Nanotechnology based drug delivery systems are a breakthrough in the pharmaceutical sector as it provides an opportunity for precise, controlled and sustained release of the drugs. Several nanocarriers including liposomes, niosomes, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers, nanoemulsions and biological nanocarriers are being developed which are capable of improving the solubility, stability, bioavailability and therapeutic efficiency of drugs. Nanocarriers can protect the drug from degradation, improve its cellular uptake and deliver it to a specific target which leads to reduction in the systemic toxicity and side effects. There are various ways for preparing and characterizing the nanoparticles for optimal performance and safety. Drug delivery mechanisms with nanoparticles like passive targeting, active targeting and stimuli-responsive release helps in gaining better results. Various applications of nanotechnology based drug delivery systems such as cancer, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, diabetes, ophthalmic applications, and gene therapy etc are being explored. Though safety, large scale production, stability and regulatory approval remain challenges, but advanced research is exploring more opportunities for nano medicine in the healthcare sector.
Vasanth Kumar K.*1, Dr. P. Maheshwari2, Dr. Karthickeyan Krishnan3, Dr. P. Shanmugasundaram4 (Wed,) studied this question.