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Journal of Modern Chemistry & Chemical Technology Original Research

Smart Nanomaterials for Targeted Drug Delivery: Properties, Functionalization and Biomedical Applications

  1. Aastha Sharma Department of Chemistry, NSCBM Govt. College, Hamirpur
  2. Ashita Garg Department of Chemistry, NSCBM Govt. College, Hamirpur
  3. Samjeet Singh Thakur Department of Chemistry, NSCBM Govt. College, Hamirpur

Abstract

Targeted drug delivery has become an important area of research in modern pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. Traditional drug delivery methods often suffer from several limitations such as poor bioavailability, non-specific distribution of drugs and undesirable side effects caused by the exposure of healthy tissues to therapeutic agents. In recent years, nanotechnology has provided innovative solutions to overcome these challenges through the development of smart nanomaterials capable of delivering drugs directly to specific sites in the body. These nanomaterials possess unique physicochemical properties such as small size, high surface area, and the ability to respond to different biological stimuli. The objective is to examine the role of smart nanomaterials in targeted drug delivery and to discuss their mechanisms, types, applications, and recent research developments. Various smart nanocarriers including liposome, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, gold nanoparticles and magnetic nanoparticles have shown significant potential in improving the efficiency and selectivity of drug delivery systems. These materials can be designed to respond to internal stimuli such as pH, enzymes, and redox conditions or external stimuli such as temperature, light and magnetic fields, enabling controlled and site-specific drug release. Recent studies indicate that smart nanomaterials significantly enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. They have demonstrated promising applications in the treatment of cancer, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases by enabling precise drug targeting and controlled release. Despite certain challenges related to toxicity, stability, and large-scale production, the development of smart nanomaterials represents a major advancement in modern medicine. Overall, the integration of nanotechnology with drug delivery systems has a potential to revolutionize therapeutic strategies and contribute to the development of safer, more effective, and personalized treatment approaches in the future.

Keywords

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