NANOSUSPENSION: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Nanotechnology has emerged as a tremendous field in the medicine. Nano refers to particles size range of 1-1000nm. Nanosuspensions are part of nanotechnology. Nanosuspensions contain submicron colloidal dispersion of pharmaceutical active ingredient particles in a liquid phase stabilized by surfactants. Nanosuspension technology is a unique andeconomical approach to overcome poor bioavailability that is related with the delivery of hydrophobic drugs, including those that are poorly soluble in aqueous media. Nanosuspensions are important carriers to develop novel drug formulations. Few techniques such as precipitation methods, milling methods and homogenization methods are developed to produce nanosuspension (NS) and have been successfully employed in large-scale production. They are administered by Parenteral, per oral, ocular and pulmonary routes. Now their application also extended to site specific delivery. Nanosuspensions are prepared by using wet mill, high pressure homogenizer, emulsion‐solvent evaporation, melt emulsification method and super critical fluid techniques. Nanosuspension technology can be used to improve the stability as well as bioavailability of poorly soluble drug. Nanosuspensions are also use in various dosage forms, including specialized drug delivery system such as mucoadhesive hydrogel. The unique features of nanosuspensions have enabled their use in various dosage forms, including specialized delivery systems such as mucoadhesive hydrogels. Rapid strides have been made in the delivery of nanosuspensions by parenteral, per-oral, ocular and pulmonary routes. Currently, efforts are being directed to extending their applications in site-specific drug delivery.