Nanoparticles – For Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Nanotechnology is one of the fastest growing technology that is being explored and utilised all over the world for research and development. One such application where nanotechnology is progressing is, its use in drug delivery systems in the form of Nanoparticles (NP). Nanoparticles are the particles whose size range is in between 1-100 nm. These particles size since being very fine, they have larger surface area which can be used as carriers for targeting drugs to specific sites in the body, thereby providing precise drug activity. These Nanoparticles because of its unique physical, chemical and physiological properties are being used widely for various commercial, therapeutics and drug discovery process. They can be classified into various types based on its size & shape like Metallic NPs, Semiconductor NPs, Carbon based NPs, Polymeric NPs, Dendrimers, Liposomes, Ceramic NPs and others. These nanoparticles find its applications in treatment of various diseases like Cancer, bone growth enhancers, in cosmetics, as well as they have the potential to cross the blood brain barrier and treat site specific disorders. Although NPs provide with wide range of applications in drug delivery systems, they also come with their own risks like slow biodegradability and thus result in systemic toxicity. Nevertheless, the benefits they provide surpass the risks associated with them, thus making it one of the potentials for novel approaches in developing various drug delivery systems. All the mentioned above would be discussed in this review article about Nanoparticles - An application of Nanotechnology in Drug delivery systems.