Nanomedicine and drug delivery strategies for theranostics applications

Background and Objectives: Nanomedicine and drug delivery systems are a relatively new but rapidly developing branch of science, which investigate materials in the nano- and microscale range as diagnostic tools or carrier for delivery of therapeutic agents to specific targets within the body in a controlled manner. As far as the systemic administration faces a range of problems that cannot be solved by traditional approaches, it becomes extremely relevant to develop novel therapeutic options. Results: In this paper we provided information about the most interesting and promising strategies from our point of view that optimize the drug delivery process using various compositions of nano- and microcarriers of different nature and design, special physicochemical amplifiers, various devices, and methods. The current review briefly presents the latest advances in the field of nanomedicine and drug delivery systems driven by impressive recent results in the field of nanomaterials, drug carriers of different compositions, specific physicochemical amplifiers, various devices and methods. Few basic routes for drug delivery in vivo including injections, implantation and transdermal delivery open up a new avenue for an improved topical medical treatment which is considered and compared to each other in the current review. All of these routes offer certain advantages of terms drug absorption, targeting, prolongation, spatiotemporal accuracy, reduction of dosage and many others that must be taken into account to provide a correct approach for the treatment of a specific disease. Conclusion: Invasive and non-invasive implantation of drug delivery carriers and devices are reviewed together with transdermal routes leading to effective absorption of drugs with minimal side effects. The innovative approaches to drug delivery discussed here open venue for effective treatment of a wide range of diseases, especially chronic ones, that cannot be defeated by traditional approaches. Although transdermal delivery offers a promising non-invasive way to treat a variety of diseases, chronic illnesses can be treated more effectively by implantation of drug delivery devices with a bidirectional connection that in the future can drastically improve the quality of life. Diversity of emerging technologies in microelectronics, sensors and biomaterials leads to dramatic changes in the medical industry and appearance of new systems providing medical treatment in theranostics fashion.