Perspective - Materials Science and Nanotechnology (2023) Volume 7, Issue 2

Nanocarrier: A promising tool in drug delivery.

Department of Basic Science Research Institute, Pukyong National University, Busan, Korea

*Corresponding Author:

Kim Yeol
Department of Basic Science Research Institute
Pukyong National University, Busan, Korea
E-mail: kim.y@pknu.ac.kr

Received: 23-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. AAMSN-23-90272; Editor assigned: 27-Feb-2023, PreQC No. AAMSN-23-90272 (PQ); Reviewed: 11-Mar-2023, QC No. AAMSN-23-90272; Revised: 17-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AAMSN-23-90272 (R); Published: 23-Mar-2023, DOI: 10.35841/aamsn-7.2.136

Citation: Yeol K. Nanocarrier: A promising tool in drug delivery. Mater Sci Nanotechnol. 2023;7(2):136

The field of drug delivery has seen a significant advancement in recent years due to the emergence of various novel delivery systems. One such innovative approach is the use of nanocarriers, which are nanoparticles that encapsulate the drug molecule and deliver it to the targeted site in the body. Nanocarriers have shown tremendous potential in enhancing the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of drugs.

Nanocarriers are nanoscale particles that have the capability of carrying therapeutic agents to the targeted site in the body. They are made up of biocompatible materials that can encapsulate drug molecules and protect them from degradation and elimination by the body's defense system. Nanocarriers can be engineered to have a specific size, shape, and surface properties that allow them to interact with biological tissues and cells. The small size of nanocarriers allows them to penetrate deep into tissues and reach the target site, which is difficult for larger particles [1].

Types of Nanocarriers

Various types of nanocarriers have been developed for drug delivery, each with its unique properties and advantages. Some of the commonly used nanocarriers are as follows:

Liposomes

Liposomes are spherical nanocarriers made up of phospholipids that can encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. They can be functionalized with targeting ligands that enable them to selectively bind to specific cells or tissues. Liposomes are biocompatible and biodegradable, making them suitable for drug delivery applications [2].

Polymeric Nanoparticles

Polymeric nanoparticles are made up of synthetic or natural polymers that can encapsulate drug molecules. They have a high drug-loading capacity and can be engineered to release the drug at a specific rate. Polymeric nanoparticles can also be functionalized with targeting ligands, making them suitable for targeted drug delivery.

Dendrimers

Dendrimers are branched, tree-like nanocarriers that can encapsulate drug molecules within their interior. They have a well-defined size and shape, which allows for precise control over drug loading and release. Dendrimers can be functionalized with targeting ligands and can penetrate deep into tissues, making them suitable for targeted drug delivery [3].

Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical nanocarriers made up of carbon atoms. They have a high surface area and can encapsulate drug molecules on their surface or within their hollow interior. Carbon nanotubes have shown promise in delivering drugs across the blood-brain barrier, making them suitable for treating neurological disorders.

Applications of Nanocarriers in Drug Delivery

Nanocarriers have been extensively studied for drug delivery applications and have shown tremendous potential in enhancing the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of drugs. Some of the major applications of nanocarriers in drug delivery are as follows:

Cancer Therapy

Nanocarriers have shown great promise in cancer therapy by selectively delivering the drug to the tumor site while sparing healthy tissues. Nanocarriers functionalized with targeting ligands can bind to the cancer cells and release the drug, leading to improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced toxicity.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Disorders

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits the delivery of drugs to the CNS, making it challenging to treat neurological disorders. Nanocarriers such as liposomes and dendrimers can cross the BBB and deliver the drug to the brain, making them promising tools for treating CNS disorders [4].

Gene Therapy

Nanocarriers can also be used for gene therapy by delivering genes to the targeted cells.

Nanocarriers can be made up of various materials such as lipids, polymers, metals, and carbon, depending on the specific application. The drug molecules are encapsulated within the nanocarrier, which protects them from degradation and elimination by the body's defense system. The size of the nanocarrier is typically in the range of 10-1000 nanometers, which is much smaller than the cells in the body. This small size allows the nanocarriers to penetrate deep into tissues and reach the target site, which is difficult for larger particles [5].

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