The Trojan Horse Goes Wild: The Effect of Drug Loading on the Behavior of Nanoparticles

Drug delivery with nanoparticles is sometimes compared to an attack with a Trojan Horse. The drugs are hidden in nanoparticles and enter the unsuspecting cells in a stealth-like fashion. Here, I would like to share my thoughts that a comparison to the Trojan Horse does not always apply, and provide examples where an increased drug loading content was detrimental to the drug-delivery process. The purpose is to highlight the importance of understanding the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles, and the importance of having materials scientists in the line-up of researchers working together to create successful nanomedicine.

Automated summary

Drug delivery with nanoparticles is often likened to a Trojan Horse attack, but this comparison is not always accurate. Increasing drug loading content can sometimes be detrimental to the drug delivery process. Therefore, understanding the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles and the importance of materials scientists working together are crucial for successful nanomedicine.