Strategies for surface modification of gelatin-based nanoparticles.

Recently developed methodologies related to surface modification of nanoparticles provide nano systems with the final properties required for a desired application. In nano-pharmaceutical field, the major goals of surface modification are to make nanoparticles unrecognizable by the immune system and to guide them to the desired site. Such a modification can be accomplished through functionalization of NPs by conjugating or coating a molecule whose properties alter nanoparticle surface characteristics. In his regard, gelatin-based nanoparticles (GNPs) have shown great potential as multifunctional drug delivery systems because they could be easily tailored by including targeting moieties, hydrophilic polymers, fluorescence dyes, or different therapeutic agents without the loss of their desired physical, chemical, and biological properties. Research on GNPs for drug and gene delivery has been increasing dramatically over the last decade due to their special features such as good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low immunogenicity. This review provides an overview of the ongoing research in the field of recent advances in the functionalization of gelatin based NPs for pharmaceutical and medical applications.