Nanomedicines and Nanodrug Delivery Systems: Trends and Perspectives

Nanomedicine and nanodrug delivery systems have furnished a platform to upgrade drug delivery using the new idea and carrier systems that conventional formulations have failed to acquire. Drug delivery in relation to nanomedicines should be observed as a science and technology of nanocomplex systems that drive to a special mechanism related to diagnosing, treating and inhibiting multiple diseases. As nanocomplex system comprises materials that are designed at the molecular, atomic and macromolecular level, they are generally tiny particles with distinct physicochemical properties. By manipulating their distinct physicochemical properties, nanomedicines and nanodrug delivery systems can control, monitor and repair the biological systems by aligning to address diseases. These advanced technologies can offer significant advantages like higher drug loading capacity, specificity, stability and are capable of delivering both hydrophilic and lipophilic drug molecules. Recently, several nanomedicines have already been marketed by various pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturer companies in the form of polymeric micelles, nanosuspensions, nanocrystals, liposomes, SPIONs and protein-based nanoparticles that confirmed their effectiveness over a longer period. However, the benefits of nanomedicines in the healthcare sector are escorted by challenges in the regulation of such products. Enough knowledge on their efficacy, quality, safety and toxicity must be learned to support their smooth translational research towards clinical applications. The present chapter highlights the recent trends and perspectives of nanomedicines and nanodrug delivery systems with potential benefits to targeted drug delivery.