Advanced methodologies to formulate nanotheragnostic agents for combined drug delivery and imaging.

INTRODUCTION

Recent advances in nanoparticle synthesis engineering have made it possible to combine disease diagnosis and therapy. This progress could help to open the door to 'personalized' medicines.

AREAS COVERED

This review highlights the significant applications of theragnostic nanoparticles in therapy. The basic elements to be included in the formulation of theragnostic nanotools are briefly compiled and explained. Special attention is given to the analysis of current formulation strategies from case studies in the literature published after 2000 for simultaneous selective disease imaging and efficient image-guided drug (gene) delivery. This contribution provides a systematic overview of important features in the formulation of theragnostic nanoparticulate systems. Special insight is given to the introduction of passive and active targeting concepts in the engineering of such multifunctional nanoplatforms to gain control of their biological fate.

EXPERT OPINION

Theragnostic nanotechnologies will optimize the way of delivering therapeutic and imaging molecules to disease sites; as a consequence, combined selective diagnosis and effective pharmacotherapy could be used in unison to combat severe diseases. Nanotoxicity investigations, which illustrate the risks of toxicity/immunogenicity associated with the use of such nanoplatforms, will determine their introduction into the clinic.