Risks of Drug Delivery

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Nanotechnology in medicine and specifically drug delivery is now used widely. Many substances of nanotechnology at this time are under investigation for drug delivery purpose and more precisely, for cancer therapy. In fact, carrier systems themselves may inflict risks to the patient. The use of nanoparticles for drug delivery introduced hazards that are beyond the conventional hazard which is created as a result of chemicals in classical delivery mediums. The toxicology of particulate varies from the toxicology of elements. Chemicals that are created through the toxicology of particulate matter may or may not be soluble in biological matrices. Hence, this particle will cause potential exposure to various internal organs either from a high exposure into the lungs or low exposure to other organ systems.

Nevertheless, the potential toxicity of the inhaled particles may also be affected by the adsorbed species. There is a possibility for nanoparticles to cross over the various biological barriers within the body because of their size. They are able to travel freely throughout the body and reach the organs with the blood. 

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Besides, nanoparticles possess the ability in penetrating deeply into the lungs and bloodstream and even the cell membranes, and subsequently the blood-brain barrier. Due to this attribute, skin contact among the body could easily occur. They might disrupt normal cell chemistry or become toxic once they get inside the cell. 

All in all, drug delivery system would appear if only the potential risk of nanotechnology poses to human health being resolved.

Written by: Team 3 (Eiu Teng & Liew Ke Zin)

References:
Boerner, L., contributor, O., Eck, A., & Chant, T. (2013). Nanoparticles Show Big Promise in Fight Against Cancer. NOVA Next. Available at: <http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbs.org%2Fwgbh%2Fnova%2Fnext%2Fbody%2Fnanoparticles-in-cancer-treatment%2F&h=YAQE5Q_rU> [Accessed 14 April 2015]

Sherman, W., & Seeman, N. (2004). A Precisely Controlled DNA Biped Walking Device. Nano Letters, 4(7), 1203-1207. doi:10.1021/nl049527q. [Accessed 14 April 2015]

Wim H De Jong, P. (2008). Drug delivery and nanoparticles: Applications and hazards. International Journal Of Nanomedicine, 3(2), 133. Available at: <http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fpmc%2Farticles%2FPMC2527668%2F&h=sAQGKyHSS> [Accessed 14 April 2015]