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What is Nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology manipulates atoms and molecules at the nanoscale, offering unique properties with applications across IT, communications, food, energy, and medicine.
Despite benefits, concerns over health risks and environmental impact of synthetic nanoparticles necessitate strict regulation to ensure safety alongside innovation.
According to BIS Research, the global nanopharmaceutical drug market was valued at $40.37 billion in 2017 and is projected to reach $79.29 billion by 2026.
History of drug delivery systems
Drug delivery systems have evolved significantly over decades:
• Early methods focused on oral, topical, and injectable administration.
• The 1950s saw the advent of sustained-release technology like Spansule® capsules.
• Transdermal systems emerged in the 1970s; long-acting injectables like Lupron Depot® followed in the 1980s.
• PEGylation in the 1990s enhanced drug properties, while nanotechnology since the 2000s enabled precise delivery with nanocarriers.
• Current trends include smart systems for targeted release, supported by evolving regulatory frameworks. Integration with gene therapy and immunotherapy promises personalized medicine.
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Types of Nanotechnology
Types of nanotechnology are classified by their approach and the medium they operate in:
Approaches
Top-Down Approach
• Starts with larger materials and structures and miniaturizes them down to the nanoscale (1-100 nm) using techniques like lithography, chemical etching, or mechanical milling
Bottom-Up Approach
• Nanotechnology constructs complex structures by assembling atoms and molecules through chemical synthesis or self-assembly processes.
Mediums
Dry Nanotechnology
• Works with dry materials like coal, silicon, inorganic materials, metals and semiconductors that don't function well in humid conditions
Wet Nanotechnology
• Operates in aqueous environments and utilizes biological systems like genetic material, membranes, enzymes and other cellular components
Material Types
Carbon-Based Nanomaterials
• Include carbon nanotubes created through carbon vapor deposition
Metal-Based Nanomaterials
• Such as quantum dots grown as nanoscale crystals of two elements in a solution
Dendrimers
• Nanoparticles with a core, inner shell and outer shell that can be constructed from the core or outer shell
Nanocomposites
• Mix of multiple nanomaterials or a combination of nanomaterials and larger materials, creating stronger metals, plastics and other substances
Smart Drug Delivery Systems
Smart drug delivery systems respond to physiological stimuli like pH or enzymes in diseased tissues, releasing drugs at precise rates for optimized therapeutic impact, promising enhanced treatment outcomes.
Regulatory Developments
With the rapid expansion of Nanotechnology applications in medicine, regulatory frameworks are evolving to ensure the safety and efficacy of nanomedicines. Regulatory bodies worldwide are working to establish guidelines that address the unique challenges posed by nanoparticles, including their potential long-term effects on human health and the environment.
Integration with Other Technologies
Nanotechnology combined with gene therapy and immunotherapy is revolutionizing medicine. Multifunctional nanocarriers integrate therapeutic agents with diagnostics, enabling personalized treatments based on genetic and disease profiles.
Key advancements in Nanotechnology
• Nanoparticles improve drug effectiveness and reduce side effects in targeted therapies, especially for cancer treatment.
• Implantable Drug Delivery Systems (IDDS), such as intrathecal and insulin pumps with CGM sensors, enhance treatment by delivering medications directly or adjusting insulin doses in real-time.
• Gene therapy treats genetic disorders by delivering therapeutic genes through viral vectors to correct or replace faulty genes.
• 3D printing enables personalized drug delivery systems that optimize treatment adherence and minimize side effects by precisely controlling drug release rates and profiles.
Challenges in Drug Delivery Systems
• Biocompatibility: Ensuring that nanoparticles are biocompatible and do not cause adverse effects or immune responses in the body remains a significant challenge.
• Manufacturing Scalability: Scaling up the production of nanoparticles to meet clinical demand while maintaining quality and consistency is challenging and costly.
• Long-Term Stability: Nanoparticles must remain stable during storage and circulation to maintain their therapeutic effectiveness.
Conclusion
The future of nanotechnology in drug delivery promises precision medicine through targeted therapies, enhanced efficacy, and personalized treatment options. As regulatory frameworks evolve to ensure safety and efficacy, integration with gene therapy and immunotherapy holds potential for further innovation and therapeutic breakthroughs.
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