Applications of Cell-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Use of Single Cell Assay

Abstract

Cell-based drug delivery (CBDD) is explored widely to target particular organs (e.g., spleen, lungs, etc.) in cancer, tissue inflammation, or in bone injury. Highly mobile cells like mononuclear phagocytes (dendritic cells, sertoli cells, monocytes, and macrophages), neutrophils, and lymphocytes loaded drug nanocarriers are exploited as Trojan horses for drug delivery. Mesenchymal stromal cells and other stem cells are studied widely to deliver the drug at target site with prolonged circulation. CBDD systems serve as a biocompatible and less toxic drug delivery approach. Formulation of cell-based drug delivery is different from that of conventional drug delivery systems; the former has more formulation challenges. Nevertheless, a multifunctionalized cell system opens new perspectives for the active delivery of drugs to target sites. Single cell assay plays a potential role in identifying cellular target for nanoparticles and for CBDD. This chapter discusses different types of CBDD systems to facilitate treatments for infectious and noninfectious diseases. The potential and limitations of single cell assay in this type of drug delivery systems are reviewed along with the clinical aspects of cell-based drug delivery systems.