Nanoparticle and liposome carrier surfaces

Nanoparticle and liposome carrier surfaces represent the interface between synthetic drug delivery systems and the biological environment (Allen & Cullis, 2013). These surfaces are engineered to encapsulate various therapeutic cargos, including small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids, to improve their stability and pharmacokinetic profiles (Moghimi et al., 2011). By modifying surface properties such as charge, hydrophobicity, and ligand density, these carriers can be directed to specific tissues or cells, thereby reducing systemic toxicity and enhancing therapeutic efficacy (Maeda, 2001). In clinical practice, they are widely used in oncology for the delivery of cytotoxic agents and in vaccinology for the delivery of mRNA (Sahin et al., 2014). However, the interaction of these surfaces with plasma proteins leads to the formation of a protein corona, which can significantly influence their biological fate and safety, potentially triggering immune responses or altering clearance rates (Monopoli et al., 2012). Understanding these surface interactions is vital for the development of safe and effective nanomedicines.

Other names

Nanocarrier surfacesLipid nanoparticle surfacesDrug delivery system surfacesSynthetic carrier surfaces

Nanoparticle and liposome carrier surfaces facilitate drug delivery by encapsulating therapeutic agents, protecting them from degradation, and modulating their distribution (Allen & Cullis, 2013). They can be engineered for passive targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect or active targeting through surface-conjugated ligands that bind specific cellular receptors (Maeda, 2001).