An overview on oral drug delivery via nano-based formulations

Abstract

Oral drug administration is used for a large number of medications, intended to create a systemic effect in the body. Over the recent years, an increasing attention has been directed by pharmacists toward the development of successful formulations for oral drug delivery. However, this issue is still controversial in pharmaceutical technology with many limitations due to the numerous barriers against the absorption and permeability in the gastrointestinal tract. On the other hand, drug carriers play an important role in providing prolonged release and delivery and overcome the multiple barriers of maintaining appropriate bioavailability. Nano scaling of the particles, carriers, and polymers has also provided the capability to characterize and control materials in order to produce unique pharmaceutical components and structures. Furthermore, personalized healthcare, rational drug design, and site-specific targeted drug delivery are some of the profits gained from a nano-based formulation approach. This review aimed to evaluate the evidence on some different types of nanoscaled drug delivery systems, which allow for the delivery of smallmolecule drugs and facilitate the merging of larger particles, such as nucleic acids, peptides, and proteins. The delivery of these molecules to the exact target areas inside the body can be accomplished, which would decrease systemic adverse effects and allow for more effective application of the pharmaceutical preparations.