Table 1 Pharmaceutical nanosystems (classification of nanotools)
From: Nanotechnology: from In Vivo Imaging System to Controlled Drug Delivery
Classification | Sub types | Examples | Structures | Applications | References | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pharmaceutical nanosystems | Nanomaterials | On basis of structure | Polymeric | Drug conjugates |
| • Deliver cytotoxic agents • Provide controlled release • Increase potency, tolerability and activity of drugs | [130] |
Micelles |
| • Amphiphilic block copolymers • Extremely small structure • Increase aqueous solubility of drugs | [131] | ||||
Dendrimers |
| • Photodynamic therapy, boron neutron capture therapy • Potent anticancer agents | |||||
Nonpolymeric | Quantum dots |
| • Luminescent nanoprobes • Improved efficacy and bioavailability • Reduced side effects | [134] | |||
Carbon nanotubes |
| • Increase drug solubility and stability • Targeted drug delivery • Combination therapy | [135] | ||||
Metallic nanoparticles |
| • Contrast agents • Provide controlled, targeted delivery | [136] | ||||
Silica nanoparticles |
| • Improved pharmacokinetic profile • Enhanced bioavailability • Cornell dots | [137] | ||||
Dimension wise | Zero-nanodimension | Spheres, clusters (fullerene) |
| • Production of nanoparticles • Functionalization of nanoparticles by dendritic structures | [138] | ||
One-nanodimension | Fibers, wires, rods |
| • Increase stability • Use in nanodevices, fibrils of nanodimensions, fabrication of polymer nanocomposites | ||||
Two-nanodimension | Films, plates, networks |
| • Used in sensing, electronics and optoelectronics | [141] | |||
Three-nanodimension | Tri and tetra pods, nanocombs |
| • Used in separation, catalytic, biomedical and heat transfer | [142] | |||
Phase composition wise | Single phase solids | Amorphous particles and layers |
| • Increase drug solubility • Increase the shelf life of drugs | [143] | ||
Multi-phase solids | Matrix composites |
| • Long term, repeated, on demand delivery of drugs for pain, chemotherapy, and insulin | [144] | |||
Multi-phase system | Colloids, ferro fluids |
| • Diagnosis and drug targeting • Deliver vaccines, toxoids, anticancer, gene and anti HIV drugs | [145] | |||
Nanodevices | NEMS/MEMS |
| • Microscopic devices with length more than 100 nm but less than 1 mm, possess combined electrical and mechanical components • Used for optical activities, electronic or biological applications and micro machines | [146] | |||
Microarrays |
| • Mapping of biological pathways, analysis of bio molecular interactions, assay development for compound screening, delivery of protein and peptides | [147] | ||||
Respirocytes |
| • Artificial nanospherical robotic erythrocytes with internal pressure 1000 atm of combined oxygen and carbon dioxide • Preserve living tissues, treat anemia, asphyxia, and other respiratory problems | [148] | ||||
