Current Metabolomics and Systems Biology (Discontinued) - Online First

Nanosuspensions are an effective way to improve the delivery of drugs that do not dissolve well in water, especially those classified in the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) Classes II and IV. These drugs often have poor bioavailability. Traditional methods, like salt formation, solid dispersion, and reducing particle size, can help, but they also have drawbacks such as high cost, drug instability, and difficulties in large-scale production. Nanosuspensions are minuscule particles of pure drug, dispersed in a liquid with the help of stabilizers like surfactants or polymers. These systems are easy to prepare and can be scaled up for industrial use. They also work for both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. Common methods to make nanosuspensions include high-pressure homogenization, wet milling, and emulsification-solvent evaporation. Newer methods, such as bottom-up (precipitation) and top-down (grinding) technologies, are also being explored. By reducing the particle size, nanosuspensions increase the drug's surface area, which leads to faster and improved dissolution. This helps the drug work more effectively in the body. Nanosuspensions can be administered in different ways, like oral routes, injections, or applied to the skin, eyes, and lungs. They can also be designed to release the drug slowly over time or target specific parts of the body, which reduces side effects and how often a drug needs to be taken. This review focuses on how nanosuspensions are made, how they are tested and characterized, and how they are being used to improve the effectiveness of poorly soluble drugs. Their ability to improve solubility, stability, and bioavailability makes them a valuable option in modern drug delivery.