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| Nanomaterials | Definition | Pros | Cons | Potential uses | Ref. |
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| Polymeric NPs | Polymeric NPs, collectively named as spheres and capsules, are solid colloidal particles with submicron size, which are made from synthetic to natural polymers | They can be used to load multifunctional agents through encapsulation or covalent bonding
They can be used to target special to cells and tissues by easily modifications with ligands
Different route of administration
Enhanced thermodynamic stability of loaded therapeutic agents | However, there are several challenges such as toxicity, remaining organic solvents from the manufacturing procedure, and the scaling-up problems for commercial production | Can be used to encapsulate antigens, adjuvants, and drugs for targeting, controlled release, and stimulate responsive delivery | [123] |
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| AuNPs | AuNPs are nanosized gold particles with diameters ranging from 1–100 nm, which are dispersed in aqueous solution | Special optical properties including surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)
Easily functionalization by thiol-bearing compounds
Easy synthesis with tunable sizes and surface
High cell permeability | Need to long-term cytotoxicity study
High cost production
Biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and possible toxicity | Can be used as drug carriers, vaccine adjuvants, and electrochemical and colorimetric biosensors | [124] |
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| Magnetic NPs | Magnetic NPs are nanosized particles made up of often iron, chromium, nickel, and cobalt, and a chemical compound that has functionality | Respond to external magnetic fields
Good biocompatibility
Easy surface modification
Easy separation from media | Potential material toxicity
Low colloidal stability and biocompatibility
Might induce immunological or inflammatory response | Can be used for drug delivery, imaging, and RNA extraction | [125] |
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| Quantum dots | QDs are nanosized luminescent semiconductors, 2–10 nm, with special optical and electrical properties that cause high brightness and photostability compared to traditional fluorescent dyes | Small size
Good cellular and intracellular uptake and drug release
Easy surface modification | Potential material toxicity | Can be used for drug delivery and biosensing | [126] |
| Nanofibers | Nanofibers are fiber-nanosized | Highly porous structure
Large surface-to-volume ratio
High scaling-up production rate and simplicity of the setup of electrospinning technique | Low yield, high operating voltage, and difficulty in attaining in situ deposition of nanofibers on different substrates | Can be used for nanofilter production | [127] |
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