Nanocarrier

Liposomes are composite structures made of phospholipids and may contain small amounts of other molecules. Though liposomes can vary in size from low micrometer range to tens of micrometers, unilamellar liposomes, as pictured here, are typically in the lower size range with various targeting ligands attached to their surface allowing for their surface-attachment and accumulation in pathological areas for treatment of disease.[1]
Drug-loaded polymeric micelle formed from self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers in aqueous media.
Drug-loaded polymeric micelles with various targeting functions. (A) Antibody-targeted micelles (B) ligand-targeted micelles (C) Micelles with cell-penetrating function.

A nanocarrier is nanomaterial being used as a transport module for another substance, such as a drug. Commonly used nanocarriers include micelles, polymers, carbon-based materials, liposomes and other substances.[2] Nanocarriers are currently being studied for their use in drug delivery and their unique characteristics demonstrate potential use in chemotherapy. This class of materials was first reported by a team of researchers of University of Évora, Alentejo in early 1960's, and grew exponentially in relevance since then. [2]

  1. ^ Torchilin, V (2006). "Multifunctional nanocarriers". Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews. 58 (14): 1532–55. doi:10.1016/j.addr.2006.09.009. PMID 17092599.
  2. ^ a b Qian W, Sun D, Zhu R, Du X, Liu H, Wang S. pH-sensitive strontium carbonate nanoparticles as new anticancer vehicles for controlled etoposide release. International Journal of Nanomedicine. 2012;7:5781-5792.