A Data Mining Study of Zinc Oxide Nanostructures Utilization in Drug Delivery Nanosystems

Abstract

The present investigation offers a thorough bibliometric exploration spotlighting the pivotal utilization of zinc oxide nanostructures, encompassing both zero‐dimensional (0D) nanoparticles and one‐dimensional (1D) nanostructures, within the realm of nanotechnology‐driven drug delivery systems. This analysis particularly illuminates the distinctive potential of these nanostructures in the cancer therapy context, not merely as carriers and deliverers of pharmaceutical agents, but as entities capable of selectively inducing apoptosis in cancer cells through the orchestrated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recent research endeavors notably underscore the application prospects of ZnO nanostructures in domains like DNA cleavage, bioimaging, and agricultural defense mechanisms. Moreover, the study elucidates the pronounced enhancement in solubility and biocompatibility that these nanostructures bring about when harmoniously integrated into polymeric nanocomposites. Concomitantly, the involvement of polymers in this symbiotic system is unveiled, wherein they play a multifaceted role in dictating release selectivity, thereby facilitating targeted and efficacious interactions with tissues. Functionally engineered polymeric nanocomposites emerge as promising candidates for targeted delivery modalities in cancer treatment, demonstrating an affinity for specific cell receptors and exhibiting enhanced cellular uptake within the size range of 100–200 nm. The study unearths robust associations among pivotal research terminologies through an exhaustive analysis of Link Strength Between Items (LSBI), culminating in the presentation of a cogent map delineating the evolving trends and forthcoming trajectories in this dynamic domain. In summation, this all‐encompassing bibliometric inquiry serves as a poignant testament to the prodigious potential of zinc oxide nanostructures in the realm of forthcoming nanotechnology‐driven drug delivery paradigms.