Abstract
The apoferritin protein nanocage is a very suitable molecule for use as a drug delivery vehicle. Its properties, such as size, excellent biocompatibility, easy modification and simple encapsulation protocol based on structural changes in different pH, present a large advantage when compared to the other nanocarriers.
It contains multiple channels in its structure, employable for small nanoparticle synthesis. Due to the encapsulation procedure, a wide variety of different molecules can be encapsulated within its cavity.
It can therefore be used for simple chemotherapy, but also the combination of therapy with diagnostics, chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy, gene therapy or hyperthermia therapy. It can be used in not only the treatment of cancer but also other diseases, including bacterial infections.
The size of apoferritin is suitable for passive targeting to tumours and its surface can be modified with a variety of targeting moieties for specific use. Due to all these advantages, apoferritin might very well be the perfect molecule for nanomedicine.