Metal and carbon nanocarriers for potential delivery of plant-based active ingredients

Abstract

Recent advancements in the use of phytoconstituents in either conjugated or encapsulated form with different nanocarriers is a new area of interest in the field of disease therapy. Plant active ingredients, or phytochemicals, are predominantly secondary metabolites that are reported to be beneficial in several clinical applications, like bacterial infection, wound healing, and cancer. However, their biological activity is limited by poor solubility, short half-lives, and quick clearance from the body. Nanotechnology has emerged as an efficient platform for overcoming these drawbacks to effectively deliver phytochemicals. This book chapter focuses on recent breakthroughs in nanocarriers, especially carbon-based nanoparticles and metallic nanoparticles, as potential solutions for improved delivery of these plant-derived phytochemicals. Moreover, several advantages offered by these phytomedicine nanoformulations have been highlighted. Overall, we have emphasized the evolving applications and pioneering progress of metallic and carbon-based nanocarriers for the delivery of plant active ingredients.