Multistage nanovectors: from concept to novel imaging contrast agents and therapeutics.

ABSTRACT: Over the last few decades a great variety of nanotechnology based platforms have been synthesized and fabricated to improve the delivery of active compounds to a disease site. Nanoparticles currently used in the clinic, and the majority of nanotherapeutics/nanodiagnostics under investigation, accommodate single- or multiple- functionalities on the same entity. Because many heterogeneous biological barriers can prevent therapeutic and imaging agents from reaching their intended targets in sufficient concentrations, there is an emerging requirement to develop a multimodular nanoassembly, in which different components with individual specific functions act in a synergistic manner. The multistage nanovectors (MSVs) were introduced in 2008 as the first system of this type. It comprises several

SUBMITTER: Godin B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3204797 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature