Nanoformulations for drug delivery: safety, toxicity, and efficacy

This chapter presents an outline of the recent available information regarding safety, toxicity, and efficacy of nano drug delivery systems. Of particular importance is the evaluation of several key factors to design nontoxic and effective nanoformulations. Among them, we focus on nanostructure materials and synthesis methods, mechanisms of interactions with biological systems, treatment of nanoparticles, manufacture impurities, and nanostability. Emphasis is given to in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models used to assess and predict the toxicity of these new formulations. Additionally, some examples of in vitro and in vivo studies of specific nanoderivatives are also presented in this chapter.