Abstract

Combination of nanotechnology, biochemistry, chemistry and biotechnology provides the opportunity to design unique nanoparticles for tumor targeting, drug delivery, medical imaging and biosensing. Nanoparticles conjugated with biomolecules such as antibodies, peptides, vitamins and aptamer can resolve current challenges including low accumulation, internalization and retention at the target site in cancer diagnosis and therapy through active targeting. In this review, we focus on different strategies for conjugation of biomolecules to nanoparticles such as inorganic nanoparticles (iron oxide, gold, silica and carbon nanoparticles), liposomes, lipid and polymeric nanoparticles and their application in tumor targeting.

Keywords: Nanoparticles, biofunctionalization, active targeting, click chemistry, nanotechnology, tumor targeting.