Drug Delivery

Nanotechnology has revolutionized drug delivery, with the ability to improve the efficiency, safety, and efficacy of drug therapy. Drug delivery nanotechnologies are based on the use of nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles and nanocapsules, to transport therapeutic agents to their sites of action. These nanomaterials are designed to overcome physiological barriers and drug delivery challenges, such as poor solubility, short circulation times, and inadequate tissue penetration. Nanoparticles are typically composed of polymers, lipids, or inorganic materials and can be engineered to have various shapes, sizes, and functional properties. Nanoparticles can also be modified with targeting molecules, such as antibodies and peptides, to direct the drug to specific tissues or cells. The nanomaterials' size, shape, surface properties, and targeting capabilities allow for improved solubility, stability, and sustained or targeted drug release. Nanocapsules, on the other hand, are typically composed of polymers or lipids and are designed to encapsulate or entrap the drug, protecting it from degradation and enabling controlled release. The drug can be released from the nanocapsule by a variety of mechanisms, such as diffusion, pH change, or mechanical rupture. In addition to nanoparticles and nanocapsules, other drug delivery nanotechnologies include nanofibers, nanogels, and liposomes.