1,2,3,5IVM'S Krishnarao Bhegade Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Talegaon Dabhade, Pune, India-410506.
4Hi tech college of Pharmacy, Morwa, Chandrapur.
6Mauli college of pharmacy, Udgir.
Green nanotechnology is transforming pharmaceutical sciences by integrating eco-friendly principles with advanced drug delivery systems. This review explores sustainable nanoparticle synthesis using biological methods, their applications in targeted drug delivery, controlled release, and drug stabilization. The environmental benefits of biodegradable nanocarriers, along with regulatory and ethical considerations, are discussed. Despite challenges such as high production costs and synthesis inconsistencies, green nanotechnology holds promise for personalized medicine, immunotherapy, and AI-driven formulation optimization. Establishing global regulatory standards and addressing long-term environmental impacts are crucial for its advancement. Continued interdisciplinary research will enable green nanotechnology to revolutionize sustainable pharmaceutical development.
With previously unheard-of possibilities to improve therapeutic efficacy, safety, and patient compliance, nanotechnology has completely transformed the world of drug compositions. Through the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale (1–100 nm), scientists can create drug delivery systems with special physicochemical characteristics, such as enhanced stability, solubility, and targeted distribution. These developments tackle major issues with traditional drug delivery, including systemic toxicity, low bioavailability, and the inability to establish regulated release. In a variety of therapeutic domains, such as oncology, infectious diseases, and chronic disorders, nanocarriers such liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and solid lipid nanoparticles have demonstrated enormous potential in enhancing drug delivery (Kumar et al., 2021). Nanotechnology’s capacity to facilitate targeted medication administration, which reduces off-target effects and increases drug accumulation at the desired site, is one of its most important benefits in therapeutic formulations. To ensure accurate medication delivery, liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles, for example, can be modified with surface ligands that recognize particular cellular receptors (Torchilin, 2005). Additionally, the development of stimuli-responsive systems which release medications in reaction to environmental cues like pH, temperature, or enzymes is made easier by nanotechnology, offering on-demand therapeutic benefits (Zhang et al., 2012). The use of nanotechnology in pharmaceuticals presents environmental issues despite its revolutionary potential. Sustainable methods are necessary since the creation and disposal of nanomaterials may have unforeseen ecological effects. One important tactic to lessen these difficulties is green nanotechnology, which emphasizes ecologically friendly synthesis and applications (Rai et al., 2018). Significant gains in therapeutic outcomes have been made possible by revolutionary developments in medication formulations brought about by nanotechnology, the science of manipulating materials at the nanoscale (1–100 nm). The limitations of traditional medicines can be addressed by this technology, which enables the development of drug delivery systems with improved bioavailability, precision targeting, and controlled release. For example, poorly soluble medications can be encapsulated by nanoparticles to increase their solubility and absorption, and targeted delivery systems guarantee that medications are released at the precise location of action, minimizing systemic side effects (Wang et al., 2021). Green nanotechnology emphasizes the creation of sustainable and ecologically friendly nanomaterials by combining the concepts of green chemistry with nanotechnology. This strategy employs non-toxic solvents, renewable materials, and energy-efficient synthesis techniques to lessen the environmental impact of nanotechnology. In pharmaceutical sciences, green nanotechnology plays a key role in tackling the environmental issues related to the creation, application, and disposal of nanomaterials (Rastogi et al., 2021).
The foundation of green nanotechnology is green synthesis techniques, which provide sustainable and environmentally favorable methods for producing nanoparticles. Utilizing natural resources as stabilizing and reducing agents such as microbes, biopolymers, and plant extracts is given priority in these techniques. To reduce the need for dangerous chemicals, plant-based synthesis, for instance, uses phytochemicals such as terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids to create nanoparticles (Ahmed et al., 2021). Similar to this, microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae work as biological factories for the production of nanoparticles, guaranteeing a scalable and sustainable method (Chowdhury et al., 2022). Green synthesis techniques not only make use of biological resources but also steer clear of the organic solvents and hazardous chemicals that are frequently used in the creation of conventional nanoparticles. By doing this, the production process’s environmental impact is decreased and the final nanomaterials’ biocompatibility is improved. Biopolymers including chitosan, cellulose, and starch are also added to nanoparticles to give them increased stability, which makes them appropriate for use in pharmaceutical applications (Kumar et al., 2023).
