ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the different types of nanoparticles, and provides an overview of their methods of preparation. Metallic nanoparticles have become an area of great interest in scientific research and medical applications, which is actually a result of their unique properties owing to their large surface-to-volume ratios and quantum effects. Silica nanoparticles have found application in controlled delivery systems as it is able to store and gradually release therapeutic agents. The lipids with longer fatty acid chain are more lipophilic and can encapsulate more lipophilic drugs and vice versa. Selection of an appropriate lipid is also required for the pharmaceutical acceptability of the formulation. When compared to conventional dosage forms such as capsules or drug solutions, synthesis of nanoparticles is more troublesome and longer time taking process. This also leads to higher costs of synthesis which makes the whole nano formulation much more expensive.
