Protein nano-cages: Novel carriers for optimized targeted remedy

Abstract

Since 1980, when the idea of drug-delivery was proposed, various drug-carriers have been developed, including DNA, proteins, liposomes and several other polymer cages, consisting of many well established natural and synthetic nano-particles. All these drug-carriers can self-assemble in the body and can be manipulated for safer delivery into target tissues. By definition, nano-scale drug delivery systems encompass any structure (either cage or particle) in the form of solid colloids, which range in size from 10 nm to 100 nm. Today, optimization of these nano drug-vehicles is a topic in many research centers. Researchers are trying to improve the carrier’s solubility and their loading capacity and also wish to increase the half-life of drug delivery cargos in target tissues. Efforts in recent years have led to the introduction of novel protein nano-cages composed of multiple protein subunits, which self-assemble within a superfine and precise format. Science their introduction these promising structure have shown many unique characteristics, including low toxicity, bio-system compatibility, minor immunogenicity, high solubility, and a relatively easy production in large scale. Herein, we review and discuss the recently developed protein nano-carriers that are used as drug cargos for targeted delivery and/or diagnostic tools.