Nanostructures-Based Polymeric Composite for Theranostic Applications

Nanomaterials are synthesized by fusing together a variety of fantastic physical and chemical properties that enable the delivery of responsive, intelligent, and smart nanomedicine. Till now, various polymeric and metal-based nanomaterials have so far been developed for the biomedical applications such as drug/gene delivery, sensing, immune cells delivery, imaging, and wound healing etc. As polymeric nanoparticles exhibit extraordinary of high drug loading and sustained release property, on the other hand, metal nanoparticles have lacking this property, although these nanoparticles are still of great use because of the unique property such as contrast imaging property under electromagnetic field, photothermal property toward near-infrared radiation, and hyperthermia effect in the region of tumor site upon injected the magnetic active nanoparticles under magnetic field. However, using metal-based nanoparticles alone limits their utility in biomedical applications due to their instability in biological fluids. Unquestionably, the scientist modified the surface of metal nanoparticles utilizing several biocompatible polymers and proteins to create multifunctional theranostic metal–organic nanoparticles. Thus, this approach not only enhances colloidal stability for longer periods of time, but also enhances bioavailability of synthesized nanoparticles, improves the payload of many therapeutic agents via electrostatic and covalent conjugation, enhances blood plasma half-life, releases the drug in a sustained manner, and simultaneously aids in disease diagnosis. Theranostic formulations may be delivered specifically using functionalized nanoparticles, which also lower the possibility of any potential toxicity problems brought on by metal ions. Thus, in this book chapter, we have covered various theranostic polymeric nanostructures, their synthesis process, general chemical, physical, and biological characteristics, and their biomedical applications.