Nanocrystals: An Approachable Delivery System for Anticancer Therapeutics

Abstract

Abstract: Cancer accounts for the high mortality rate and limits the life expectancy of an individual. As per the WHO report of 2020, cancer accounts for >10 million deaths globally. Scientists are continuously pitching toward the development of novel techniques to combat this menace and enhance the efficacy of prevailing molecules. In the early phases of the drug development process, >40% of promising new therapeutic molecules are hydrophobic. Low aqueous solubility results in compromised bioavailability on administration. This limitation is a major drawback for the therapeutic use of anticancer drugs. Drug nanocrystals (NCs) have sparked a lot of interest in drug delivery. This might be due to their excellent physicochemical characteristics like tailored dissolution, high drug loading efficiency, extended circulation period, and high structural stability. There are ‘n’ a number of the characteristics that make drug nanocrystals a promising formulation for the treatment of cancer. In the last few years, many hydrophobic or lipophilic drugs like camptothecin, paclitaxel, cyclosporin, busulfan, and thymectacin have been formulated as drug nanocrystals against anticancer therapeutics. Various formulation technologies have been developed in conjunction with nanocrystal development. This includes top-down approaches, bottom-up approaches, as well as combination technology. In this article, we will focus on the various manufacturing processes, biological fate and therapeutic applications of NCs, and future perspectives in the management of cancer.