Abstract Nanotechnology has emerged as a major tool in the current scientific research and the properties of nanostructures and their modified forms have been utilized in different fields of science. Nanomaterials are recognized as the novel platforms for the easy and safe delivery of oral medicine, hence, widely used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Recent research focus shifted toward multifunctionalized nanostructures for efficient drug delivery with two or more achievable properties one at a time by oral delivery. The commonly used nanostructures are liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, inorganic and organic nanoparticles. Nanostructures by themselves serve as oral medicine, based on the selection and designing. Combining nanostructures with conventional medicine increases the therapeutic value by modifying the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of the medicine, at the same time improves its stability, reduces toxicity, and avoids the need for repeated administration. The important aspect of nanoparticulate-mediated drug delivery lies in its ability to specifically target the drug to diseased cells. Nanoparticles serve as effective targeting agents of therapeutics at the disease site, while minimizing off-target side effects to normal tissues. This chapter focuses on the role of nanostructures conjugated to phytochemicals (phytonanoconjugates) in oral medicine by the extensive reviewing of the latest research findings.
Date:
2017-04
Relation:
Nanostructures for Oral Medicine. 2017 Apr. 14:639-668.
