Title:Synergistic Interplay of Medicinal Chemistry and Formulation Strategies in Nanotechnology – From Drug Discovery to Nanocarrier Design and Development
Volume: 17
Issue: 13
Author(s): Suhair Sunoqrot*, Rania Hamed, Heba Abdel-Halim and Ola Tarawneh
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733,Jordan
Keywords:
Combinatorial chemistry, Computational modeling, Drug discovery, High-throughput screening, Nanomedicine,
Structure-activity relationship.
Abstract: Over the last few decades, nanotechnology has given rise to promising new therapies and
diagnostic tools for a wide range of diseases, especially cancer. The unique properties of nanocarriers
such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, and bioconjugates have mainly been exploited
to enhance drug solubility, dissolution, and bioavailability. The most important advantage offered by
nanotechnology is the ability to specifically target organs, tissues, and individual cells, which ultimately
reduces the systemic side effects and improves the therapeutic index of drug molecules. The
contribution of medicinal chemistry to nanotechnology is evident in the abundance of new active
molecules that are being discovered but are faced with tremendous delivery challenges by conventional
formulation strategies. Additionally, medicinal chemistry plays a crucial role in all the steps involved
in the preparation of nanocarriers, where structure-activity relationships of the drug molecule
as well as the nanocarrier are harnessed to enhance the design, efficacy, and safety of nanoformulations.
The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the contributions of medicinal chemistry to
nanotechnology, from supplying drug candidates and inspiring high-throughput nanocarrier design
strategies, to structure-activity relationship elucidation and construction of computational models for
better understanding of nanocarrier physicochemical properties and biological behavior. These two
fields are undoubtedly interconnected and we will continue to see the fruits of that communion for
years to come.
