A review on the synthesis, surface modification and drug delivery of nanoparticles

Abstract

Over the past few years, the evolution of nanotechnology has extended into a wide range of applications. Nanotechnology has now become a multidisciplinary science that applies to electronics, materials science, biomedical engineering, microbiology, etc. Recently, nanotechnology is being used in biomedical and pharmaceutical science. Among them drug delivery is set to spread rapidly. Application of nanotechnology in health sector also created a potential impact such as in the fields of immunology, cardiology, endocrinology, ophthalmology, and oncology. Nanoparticles are unique because of their large surface area and it has the potential to change the properties of a bulk number of materials. The surface of nanoparticles can be modified with the help of various polymers, organic and inorganic substances according to the specific application and their use. Nanoparticles are also utilized as nano shells in drug delivery systems and cancer therapy. Nano shells can recognize the cancer cells when they are injected into the cancer area. The heat generated by the light absorbing nano shells due to the application of the near infrared light successfully kills tumour cells leaving the noncarcinogenic cells intact. In this review article, nanoparticles, the health implication of nanoparticles and their synthesis are discussed.