Nanomedicine scale-up technologies: feasibilities and challenges

AAPS PharmSciTech. 2014 Dec;15(6):1527-34. doi: 10.1208/s12249-014-0177-9. Epub 2014 Jul 22.

Abstract

Nanomedicine refers to biomedical and pharmaceutical applications of nanosized cargos of drugs/vaccine/DNA therapeutics including nanoparticles, nanoclusters, and nanospheres. Such particles have unique characteristics related to their size, surface, drug loading, and targeting potential. They are widely used to combat disease by controlled delivery of bioactive(s) or for diagnosis of life-threatening problems in their very early stage. The bioactive agent can be combined with a diagnostic agent in a nanodevice for theragnostic applications. However, the formulation scientist faces numerous challenges related to their development, scale-up feasibilities, regulatory aspects, and commercialization. This article reviews recent progress in the method of development of nanoparticles with a focus on polymeric and lipid nanoparticles, their scale-up techniques, and challenges in their commercialization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Drug Carriers*
  • Excipients / chemistry
  • Nanomedicine* / standards
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / administration & dosage
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / chemistry*
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / standards
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Quality Control
  • Technology, Pharmaceutical / methods*
  • Technology, Pharmaceutical / standards

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Excipients
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • Polymers