In vivo Fate of Targeted Drug Delivery Carriers

This review aimed to systematically investigate the intracellular and subcellular fate of various types of targeting carriers. Upon entering the body via intravenous injection or other routes, a targeting carrier that can deliver therapeutic agents initiates their journey. If administered intravenously, the carrier initially faces challenges presented by the blood circulation before reaching specific tissues and interacting with cells within the tissue. At the subcellular level, the car2rier undergoes processes, such as drug release, degradation, and metabolism, through specific pathways. While studies on the fate of 13 types of carriers have been relatively conclusive, these studies are incomplete and lack a comprehensive analysis. Furthermore, there are still carriers whose fate remains unclear, underscoring the need for continuous research. This study highlights the importance of comprehending the in vivo and intracellular fate of targeting carriers and provides valuable insights into the operational mechanisms of different carriers within the body. By doing so, researchers can effectively select appropriate carriers and enhance the successful clinical translation of new formulations. Plain language summary: Nowadays, scientists are actively researching nanocarrier drugs. After administration via injection or other methods, these drugs experience in the body and reach the target treatment site to relieve or cure symptoms. As research progresses, scientists are gaining more insights into the behavior of nanocarrier drugs in the body, which is useful in developing safer and more effective drugs. Historically, research has focused primarily on the drug itself. However, it is important to understand that the carrier that delivers and protects the drug (often described as the drug sitting in a "car" or under an "umbrella") plays an essential role in the drug's therapeutic effect. This paper aims to highlight the importance of the carrier's role, which is vital for developing new drugs and advancing basic research.