Russell Publishing Ltd.

New polymer coating

A new study published in the Journal of Controlled Release reports some intriguing developments in the tumour-targeting delivery of nanomedicines.

Scientists at the Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM) have studied methods to enhance the delivery of nanomedicines, finding that the surface properties of nanoparticles (NPs) may be decisive factors in their effectiveness.

To achieve optimal results with nanoparticle-based targeting of solid tumours requires application of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, whereby drug compounds can progressively accumulate in the tumour environment to sufficient levels that enable targeted delivery and retention of the therapeutic compound.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is commonly used as a shell material for drug nanocarriers due to beneficial properties such as hydrophilicity and electrical neutrality. However, it has been found that PEG-coated NPs may accumulate near tumour vasculature rather than be homogenously distributed within the tumour.