Researchers explore the potential of nanocarriers in enhancing TCM effectiveness and reducing toxicity
Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) have been used for centuries to treat various ailments. However, their limited bioavailability and potential toxicity have hindered their widespread use. In a recent review published in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology, researchers delve into the role of nanotechnology in improving the delivery of active components of TCMs. By employing nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric and inorganic nanoparticles, and organic/inorganic nanohybrids, scientists aim to enhance the therapeutic outcomes of TCMs while minimizing adverse effects.
Role of nanoparticles in TCM drug delivery:
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a promising tool for improving the solubility and stability of TCMs. Liposomes, a type of LNP, offer high biocompatibility, minimal cytotoxicity, and easy modification. They can alter the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of medications, reducing toxicity and improving therapeutic efficacy. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) provide advantages such as enhanced drug stability, tissue targeting, controlled release, and superior pharmacokinetics.
Microemulsions (MEs) and nanoemulsions (NEs) are flexible drug delivery platforms that can encapsulate active medicines, resulting in the formation of nanocarriers. These nanocarriers offer several advantages due to their larger specific surface area. Polymer hydrogel-based drug delivery systems have also shown promise in targeted and sustained TCM delivery, thanks to their biocompatibility and ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic medicines.
Inorganic nanocarriers like gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) provide customizable size, large surface area, and surface charge, making them suitable for drug delivery. Organic and inorganic nanohybrids offer high stability, relative safety, and intelligent drug release in response to environmental cues. Prodrug-based nanocarriers have demonstrated increased drug availability, high loading efficiency, resistance to recrystallization, and controlled release, showing potential for anticancer drug delivery. Self-assembled nanomedicines have also shown anticancer efficacy, opening new avenues for cancer therapy.
Challenges and Future Considerations:
While liposomes, SLNs, and polymeric micelles (PMs) show promise as TCM drug delivery methods, their clinical efficacy is still limited. Researchers suggest coupling SLNs with other nanoparticle platforms to enhance performance. Further research is needed to improve the understanding of assembly methods and in vivo fate of PMs. Polymeric vesicles are an attractive platform for TCMs, but more research is required to scale up their manufacture for TCM delivery. Inorganic nanocarriers face challenges in ensuring in vivo biocompatibility and stability, necessitating optimization of surface chemistry and functionalization techniques.
To overcome the limitations of single nanomaterials, novel nano-level heterozygotes and organic/inorganic hybrid delivery methods are being explored. These systems could find applications in cancer therapy due to their adaptability and prolonged in vivo circulation duration. However, more research is needed to improve the stability of nanostructures and address potential issues such as increased toxicity and production costs associated with nanocarriers in nanomedicine.
Conclusion:
Nanocarrier-based delivery methods hold great promise in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of TCMs. By improving bioavailability, reducing toxicity, and increasing effectiveness, nanotechnology offers a potential solution to the limitations of traditional TCM formulations. However, the development of nanomedicine for TCM delivery is still in its early stages, requiring further basic research, innovation in delivery methods, and supporting technologies. With a focus on fundamental research, constant innovation, and the integration of emerging technologies, TCM-based nanomedicines could find widespread clinical applications in the future.
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