Nanotechnology and Drug Delivery

Part 2: Nanostructures for Drug Delivery

Nelson A Ochekpe¹*, Patrick O Olorunfemi² and Ndidi C Ngwuluka²

¹Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and ²Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, PMB 2084, Jos, Nigeria

*For correspondence: E-mail: ochekpen@yahoo.com  Tel: +234-(0)8037006372

Received: 4 Nov 2008                                                                            Revised accepted: 13 Jan 2009

Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, June 2009; 8(3): 275-287

Abstract

This is the second part of a review on nanotechnology in general and particularly as it pertains to drug deliver. In the earlier paper (Part 1), nanotechnology in nature, its history as well as design and methods were discussed. Its applications, benefits and risks were also outlined. In this paper (Part 2), various nanostructures employed in drug delivery, their methods of fabrication and challenges of nano drug delivery are reviewed. Nanotechnology is one approach to overcome challenges of conventional drug delivery systems based on the development and fabrication of nanostructures. Some challenges associated with the technology as it relates to drug effectiveness, toxicity, stability, pharmacokinetics and drug regulatory control are discussed in this review. Clearly, nanotechnology is a welcome development that is set to transform drug delivery and drug supply chain management, if optimally developed.

 Keywords: Nanotechnology, Nanobiotechnology, Drug delivery, Nanostructures, Nanomaterials, Nanocarriers.