title: Nano-formulations of drugs: Recent developments, impact and challenges.
abstract: Nano-formulations of medicinal drugs have attracted the interest of many researchers for drug delivery applications. These nano-formulations enhance the properties of conventional drugs and are specific to the targeted delivery site. Dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, nano-emulsions and micelles are some of the nano-formulations that are gaining prominence in pharmaceutical industry for enhanced drug formulation. Wide varieties of synthesis methods are available for the preparation of nano-formulations to deliver drugs in biological system. The choice of synthesis methods depend on the size and shape of particulate formulation, biochemical properties of drug, and the targeted site. This article discusses recent developments in nano-formulation and the progressive impact on pharmaceutical research and industries. Additionally, process challenges relating to consistent generation of nano-formulations for drug delivery are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, CDT 250, 98009, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Jaison
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jeevanandam
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, CDT 250, 98009, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. Electronic address: chanyensan@curtin.edu.my.
authors.forename: Yen San
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, CDT 250, 98009, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Michael K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Danquah
mesh_terms: D050091:Dendrimers / Q000737:chemistry; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D004655:Emulsions / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry; D008823:Micelles; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends
chemical_list: D050091:Dendrimers; D004655:Emulsions; D008081:Liposomes; D008823:Micelles; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D011108:Polymers
keywords: Drug delivery; Impact and challenges; Nano-formulation