One of the key goals in the field of cancer drug administration has long been the creation of nanoparticle platforms with lengthy in vivo circulation half-lives. Longcirculating nanoparticles can better target the tumour site through passive or active targeting processes. PEG, which surrounds the particles with a hydration layer and so resists recognition by the mononuclear phagocyte system, is the current gold standard for bestowing long-circulating characteristics. The body’s own long-circulating organisms, Red Blood Cells (RBCs), have recently inspired a new technique for producing biomimetic nanoparticles. Using membrane components produced directly from RBCs, this approach disguises drug nanocarriers as self. This approach has been shown to extend the half-life of particles in the systemic circulation beyond that of PEGylated systems. The RBC membrane-coated nanoparticles represent a significant advancement in drug delivery technology and hold a lot of promise for therapeutic use. We discuss the relevance and unique characteristics of this nature-inspired nanoparticle technology, as well as our thoughts on its future prospects.
