Nanopharmacokinetics assessment

The assessment of nanoparticle pharmacokinetics follows the same general principles as that for conventional drugs. The nanorange size of the drug, along with the physicochemical properties, the route of administration, as well as the internal milieu in which the nanoparticle is deposited, alters the distribution, the retention time, and the elimination. Moreover, one needs to distinguish the drugs, which are formulated as nanocrystalline particles to enhance a specific pharmacokinetic property, usually to enhance absorption, and drugs delivered using nanomaterials as carriers. In the latter case, we need to study if the nanomaterial alters the pharmacokinetics of the drug and also to discuss its distinct pharmacokinetic features. Notwithstanding the unique properties of nanoparticles, the general approach to pharmacokinetic assessment remains the same.