Green Sustainable Nanoparticles as a Drug Delivery System—An Updated Review

Nanotechnology is a newer science and is applicable in almost all disciplines, from fundamental to applied science. The biggest reason behind these promising results in every discipline is their noticeable change of properties at the nanoscale. Nanotechnology has been benefitting all disciplines. Recently, many researchers and therapeutics industries have shown immense interest in drug delivery through sustainable nanomaterials. This review aims to understand the use of sustainable nanomaterials in drug delivery systems, their history, synthesis method, types and application, mechanism of action and prospects of sustainable nanomaterials. Nanoparticles are nanoscale organic or inorganic particles used as carriers of new drugs or drugs already on the market to enhance their efficacy. They are prepared by several methods based on the types of nanoparticles. However, two approaches are valid for all types of nanoparticles: the top-down approach and the bottom-up approach. Nanoparticles can control and sustain the drug’s release, which will prevent plasma fluctuation and toxicity. They can be easily tailored according to the need and incorporated with ligands or functional groups to increase affinity towards targeted cells, thus reducing drug side effects. There are various types of nanoparticles with distinct properties, and they are selected according to the requirement of the drug delivery system. However, several nanoparticle-conjugated drugs are under investigation. Further research and development are required to enhance the pharmacological profile of sustainable nanoparticle–drug conjugates.