Engineering Biodegradable Nanoparticles for Drug and Gene Delivery

Engineered nanoparticles (NP) can deliver therapeutic agents to specifically targeted cells and then release those agents in a controlled manner. NPs can significantly improve the pharacokinetic properties of encapsulated agents. Fragile biological agents, such as DNA, can be protected against premature degradation. The stability of hydrophobic drugs in the bloodstream can be significantly increased. Coating NPs with PEG can increase the circulation time of the drug-loaded NP, which is crucial for sustained release and controlled biodistribution. One goal in designing NPs for drug/gene delivery is to reduce the toxicity of the therapeutic agent. This can be done by controlling the pattern of its release from the NPs, either temporally or spatially. It is essential to understand the physicochemical forces that determine the properties of NPs, as well as the molecular interactions that govern how NPs interact with cells and tissues.