Nanotechnology-enhanced Phytonutraceuticals: Innovations in Characterization, Formulation, and Therapeutic Applications

Abstract

Nanotechnology refers to the branch of science and engineering devoted to designing, producing, and using structures, devices, and systems by manipulating atoms and molecules at nano-scale, having one or more dimensions of the order of 100 nanometres (100 millionth of a millimetre) or less. Nanotechnology is the exploitation of the unique properties of materials at the nanoscale. Nanotechnology has gained popularity in several industries, as it offers better built and smarter products. The ability to manipulate structures at the atomic scale allows for the creation of nanomaterials. Nanomaterials have unique optical, electrical and/or magnetic properties at the nanoscale, and these can be used in the fields of electronics and medicine, amongst other scenarios. Nanomaterials are unique as they provide a large surface area to volume ratio. Unlike other large-scaled engineered objects and systems, nanomaterials are governed by the laws of quantum mechanics instead of the classical laws of physics and chemistry. Nanotechnology is the engineering of useful objects and functional systems at the molecular or atomic scale. Nano-formulations are widely used for phyto-nutraceuticals and drug delivery systems. These substances are generally having low solubility, leading to their poor absorption and bioavailability in the human body. In this regard, one of the most important applications of nanotechnology in food sector has been the formulation of novel neutraceutical compounds with improved properties viz., enhanced solubility, stability, bioavailability and efficacy. This is achieved by encapsulation of neutraceutical by nanoparticles, which modifies their pharmacokinetics (PK) and biodistribution (BD). Nano-formulations widely used for the purpose are nanoliposomes, nanoemulsions, nanoparticles, nanofibres. The particles are characterized by scanning probe microscope (SPM), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis spectrophotometer, SEM, TEM, Dynamic light scattering (DLS).