Issue 19, 2023

Transformable nanodrugs for overcoming the biological barriers in the tumor environment during drug delivery

Abstract

Drug delivery systems have been studied massively with explosive growth in the last few decades. However, challenges such as biological barriers are still obstructing the delivery efficiency of nanomedicines. Reports have shown that the physicochemical properties, such as the morphologies of nanodrugs, could highly affect their biodistribution and bioavailability. Therefore, transformable nanodrugs that take advantage of different sizes and shapes allow for overcoming multiple biological barriers, providing promising prospects for drug delivery. This review aims to present an overview of the most recent developments of transformable nanodrugs in this emerging field. First, the design principles and transformation mechanisms which serve as guidelines for smart nanodrugs are summarized. Afterward, their applications in overcoming biological barriers, including the bloodstream, intratumoral pressure, cellular membrane, endosomal wrapping, and nuclear membrane, are highlighted. Finally, discussions on the current developments and future perspectives of transformable nanodrugs are given.

Graphical abstract: Transformable nanodrugs for overcoming the biological barriers in the tumor environment during drug delivery

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
26 11 2022
Accepted
10 4 2023
First published
10 4 2023

Nanoscale, 2023,15, 8532-8547

Transformable nanodrugs for overcoming the biological barriers in the tumor environment during drug delivery

X. Li, Z. Huang, Z. Liao, A. Liu and S. Huo, Nanoscale, 2023, 15, 8532 DOI: 10.1039/D2NR06621A

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