Albumin-based nanoparticles as potential controlled release drug delivery systems

• Published in: Journal of controlled release Vol. 157; no. 2; pp. 168 - 182
• Main Authors: Elzoghby, Ahmed O., Samy, Wael M., Elgindy, Nazik A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier B.V 30.01.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: adverse effects; Albumin; albumins; Albumins - chemistry; Albumins - pharmacology; Animals; binding capacity; biodegradability; Biological and medical sciences; Delayed-Action Preparations - chemistry; Delayed-Action Preparations - pharmacology; drug carriers; Drug Carriers - chemistry; Drug Carriers - pharmacology; drugs; drying; emulsifying; gelation; General pharmacology; Humans; Medical sciences; Nanocomplexes; Nanoparticles; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Pharmaceutical technology. Pharmaceutical industry; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Surface modification; Surface Properties; Nanoparticles; Albumin; Surface modification; Nanocomplexes; Pharmaceutical technology; Controlled release form; Nanoparticle; Dosage form; Microparticle; Drug carrier; Surface treatment
• ISSN: 0168-3659; 1873-4995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2011.07.031

Albumin, a versatile protein carrier for drug delivery, has been shown to be nontoxic, non-immunogenic, biocompatible and biodegradable. Therefore, it is ideal material to fabricate nanoparticles for drug delivery. Albumin nanoparticles have gained considerable attention owing to their high binding capacity of various drugs and being well tolerated without any serious side-effects. The current review embodies an in-depth discussion of albumin nanoparticles with respect to types, formulation aspects, major outcomes of in vitro and in vivo investigations as well as site-specific drug targeting using various ligands modifying the surface of albumin nanoparticles with special insights to the field of oncology. Specialized nanotechnological techniques like desolvation, emulsification, thermal gelation and recently nano-spray drying, nab-technology and self-assembly that have been investigated for fabrication of albumin nanoparticles, are also discussed. Nanocomplexes of albumin with other components in the area of drug delivery are also included in this review. [Display omitted]