Table 1.

Characteristics based on partial nano drug delivery systems

Classification	Nanocarriers	Nanocarriers properties	Disadvantage
Organic nanocarriers	Liposomes	(a) Amphiphilic, biocompatible(b) Wide adaptability(c) Targeting potential(d) Ease of modification	(a) Poor stability, easy to be affected by metal radiation, high temperature, pH, and enzymes(b) Low drug loading rate
	Polymeric micelles	(a) Long retention time in the body(b) Suitable carrier for water-insoluble drug(c) Ease of functional modification(d) Biocompatible, self-assembling, biodegradable(e) Special “core-shell” structure, targeting potential	Poor physical stability, resulting in drug leakage and sudden release
	Polymeric nanoparticles	(a) Water-soluble, nontoxic, and biodegradability(b) High drug loading(c) Selective accumulation and retention in tumor tissue (EPR effect)(d) Active targeting and smart response	(a) Easy binding to negatively charged non-specific cells or proteins(b) Low gene transfection efficiency
	DNA/RNA	(a) Easy synthesis and modification(b) Low immunogenicity(c) Excellent specificity and affinity(d) Active targeting and Intelligent drug release	(a) Poor cellular uptake(b) Poor stability
	HSA	(a) Safety, no immunogenicity, good biocompatibility(b) Biodegradable(c) Passive targeting	(a) Large particle size and easy degradation(b) Preparation method is easy to cause increased toxicity(c) Limited sources of HSA
Inorganic nanocarriers	Metal nanoparticles	(a) Biocompatible(b) Easy preparation	(a) Need surface modification(b) Poor biocompatibility
	Non-metallic nanoparticles		(a) Low surface potential(b) Low drug loading(c) Easy aggregation

EPR: Enhanced permeability and retention; HSA: human serum albumin.