The significance of nanoparticles in medicine and their potential application in asthma

Abstract

In an attempt to diagnose and treat highly complex and often heterogeneous diseases, research aims to utilise the modifiable properties of nano-sized particles. Properties such as size, shape, charge, hydrophobicity, and surface chemistry may be altered in order to facilitate and promote targeted cellular uptake. Following the first FDA-approved nanotherapeutic in 1990, more than 40 have been marketed worldwide with multiple nano-based medicines currently in development. Despite promising results, translation from pre-clinical experimentation to a clinical setting has proven to be difficult. In theory, nanoparticles are designed to possess characteristics which address many of the challenges..