New Insight into Therapeutic Potential of Targeted Nanoparticles

Dear Colleagues,

Targeted nanoparticles have gained significant attention in the field of biomedicine due to their promising therapeutic potential. They are designed to carry therapeutic agents, such as drugs or DNA/RNA, and deliver them to specific sites within the body, thereby enhancing their effectiveness and minimizing potential side effects.

One key advantage is their ability to specifically accumulate at the desired site of action. This works by functionalizing the surface of nanoparticles with ligands or antibodies, thus reducing off-target effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.

Another benefit is their ability to improve drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Therapeutic agents, particularly hydrophobic drugs, face challenges in being efficiently delivered to their target sites. Nanoparticles can encapsulate these drugs, protecting them from degradation and enhancing their solubility in physiological fluids. This improves their pharmacokinetics and allows for controlled release, leading to prolonged drug activity and reduced dosing frequency.

They also provide opportunities for combination therapy. Multiple therapeutic agents, such as drugs with different mechanisms of action or nucleic acids, can be encapsulated within the same nanoparticle system. This allows for synergistic effects, combinatorial therapy, and the potential to overcome drug resistance. Additionally, nanoparticles can be engineered to respond to specific stimuli, such as pH, temperature, or enzymatic activity, enabling the triggered release of therapeutic agents at the desired site.

Furthermore, they offer new possibilities for imaging and diagnostics. By incorporating imaging agents, such as fluorescent probes or contrast agents, they can serve as both therapeutic and diagnostic tools.

This Special Issue aims to cover recent advances in all the various aspects of targeted nanoparticles exploitation. While the field is still rapidly evolving, the development and utilization of targeted nanoparticles have the potential to revolutionize the treatment and management of various diseases. The Special Issue aims also to provide a unique platform, offering valuable perspectives from experts in this field.

Dr. Aldo Nicosia
Guest Editor

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• targeted nanoparticles
• theranostics
• bioimaging
• targeted therapy
• photothermal therapy
• combination therapy
• controlled release
• reduced side effects