Erythrocytes and Nanoparticles: New Therapeutic Systems

Nano-delivery systems represent one of the most studied fields, thanks to the associated improvement in the treatment of human diseases. The functionality of nanostructures is a crucial point, which the effectiveness of nanodrugs depends on. A hybrid approach strategy using synthetic nanoparticles (...

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Published inApplied sciences Vol. 11; no. 5; p. 2173
Main Authors Guido, Clara, Maiorano, Gabriele, Gutiérrez-Millán, Carmen, Cortese, Barbara, Trapani, Adriana, D’Amone, Stefania, Gigli, Giuseppe, Palamà, Ilaria Elena
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel MDPI AG 01.03.2021
Subjects
Antigens
Biocompatibility
Bioreactors
Blood groups
carrier into carrier
Cell membranes
Clinical trials
Drug carriers
Drug delivery
Drug delivery systems
Drugs
erythrocyte
Erythrocytes
Immune clearance
Immune system
Ligands
Medical treatment
Metabolism
Nanomaterials
Nanoparticles
Quantum dots
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Summary:Nano-delivery systems represent one of the most studied fields, thanks to the associated improvement in the treatment of human diseases. The functionality of nanostructures is a crucial point, which the effectiveness of nanodrugs depends on. A hybrid approach strategy using synthetic nanoparticles (NPs) and erythrocytes offers an optimal blend of natural and synthetic materials. This, in turn, allows medical practitioners to exploit the combined advantages of erythrocytes and NPs. Erythrocyte-based drug delivery systems have been investigated for their biocompatibility, as well as the long circulation time allowed by specific surface receptors that inhibit immune clearance. In this review, we will discuss several methods—whole erythrocytes as drug carriers, red blood cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles and nano-erythrosomes (NERs)—while paying attention to their application and specific preparation methods. The ability to target cells makes erythrocytes excellent drug delivery systems. They can carry a wide range of therapeutic molecules while also acting as bioreactors; thus, they have many applications in therapy and in the diagnosis of many diseases.
ISSN:2076-3417
2076-3417
DOI:10.3390/app11052173