Commentary - (2024) Volume 8, Issue 4
Nanodrugs: A Revolutionary Approach in Medicine
Kevin Wong*
Department of Applied Physics, University of Singapore, Singapore
*Correspondence:
Kevin Wong,
Department of Applied Physics, University of Singapore,
Singapore,
Email:
Received: 02-Dec-2024, Manuscript No. IPNNR-25-22460;
Editor assigned: 04-Dec-2024, Pre QC No. IPNNR-25-22460 (PQ);
Reviewed: 18-Dec-2024, QC No. IPNNR-25-22460;
Revised: 23-Dec-2024, Manuscript No. IPNNR-25-22460 (R);
Published:
30-Dec-2024, DOI: 10.12769/IPNNR.24.8.32
Description
Nanotechnology has revolutionized multiple fields, including
medicine, by enabling precise and efficient drug delivery
systems. Nanodrugs, or nanomedicines, involve the use of
nanoparticles to enhance the bioavailability, specificity, and
efficacy of therapeutic agents. These advanced formulations
have transformed treatments for cancer, infectious diseases,
and chronic illnesses by overcoming traditional drug limitations.
Nanodrugs are designed at the nanoscale (1-100 nm),
allowing them to navigate biological barriers efficiently. They
offer benefits such as improved solubility, targeted delivery,
and controlled drug release. The main types of nanodrugs
include. Liposomes are pherical vesicles with lipid bilayers
that encapsulate drugs, enhancing solubility and reducing
toxicity. Examples include Doxil (doxorubicin liposomal) for
cancer therapy. Biodegradable polymers like PLGA control drug
release over time, useful in cancer and neurodegenerative
diseases. Highly branched polymers with tunable structures for
precise drug conjugation and delivery. Metallic Nanoparticles
Gold and silver nanoparticles used in antimicrobial applications
and targeted cancer therapies. Fullerenes and carbon
nanotubes that serve as carriers for gene and drug delivery.
Nanodrugs enhance therapeutic effectiveness through various
mechanisms. In tumors, leaky vasculature allows nanoparticles
to accumulate, increasing drug concentration at the target
site. Functionalization with ligands, antibodies, or aptamers
directs nanodrugs to specific cells or tissues. pH, temperature,
or enzyme-sensitive nanoparticles release drugs only under
specific conditions. Nanoparticles improve intracellular drug
delivery by bypassing efflux pumps responsible for drug
resistance. Nanodrugs have significantly impacted various
medical fields. Many chemotherapeutic agents suffer from
systemic toxicity and poor solubility. Nanodrug formulations
like Abraxane (albumin-bound paclitaxel) improve efficacy
while reducing side effects. Nanoparticles are used for
targeted delivery of antibiotics and antivirals, enhancing their
effectiveness against resistant strains. Blood-brain barrier (BBB)
penetration is a major challenge in treating neurodegenerative
diseases. Nanodrugs enable better drug delivery for conditions
like Alzheimerâ??s and Parkinsonâ??s. Nanoparticles aid in targeted
drug delivery for atherosclerosis and controlled release of
anticoagulants. mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, such as those
by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, use lipid nanoparticles for
effective delivery. Despite their advantages, nanodrugs face
challenges. Some nanoparticles may induce immune reactions
or accumulate in organs, requiring extensive safety evaluations.
Large-scale production of nanodrugs with consistent quality
and stability remains a challenge. Strict guidelines are
necessary to ensure efficacy and safety, leading to prolonged
approval processes.
Acknowledgement
None.
Conflict Of Interest
None.
Citation: Wong K (2024) Nanodrugs: A Revolutionary Approach in Medicine. J Nanosci Nanotechnol Res. 8:32.
Copyright: © 2024 Wong K. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
