Top-down fabrication-based nano/microparticles for molecular imaging and drug delivery

Susmita Aryal,^1,* Hyungkyu Park,^1,* James F Leary,² Jaehong Key<sup>1

1</sup>Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju, Gangwon-do 26493, South Korea; ²Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA

Correspondence: Jaehong Key
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil Wonju, Gangwon-do 26493, South Korea
Tel +82 33 760 2857
Fax +82 33 760 2919
Email jkey@yonsei.ac.kr

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Abstract: Recent breakthroughs in nanoparticle research have led to improved drug delivery and have overcome problems associated with normal drug delivery methods. Optimizing the design of nanoparticles in terms of controlled size, shape, and surface chemistry of nanoparticles can maximize the therapeutic efficacy. To maximize therapeutic effects, advanced formulation and fabrication methods have been developed. Biomedical applications of nanoparticles produced using the new fabrication techniques, including drug delivery and molecular imaging, have been widely explored. This review highlights the simple and versatile manufacturing techniques that can be used in the development of new types of nanoparticles that have strictly controlled physiochemical properties and their multifaceted advantages in drug delivery and molecular imaging.

Keywords: fabrication, lithography, cancer, advanced manufacturing method