Nanotechnology can be used to improve drug delivery in 3 key ways:
1) Nanoparticles can effectively target drugs to specific areas, like tumors, improving treatment and reducing side effects. Different types of nanoparticles like gold nanorods, quantum dots, and liposomes are being developed for targeted delivery.
2) Nanoparticles can help protect drugs from degradation and control their release in the body over extended time periods, improving compliance. This allows drugs to be administered less frequently.
3) Nanotechnology has the potential to lower drug costs by allowing conventional drugs to be delivered more effectively in low doses using nanoparticle carriers, extending their patent lifetimes.