Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials in Drug Delivery Systems: An Update

Abstract

Due to the advances in the field of nanotechnology, nano-based systems are gaining more interest and is currently holding tremendous potential as an effective drug delivery system. Within the past few decades, the research on nanotechnology and nanomaterials has been immense and now it is possible to cure some previously incurable diseases and treat complicated conditions [1,2]. These nano-based drug delivery systems are engineered technologies that can target, deliver and control the release of therapeutic agents as needed. Nanosystems with different compositions and biological properties have been extensively investigated for drug and gene delivery applications [3]. Nanoparticles are in general the most used nano-based drug delivery systems for their efficient work in targeted drug delivery and controlled release. These nanoparticle drug delivery systems are <100 nm in at least one dimension consisting of different biodegradable materials like natural or synthetic polymers, lipids, or metals [3].

The small size and their efficiency have influenced the applications of these nanoparticles in nanomedicine starting from biosensors, microfluidics, drug delivery and microarray tests to tissue engineering [4-7]. The research on nanosystems and nanomaterials is proven to be a bridge between the biological and physical sciences by applying nanostructures and nanophases in various fields of science [7]. The nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have different applications based on their characteristics like size, properties and material [2].