Nano-objects can be used for efficient delivery, and issues associated with premature drug degradation, unfavorable pharmacokinetics and systemic toxicity can be overcome by using a targeted drug delivery system (DDS) such as liposomes and other nanoparticles. The increased permeability of the inflamed tissue seen in different disease could lead to an accumulation of long circulating nanoparticles loaded with drugs by enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR effect) at the location of inflammation. The macrophages locally present during the inflammatory phase will release the drug into the extracellular matrix. Macrophages can act as natural reservoirs of the drug slowly releasing it over time. This specific targeting will locally increase the drug concentration and improve the treatment.
The loading of drug is specific of the particles and the drug and need to be carefully study to obtain an efficient and reliable DDS.
Area of research related to DDS:
Block copolymer polymersome
Block copolymer micelles