Nanocarriers

Nanocarriers are one class of nanomaterials. They are finding increasing application in several realms, particularly as chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer. They have certain properties that allow them to fulfill their roles. Amongst these are their small size, large surface area, heavy loading and release of drug. There are several types of nanocarriers and these can be modified accordingly to have hydrophilic groups which will increase their penetration of tissues. The major classes of nanocarriers include polymer conjugates, polymeric nanocarriers, polymersomes, polymer-drug conjugates, lipid-based carriers, peptide nanocarriers, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles, solid lipid nanocarriers (SLC), nanostructured lipid carriers, nanoemulsions, nanospheres, nanocapsules and electrosomes, etc. Each class also has its advantages and disadvantages. One disadvantage of nanocarrier is their toxicity and this vary with type. Recent advances in the design, synthesis and utilization of nanocarriers include the synthesis of electrosomes, hyperbranched nanocarrier, nanogels, peptide and protein nanocarriers.