ABSTRACT
The impact of nanomaterials on drug delivery is significant and the emergence of polymeric nanoparticles provides a unique platform for the delivery of drug molecules of a diverse nature. The conventional drug delivery system is widely changing with the development of nanoparticulate drug delivery systems. Because of their unique physicochemical properties, nanomaterials can be used for the strategic development of new drug delivery systems and reformulating existing drugs and therapeutics to escalate the effectiveness, patent protection, patient compliance, and safety of drugs. Nanoscale drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles, nanoliposome, nanoemulsions, nanosuspensions, dendrimers, nanopores, nanotubes, nanocrystals, quantum dots, and nanosponge are believed to have the potential 2to revolutionize the drug delivery strategy. Nanocarriers can be conjugated with a ligand such as an antibody to favor a targeted therapeutic approach. In the present chapter we will mainly highlight the current status of the nanoscale drug delivery systems along with the progress of research in the field. Furthermore, we will throw some light on the development of polymeric nanoparticles and how multifunctionality can be engineered into polymeric nanoparticles for tumor specific treatment. In short, we will provide an update on how nanotherapeutics may revolutionize the entire drug therapy strategy and bring it to a new look in the near future.
