Nanomaterials for Pharmaceutical Applications

The field of medicine and pharmaceuticals has experienced revolutionary changes due to the development of nanotechnology. Materials or their constructions with size less than 100 nm along at least one dimension are termed as nanoparticulates. Nanoparticulates possess a greater surface area to volume ratio in comparison with bulk materials with the same composition to provide them enhanced selective therapeutic activity and are useful in the pharmaceutical field besides many other applications. Novel formulations of nanomaterials are being developed for drug encapsulation, targeted drug delivery systems (TDDs), and diagnostic purposes. Examples include polymeric nanoparticles in the form of nanospheres and nanocapsules; colloidal drug carriers such as micelles, dendrimers; phospholipid-based drug delivery systems, e.g., liposomes, phytosomes, ethosomes, etc.; solid-lipid nanoparticles (SLNs); niosomes; biphasic systems such as nanoemulsions and nanocomposite hydrogels; quantum dots; carbon nanotubes (CNTs), etc. TDDs involve direct application of drugs to the desired individual tissues with minimal damage to non-target tissues and organs resulting in the lesser requirement of drugs with enhanced biological response and protection from physical and chemical degradation. Nonmaterials not only increase the therapeutic value of drugs but also reduce their toxicological effects compared to conventional therapies. Nanomaterials, especially lipidic systems have excellent biotransformation response besides enhancing solubility and bioavailability of drugs. Nanoparticle-based dosage forms utilizing enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect through the biological barriers help in improving the pharmacokinetic profile and pharmacodynamic activity of the drugs. This chapter is devoted to various nanoparticulates (synthetic, semi-synthetic, and natural) having existing and potential applications in the pharmaceutical field.