Perspective of Mitochondrial Nanomedicine

Nanoparticles (NPs) are particles defined by their size ranging from 1 to 100 nm. Organic, inorganic, and hybrid NPs are increasingly utilized in medicine due to their properties, such as a relatively high surface/volume ratio, the ability to modify their surface as needed, and carrying therapeutic substances to specific locations. Mitochondrial nanotechnology focuses on using nanoparticles in the therapy of diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunctions. NPs are targeted into cells and mitochondria through active or passive targeting. Active targeting involves using ligands to interact with receptors on the cell surface, whereas passive targeting considers tissue changes, such as pores in tumors. NP entry through the mitochondrial membrane occurs via specific receptors or channels. Within mitochondria, NPs can influence the electron transport chain, the Krebs cycle, reactive oxygen species formation, and apoptosis. Mitochondrial nanomedicine deals with utilizing nanotechnologies to treat diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction (neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, oncological, and metabolic diseases like diabetes mellitus). In neurodegenerative disease treatment, the focus lies in improving mitochondrial function using NPs with modified surfaces for drug transport across the blood–brain barrier. For oncological conditions, treatments often target increasing free radical production in tumor cells or employ nanomicelles or nanosystems in photothermal therapy. In cardiovascular diseases, treatment solves ischemia and reperfusion by usage of liposomes and pH-sensitive polymeric nanoparticles to deliver antioxidant drugs. In diabetes mellitus treatment, treatment is focused on increased free radical production associated with the disease. The toxicity of NPs is based on their small size above all. Their actions are associated with free radical production and oxidative stress, resulting in damage to cellular structures, genetic mutations, cell cycle arrest, and ultimately, cells and organs damage. While some NP may have beneficial effects in interacting with the immune system, their accumulation in tissues like the liver and spleen leads to pathological conditions including inflammation, autoimmune responses, and worsened prognosis for cardiovascular diseases.