Nanotechnology is a new platform through which the delivery of
therapeutics takes place using nanoformulation to overcome the pharmacokinetics
challenges of the drug. This chapter presents an overview of nanotechnology-based
delivery systems such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles
(SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles.
The potential advantages of the use of a nanotechnology-based delivery system over
the conventional drug delivery system are highlighted. The rationale for the
development of a nanotechnology-based delivery system is discussed in detail. The
aspects of various characterization studies of nanoparticles and their effect on
performance behavior are discussed. The potential applications of nanotechnologybased delivery systems and nonparticulate drug delivery systems, such as oral, dermal,
ocular, and parenteral, are currently being explored.
Keywords: Characterization, Liposomes, Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles, Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles, NLC, Oral delivery, Ocular delivery, SLN, Therapeutic applications.