Zinc oxide nanoparticles as delivery system to combat diseases

The potential delivery of nanoparticles to targeted cells has attracted attention in the therapeutic applications for cancer and infectious diseases as the nanoparticles having the capability to attach the therapeutic components effectively. Interestingly, so far studies indicate that zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) may hold considerable promise not only as delivery carrier but also as antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic agent for in vivo biomedical applications. These nanomaterials are also equally suitable to overcome biological barriers, multidrug resistance and biofilm development. This review demonstrates the synthesis, functionalization, characterization, mechanism of action, biodistribution, toxicity, immune response and elimination of ZnO NPs in vitro or in vivo as current approaches for improving their targeting to specific site of interest in combating diseases. The surface modifications of these nanoparticles with specific biomolecules based components delivery may drive new direction for modulating the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and increasing efficiency of the targeted agents. These new strategies are considered for minimizing degradation and loss, and enhancing bioavailability of components to open up newer horizons for delivery system.