Nanotechnology – The New Era of Medicines

Nanotechnology is a new science of engineering the drug delivery system.

It is widely accepted as improving patient outcomes.

Nano particles increase bioavailability, offer targeted action, reduce dosing frequency, and improve compliance.

They are widely used to treat targeted sites like-

• Cancers
• Brain disorders
• Chronic disease management

How do nanoparticles work?

The nanoparticles are the carrier molecules.

These exhibit a high surface area-to-volume ratio.

Drug particles are encapsulated or adsorbed at the carrier molecule and produced at the nanoscale (1-100nm).

It increases its drug loading capacity.

• It offers more binding sites for the drug molecule.
• The nanoparticles are hollow, which increases their encapsulation capacity.
• The larger surface area offers multiple sites for binding different drug groups.
• The large surface area increases the drug solubility.
• The surface adsorption of the drug causes rapid drug release.

Aprazer Healthcare – Innovating New Drug Delivery System 

Aprazer Healthcare (pharmaceutical manufacturer) is the largest generic drug manufacturer.

Equipped with advanced technology and world-class assets, we are focused on developing advanced drug treatments.

We manufacture the widest range of formulations –

• Controlled-release tablets /capsules
• Liposomes
• lyophilized solutions
• Micro-emulsions

The advantages of nanoparticles in a drug delivery system- 

The nanoparticle engineering offers many advantages over the conventional drug delivery system-

Targeted drug release – 

The drug molecules at the surface of the carrier bind to the targeted sites.

Due to their small size, they are permeable to reach targeted cells and blood vessels.

They are engineered to release a drug in specific environments, for example, PH /temperature.

Improved bioavailability and stability – 

Due to their high surface area, they have increased solubility/bioavailability.

The encapsulation process forms a protective barrier.

It prevents their degradation by the harsh enzymes.

It enhances stability.

Controlled release – 

The Nano carriers are like “drug depots”. They slowly release the drug through diffusion.

The drug is not released immediately.

The outer shell slowly disintegrates to release the drug.

It offers prolonged and sustained drug release.

Overcoming biological barriers- 

The surface of the nano particles is actively charged with the ligands to bind specific targets.

It increases their permeability to the targeted area.

It helps cross the –

• Blood-brain barrier
• Immunological barriers
• Cell membranes

Fewer side effects – 

They release drugs to the specific sites.

It prevents healthy cells.

Due to controlled release, it lowers the toxic effects.

Due to targeted release, lowered dose is required to reach peak concentration.

The Types of Nano Carriers- 

Liposomes– These are spherical to encapsulate drugs.

Solid colloidal particles- used for controlled release formulations. They are biodegradable polymers.

Micelles- widely used for poorly soluble drugs.

Dendrimers- Branched macromolecules forming drug conjugates. 

Solid lipid nanoparticles- crystal lattice structures to hold the drug for a long duration. 

Inorganic nanoparticles- Often used for diagnostic purposes. Example – Gold, silver, silica

Carbon nanotubes- Carbon structures to increase drug loading capacity.

Conclusion – 

The nano particles are widely used in modern medicine systems, offering a tailored approach.

The formulations are made targeting the specific genes and the receptors.

These are widely used in –

• Ophthalmic solutions
• As diagnostic agents
• Nano particle-based vaccines
• Targeted drug delivery systems