Figure 1

Multifunctional nanoparticles. Multifunctional nanoparticles can combine a specific targeting agent (usually with an antibody or peptide) with nanoparticles for imaging (such as quantum dots or magnetic nanoparticles), a cell-penetrating agent (e.g., the polyArg peptide TAT), a stimulus-selective element for drug release, a stabilizing polymer to ensure biocompatibility polyethylene glycol most frequently), and the therapeutic compound. Development of novel strategies for controlled released of drugs will provide nanoparticles with the capability to deliver two or more therapeutic agents. Adapted from ref [9] Copyright 2009 Wiley interscience.