Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for treatment of knee injuries and Alzheimer’s disease – a review

Abstract

The effective treatment of human illnesses relies on the ability to deliver therapeutic compounds to diseased sites in a highly efficient manner. However, conventional therapeutic strategies often require high systemic administration due to non-specific biodistribution and rapid metabolism of free drug molecules before they can reach their intended targets which leads to undesirable side effects. Nanotechnology offers a solution to mitigate these issues by allowing the development of drug delivery systems (DDS) within the nanometer size range, which can alter the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of drug molecules. These novel DDS have several advantages over traditional large-scale systems, including altered pharmacokinetic behavior and improved payload, owing to their small size. Moreover, their surface chemistry can be easily modified to attach targeting and therapeutic molecules for specific curative and therapeutic applications. In this comprehensive review, we explore and present the potential of nanoparticles as a highly effective drug delivery system for the treatment of knee injuries and Alzheimer’s disease. With the aim of addressing the challenges that are associated with drug delivery, nanotechnology has emerged as an increasingly important area of research. Scientists have conducted extensive investigations into nanosystems with varying compositions and biological properties for use in drug delivery applications. In order to ensure efficient drug delivery, it is critical to understand how nanomaterials interact with the biological environment, target cell-surface receptors, release drugs, administer multiple drugs, and maintain the stability of therapeutic agents. The recognition and appreciation of the molecular mechanisms that are involved in cell signaling in relation to the disease under investigation is of fundamental importance.