Smart and Sustainable Nanomaterials for Digital Healthcare: Application in Drug Delivery

Nanomaterials have revolutionized drug delivery, boosting therapeutic outcomes and reducing potential negative effects. Their distinctive characteristics, for instance, an extensive surface area, biocompatibility, and the capacity to tailor surface characteristics, enable precise and regulated drug delivery. Diverse nanomaterials like liposomes, dendrimers, nanotubes, and nanoparticles are engineered to enclose drugs, boosting their solubility and ensuring greater stability. Nanocarriers are tailored to activate in response to specific factors like pH variations, temperature, and electromagnetic signals, ensuring controlled drug release precisely at the target site. Furthermore, altering surface properties allows for active targeting of affected tissues, promoting cancer cell uptake while minimizing impact on healthy cells. Clinical research has highlighted the promise of nanomaterials for administering chemotherapeutic agents, biologics, and vaccines, offering a pathway to more efficient treatment strategies. This chapter summarizes the recent advancements and key developments, current obstacles, and potential future perspectives in utilizing nanomaterials for drug delivery applications, emphasizing their role in personalized medicine.