A Review on Improved Drug Performance of Nanocrystals Formulations

Abstract

Nano-based technologies are one of the most effective ways to resolve poor aqueous solubility and low absorption of drugs. Nanocrystals are pure drug crystals of particle size below 1000 nm with or without stabilizers adsorbed on it. Nanocrystals are carrier free and can be introduced in any of dosage forms. Reduced particle size and crystallinity offer increased solubility, dissolution velocity, and mucoadhesion. This causes an improvement in pharmacokinetic parameters and drug performance. Top-down approaches like milling, homogenization and bottom-up approach of precipitation are methods of preparation of nanocrystals. Also, combinations of these methods are used for nanocrystals preparation. This review discussed and summarized the improved in-vitro/in-vivo performances and pharmacokinetics of drug nanocrystals.