to them and preventing rapid excretion.

What are the disadvantages of drug conjugates?

Complex synthesis, immunogenicity, variability in pharmacokinetics, and limited payload capacity.

What are the key differences between microspheres and nanomedicines?

• Microspheres: Larger size (1-1000 µm), slower degradation, localized delivery.

• Nanomedicines: Smaller size (<100 nm), improved tissue penetration, enhanced targeting

What is the critical micelle concentration (CMC)?

The minimum concentration of amphiphilic polymers required to form micelles in a solution.

What are the challenges in clinical translation of nanomedicines?

Complex formulation processes, biocompatibility concerns, storage stability issues, and limited clinical data.