Inorganic nanoparticles in targeted drug delivery and imaging

One of the major aims in modern nanomedicine is to develop delivery platforms for targeted delivery of therapeutics or imaging agents for improved therapeutic efficacy, reduced side effects, and increased diagnostic sensitivity. In this context, nanomaterials are advancing in several directions with significant progress being achieved with respect to their synthesis, functionalization, and biomedical applications. Currently, active and passive targeting and controlled drug release constitute some of the crucial functions identified to achieve a medical purpose. The limitation in targeting is currently associated, for example, with slow clearance, and systemic and local toxicity. Inorganic nanomaterials have been recognized for controllable properties on many levels for biomedical applications, such as mesoporous silica and silicon materials, gold, silver, quantum dots, and magnetic nanoparticles. These materials have great potential for cell labelling, biosensing, in vivo and magnetic imaging, targeting, and diagnostics. In this chapter, we start by introducing briefly some of the important aspects of inorganic nanoparticles in nanomedicine and describe their potential applications as nanocarriers or agents for biomedical applications, particularly for imaging/diagnostics and targeting. We then address some of the important aspects of the inorganic nanomaterials, including mesoporous silica and silicon materials, gold, silver, quantum dots, and magnetic nanoparticles in terms of their fabrication and synthesis, targeting, and imaging properties relevant for biomedical applications. Finally, we conclude the chapter with a brief overview of our visions of the future of the inorganic nanomaterials in drug delivery applications and their potentials for further translation into clinic.