Nanoscale Materials in Targeted Drug Delivery

Abstract

Nanoscale materials (NSMs) are gaining attention due to their small size and unique physiochemical properties. Different approaches are used for the synthesis of NSMs. NSMs cannot be visualized by ordinary instruments. Instruments with high resolution are required for their characterisation. NSMs offer enhanced activity and specificity to encapsulate drugs. NSM are used as vehicles for site specific delivery of drugs inside the body. In this chapter, approaches for the synthesis of NSMs, and characterisation techniques for NSMs like SEM, TEM, AFM, DLS, XRD, and FTIR have been explained briefly. In addition, this chapter also covers zero dimensional one dimensional, two dimensional and three dimensional NSMs briefly. Detailed information about approaches of targeted delivery like passive and active have been covered in this chapter. NSMs like polymeric nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, liposomes, quantum dots, polymeric micelles, carbon nanotubes, dendrimers, and magnetic nanoparticles used in targeted drug delivery have also been explained in this chapter.

Different Approaches to the Synthesis and Applications of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Smart Biomaterials

“…Additionally, localized drug delivery also improves drug absorption and intracellular penetration, prolongs retention time, enhances drug efficacy, and reduces drug degradation. [32,33] However, there is a significant challenge in the design and manufacture of scaffolds that possess all of the above requirements and the ability to control the release kinetics of drug over the period of treatment or tissue regeneration. [34] For instance, TE polymeric scaffold (cell delivery) should posses the following: [22] (i) mechanical properties that are sufficient to shield cells from tensile forces; (ii) desired volume, shape, and mechanical strength;…”

“…Two hours later the desired amount of ECH was added into the reaction medium, and the reaction was heated at 45°C for 6 h. The ECH/βCD molar ratio was controlled below 10 in order to avoid self-cross-linking of β-CD. [32] After grafting, the suspension of (BCNC-g-βCD) was re-concentrated to 0.5 % (w/w) and kept at 5°C for further use.…”

“…[165] The value of cellulose is also recognized as a versatile starting material for subsequent chemical transformation in the production of artificial cellulose based threads and films, as well as a variety of cellulose derivatives such as food, printing, cosmetic, oil well drilling, textile, pharmaceutical, domestic life and biomedical applications. [166] *This chapter is adapted from a published book chapter "Mohamed M. Khattab Nowadays, researchers are increasingly acknowledging the importance of the use of natural cellulose nanofibers, not only because of their large surface area to volume ratio, but also due to their sustainability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, cheapness, environmental friendly nature, tendency to be recycled and their comparative mechanical properties. [167] Moreover, special attention is given to their composites when they are mixed with natural and synthetic polymers to form nanocomposites with improved mechanical and physical properties if compared to the neat polymers.…”

Conjugation of pectin biopolymer with Au‐nanoparticles as a drug delivery system: Experimental and DFT studies

“…Various kinds of nanocarriers including dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes and metal nanoparticles are being used in drug delivery processes. Low toxicity, the possibility of targeted delivery, and improved efficacy are some advantages of drug nanocarriers . Metallic nanoparticles [such as gold, copper, and silver nanoparticles (NPs)] have received much attention as suitable drug carriers because of their unique physicochemical (physical, chemical, optical, thermal and biological) properties, stability, easy functionalization capability and other relevant features …”

“…Low toxicity, the possibility of targeted delivery, and improved efficacy are some advantages of drug nanocarriers. [1] Metallic nanoparticles [such as gold, copper, and silver nanoparticles (NPs)] have received much attention as suitable drug carriers because of their unique physicochemical (physical, chemical, optical, thermal and biological) properties, stability, easy functionalization capability and other relevant features. [2,3] Gold nanoparticles (GNPs), as metallic nanoparticles, have been extensively used in biomedical fields such as drug delivery, diagnosis agent, imaging and biosensors.…”