Biotechnological Aspects of Nanoparticles Driven from Natural Products for Drug Delivery System and Other Applications

Abstract

Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most promising technologies for synthesizing multifunctional particles for various applications in the fields of science and technology. Growing concern about sustainability and environment, nanoparticles from natural products are attaining worldwide attention. Various nanomaterials derived from natural products exhibit certain characteristics such as excellent biocompatibility and transparency and are light in weight, thus having promising applications in drug delivery systems, packaging, transportation, filtration, electronics, medical sector, textile industry and other areas. Nanoparticles increase stability and solubility of various drugs or phytochemicals by enhancing the absorption, bioavailability, retention and permeation in target tissues, etc. This book chapter aims to summarize current progress in various key areas relevant to field of nanomedicines synthesized from natural products and nano-based drug delivery systems through comprehensive scrutiny of the application and discovery of nanomaterials in improving both the efficacy of novel and old drugs (e.g. natural products) and complete diagnosis through disease marker molecules. The challenges and opportunities of various natural nanoparticles in drug delivery system from natural sources to their field’s trial to clinical applications are also discussed. In addition, we have included information regarding the other applications of nanoparticles driven from natural products.