Nanotechnology in
drug delievery
What is drug delivery system?
• Drug delivery involves various methods and technologies designed to transport
pharmaceutical compounds to their target sites helping therapeutic effect.[1][2] It
involves principles related to drug preparation, route of administration,
site-specific targeting, metabolism, and toxicity all aimed to optimize efficacy and
safety, while improving patient convenience and compliance.[3][4] A key goal of
drug delivery is to modify a drug's pharmacokinetics and specificity by combining
it with different excipients, drug carriers, and medical devices designed to control
its distribution and activity in the body.[3][5][6] Enhancing bioavailability and
prolonging duration of action are essential strategies for improving
therapeutic outcomes,[7] particularly in chronic disease management. Additionally,
some research emphasizes on improving safety for the individuals administering
the medication. For example, microneedle patches have been developed for
vaccines and drug delivery to minimize the risk of needlestick injuries.[4][8]
Ways to enter drug in body.
• Drug delivery is closely linked with dosage form and route of administration, the latter of
which is sometimes considered to be part of the definition. [9] Although the terms are often used
interchangeably, they represent distinct concepts. The route of administration refers specifically
to the path by which a drug enters the body, [10] such as oral, parenteral, or transdermal.[11] In
contrast, the dosage form refers to the physical form in which the drug is manufactured and
delivered, such as tablets, capsules, patches, inhalers or injectable solutions. These are various
dosage forms and technologies which include but not limited to nanoparticles, liposomes,
microneedles, and hydrogels that can be used to enhance therapeutic efficacy and safety. [12] The
same route can accommodate multiple dosage forms; for example, the oral route may involve
tablet, capsule, or liquid suspension. While the transdermal route may use a patch, gel, or
cream.[13] Drug delivery incorporates both of these concepts while encompassing a broader
scope, including the design and engineering of systems that operate within or across these
routes. Common routes of administration include oral, parenteral (injected), sublingual, topical
, transdermal, nasal, ocular, rectal, and vaginal. However, modern drug delivery continue to
expand the possibilities of these routes through novel and hybrid approaches. [14]
Relation between nanotechnology
and drug delievery
• Nanotechnology is a broad field of research and development that deals with the manipulation of
matter at the atomic or subatomic level. It is used in fields such as medicine, energy, aerospace
engineering, and more. One of the applications of nanotechnology is in drug delivery. This is a
process by which nanoparticles are used to carry and deliver drugs to a specific area in the body
.
• Advantages of nanotechnology in drug delievery
There are several advantages of using nanotechnology for drug delivery, including precise targeting
of specific cells, increased drug potency, and lowered toxicity to the cells that are targeted.
Nanoparticles can also carry vaccines to cells that might be hard to reach with traditional delivery
methods. However, there are some concerns with the use of nanoparticles for drug delivery. Some
studies have shown that nanoparticles may contribute to the development of tumors in other parts of
the body. There is also growing concern that nanoparticles may have harmful effects on the
environment. Despite these potential drawbacks, the use of nanotechnology in drug delivery is still a
promising area for future research. [23]
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Nanoparticals involve in drug
delievery
Current nanopartical drug delievery system can be cataloged based on
Their platform composition into several groups:
• Polymeric nanoparticles
• Inorganic particles
• Viral nanoparticles
• Lipid –based nanoparticles
• Albumin-bound (nab) technology
Polymeric nanoparticles
• Polymeric nanoparticles are crucial in drug delivery as they function as
carriers,protecting drugs from degradation.polymeric nano particles can
encapsulate drugs,shielding them from the harsh environment of the
gastrointestinal tract or blood circulation.The polymeric matrix of the
nanoparticle can be engineered to release the drug in a controlled manner,either
over a specific period(sustained release) or in response to external stimuli(e.g,
ph changes, temperature).Polymeric nanoparticles can improve the solubility of
poor soluble drugs.
• Surface modifications like the addition PEG (polyethylene glycol) can enhance
the circulation time of nanoparticles in the bloodstream.
• Polymeric nanoparticles are being used for the treatment of various
diseases,including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders.
• PLGA and PLA are used for particularly gene delivery, Chitosan a good natural
polysaccharide with good biocompatibility and biodegradability ,often used for
oral and ocular delivery.
Inorganic nanoparticles
• Inorganic nanoparticles
