Journal of Biomolecular Research & Therapeutics

Innovative Approaches to Targeted Drug Delivery: Making the use of Nano-Biomolecules

Currie Esteban^* Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
^*Correspondence: Currie Esteban, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland, Email:

Received: 29-Jul-2024, Manuscript No. BOM-24-26749 ; Editor assigned: 01-Aug-2024, Pre QC No. BOM-24-26749 (PQ); Reviewed: 15-Aug-2024, QC No. BOM-24-26749 ; Revised: 22-Aug-2024, Manuscript No. BOM-24-26749 (R); Published: 30-Aug-2024, DOI: 10.35248/2167-7956.24.13.395

Description

Targeted drug delivery has revolutionized the way we approach the treatment of various diseases, particularly cancer. Traditional chemotherapy, for instance, involves the systemic administration of cytotoxic drugs that not only attack cancer cells but also damage healthy tissues, leading to severe side effects. In contrast, targeted drug delivery aims to localize the therapeutic effect to the disease site, thereby reducing collateral damage to healthy cells.

The concept of targeted drug delivery is not new; however, recent advancements in nanotechnology and molecular biology have significantly enhanced our ability to achieve this goal. Nano- biomolecules, including nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, and protein-based carriers, have become efficient in this work. These nano-sized carriers can be engineered to recognize and bind to specific biomarkers on diseased cells, ensuring that the drug is delivered precisely where it is needed.

Nano-biomolecules offer several advantages over conventional drug delivery systems. Their small size allows them to penetrate deep into tissues, including the tumor microenvironment, where conventional drugs may struggle to reach. Additionally, the surface of these nano-carriers can be functionalized with targeting ligands, such as antibodies, peptides, or small molecules that recognize and bind to specific receptors on the surface of diseased cells. This specificity ensures that the therapeutic agent is delivered only to the target site, minimizing off-target effects.

Moreover, nano-biomolecules can protect the therapeutic agent from degradation in the bloodstream, enhancing its stability and bioavailability. This is particularly important for drugs with poor solubility or short half-lives, as the nano-carriers can encapsulate the drug and release it in a controlled manner at the disease site. This controlled release not only improves the efficacy of the treatment but also reduces the frequency of administration, improving patient compliance.

Types of nano-biomolecules in targeted drug delivery

Several types of nano-biomolecules are being explored for targeted drug delivery, each with its unique properties and advantages.

Nanoparticles: These are small particles, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers in size, that can be made from various materials, including metals, polymers, and lipids. Metallic nanoparticles, such as gold and silver nanoparticles, are particularly attractive due to their ability to be easily functionalized and their inherent imaging capabilities, which allow for real-time tracking of the drug delivery process.

Liposomes: Liposomes are spherical vesicles composed of a lipid bilayer, which can encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. They are biocompatible and can be engineered to release their payload in response to specific stimuli, such as changes in pH or temperature. Liposomes have already been approved for clinical use in the treatment of cancer and fungal infections, making them one of the most advanced nano-carriers in drug delivery.

Dendrimers: Dendrimers are highly branched, tree-like structures with a high degree of surface functionality. This makes them ideal for multi-functional drug delivery systems, where multiple therapeutic agents or targeting ligands can be attached to a single carrier. Dendrimers also have a well-defined size and shape, allowing for precise control over drug release kinetics.

Protein-based carriers: Proteins, such as antibodies, albumin, and ferritin, have also been explored as nano-carriers for targeted drug delivery. These proteins can be engineered to bind specifically to disease-associated biomarkers, ensuring targeted delivery. For example, Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) are a class of targeted therapies where an antibody is linked to a cytotoxic drug, delivering the drug directly to cancer cells.

Challenges and limitations

Despite the tremendous potential of nano-biomolecules in targeted drug delivery, several challenges remain. One of the primary concerns is the potential for toxicity and immunogenicity. The immune system may recognize and attack nano-carriers, leading to their rapid clearance from the body and reducing their efficacy. Additionally, some nano-materials may induce inflammatory responses or accumulate in organs, leading to toxicity.

Another challenge is the complexity of manufacturing nano- biomolecules at a large scale. The production of these carriers often involves intricate and precise processes, which can be difficult to replicate on an industrial scale. This can lead to variability in the quality of the final product, posing challenges for regulatory approval and commercialization.

Furthermore, the targeting mechanisms of nano-biomolecules not accurate all the time. Tumor heterogeneity, where different cells within a tumor express different biomarkers, can lead to incomplete targeting and suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, the dense extracellular matrix surrounding some tumors can impede the penetration of nano-carriers, limiting their efficacy.

Conclusion

The future of targeted drug delivery with nano-biomolecules is bright, with the potential to revolutionize the treatment of various diseases. While challenges remain, ongoing research and technological advancements are overcome these obstacles, creating the way for more precise, effective, and personalized therapies. As we continue to explore the potential of nano- biomolecules, we are moving closer to a future where treatments are not only more effective but also safer, offering new hope to patients around the world.