Table 1.
Composition | Advantages | Disadvantages | Reference |
---|---|---|---|
Inorganic Nanoparticles | |||
Metallic (Gold, iron) |
Multiple forms (spherical, nanorods, triangles) Biocompatibility Tunable size Straightforward functionalization |
More information about uptake, biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity are required for clinical translation | [19,147] |
Silica | The structure could add high amounts of drugs and genes Tunable pore size |
More information about cytotoxicity, biodistribution and biocompatibility are required for clinical translation | [148] |
Carbon-derived | Large surface area High loading capacity Vast numbers of possibilities for surface modification |
Few in vivo studies developed | [149,150,151] |
Organic nanoparticles | |||
Lipid-base (Liposomes) |
Low toxicity Biodegradable Can transport hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules |
Moderate loading capacity Could crystallize after prolonged storage conditions |
[152,153] |
Polymeric | Biodegradable properties Good tissue penetration Ease manipulation |
Non-degradable polymers tend to accumulate in tissues Promote allergic reactions In vivo metabolism and elimination routes are not elucidated |
[154] |
Biological nanoparticles * | |||
Exosomes | Reduced immune response Protection of circulating genetic material Possibility of cell targeting |
Limited transfection efficiency | [155] |
* Viruses were not included since they are out of the scope of the review.