Biodistribution of Polymeric, Polysaccharide and Metallic Nanoparticles

Biodistribution of nanoparticles (NPs) depends on properties such as size, shape, charge, and surface modification, which can affect particle interaction with cells and serum proteins. This chapter highlights the impact of the mechanisms affecting biodistribution, such as physicochemical properties, administration route, dosing and coating, on behaviors of NPs in systemic circulation, effects of mononuclear phagocytotic systems and cellular interactions on the targeted tissue. Particle size is a key parameter in the biodistribution of NPs, which can be designed to precise dimensions and high monodispersity to attain therapeutic efficacy. The surface charge and hydrophobicity can dramatically affect opsonization, phagocytosis, blood circulation and biodistribution of NPs. One of the factors affecting the biodistribution of polymeric, polysaccharide and metallic NPs is surface coating. Opsonization of NPs has one of the most important effects on biodistribution and organ accumulation. Opsonization is a defense mechanism that the body shows against foreign material.