In order to ensure environmental sustainability and biocompatibility, a key component of green nanotechnology is the production of nanoparticles using renewable and biodegradable ingredients. Plant-derived polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids are examples of renewable materials that make good precursors for the synthesis of nanoparticles because of their easy modification, non-toxicity, and natural abundance. Alginate, cellulose, and chitosan are examples of polysaccharides that are frequently used to create nanoparticles with improved stability and regulated drug release characteristics (Patil et al., 2021). In order to reduce the negative effects of nanoparticles on the environment, biodegradable materials are essential. Polymers that break down into non-toxic byproducts, such polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), lessen the long-term environmental impact of nanomaterials. Furthermore, lecithin and silk fibroin are examples of natural lipids and proteins that are being employed more and more to create nanoparticles with enhanced biocompatibility and decreased toxicity. In addition to being in line with green chemistry principles, these materials aid in the creation of pharmaceutical formulations that are safer and more environmentally friendly (Shah et al., 2022).
Incorporating green nanotechnology into the manufacture of nanoparticles aims to lessen emissions, energy use, and waste creation in order to lessen the environmental impact. Conventional nanoparticle synthesis frequently uses energy-intensive procedures, dangerous chemicals, and waste-producing processes. But green approaches use energy-efficient techniques such mechanochemical processes, ultrasound-mediated synthesis, and microwave-assisted synthesis, which drastically reduce energy requirements and improve reaction efficiency (Gao et al., 2021). The use of non-toxic, biodegradable reagents and the use of atom-economical processes not only save energy consumption but also minimize waste. Methods like solvent-free synthesis and by-product recycling also help cut down on waste (Sarkar et al., 2023). Greenhouse gas emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the manufacture of nanoparticles can be reduced by using aqueous-phase processes and sustainable source materials. For instance, the production of nanoparticles using water as a solvent does away with the requirement for volatile organic solvents, which is consistent with the ideas of green chemistry (Bhattacharjee et al., 2022).
Precision medicine has seen a revolution thanks to green nanotechnology, especially in the area of targeted drug delivery. Green nanoparticles are being used more and more to improve drug selectivity and lower systemic toxicity. They are made utilizing environmentally friendly techniques like plant extracts or biopolymers. Targeting cancer cells or pathogens is made possible by the special surface plasmon resonance capabilities and excellent biocompatibility of gold and silver nanoparticles that are produced using environmentally friendly technologies (Jahan et al., 2021). Likewise, polymeric nanoparticles made from biodegradable substances like PLGA and chitosan offer regulated and prolonged drug release, guaranteeing improved therapeutic results with little adverse effects (Singh et al., 2022). As evidenced by multiple case studies, plant-mediated nanoparticles have demonstrated tremendous promise in the treatment of particular diseases. For example, green-synthesized gold nanoparticles containing extracts from Azadirachta indica, or neem, have demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity and cellular absorption when utilized to deliver anticancer medications to breast cancer cells (Ahmed et al., 2023). A sustainable way to fight diseases is provided by silver nanoparticles made with extracts from Curcuma longa, or turmeric, which have demonstrated strong antibacterial action against bacteria that are resistant to drugs. Green nanoparticles have the ability to transform medicine delivery methods while upholding eco-friendly standards, as demonstrated by these instances (Khan et al., 2022).
A major development in drug delivery, controlled release systems, made possible by biodegradable nanocarriers, allow for precise and long-lasting therapeutic effects. Hydrogels, liposomes, and polymeric nanoparticles are examples of biodegradable nanocarriers that are made to break down into non-toxic byproducts with little harm to the environment and enhanced patient safety. Polymers having controlled drug release qualities, such as polylactic acid (PLA), poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and chitosan, are frequently employed to create nanocarriers that provide sustained therapeutic activity while lowering the frequency of dose (Patel et al., 2022). Biodegradable nanocarriers are used in cancer treatment to transport chemotherapeutic drugs directly to tumor locations, reducing systemic toxicity and improving drug effectiveness. To improve treatment outcomes, doxorubicin-loaded PLGA-based nanoparticles, for example, have shown improved accumulation in tumor tissues and sustained drug release (Kumar et al., 2023). Likewise, in the treatment of diabetes, biodegradable nanocarriers are used to create insulin delivery systems that prolong glucose control and lessen the frequency of injections (Gupta et al., 2021).
Pharmaceutical formulations face major hurdles, and nanoscale carriers have shown great promise in enhancing the stability of poorly soluble or labile medicines. The stability and bioavailability of medications that are susceptible to breakdown by light, oxygen, or pH changes are improved by the protective environment these carriers which include liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, and solid lipid nanoparticles offer. These medications’ solubility is frequently increased and degradation is reduced when they are encapsulated in nanocarriers, resulting in more potent therapeutic effects (Chaudhary et al., 2021). Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are two examples of lipid-based nanocarriers that are very helpful for stabilizing hydrophobic medications. Drug shelf-life and therapeutic efficacy are increased by these carriers, which also enhance drug solubility, inhibit hydrolytic degradation, and offer regulated release (Singh et al., 2023). Polymeric nanoparticles also provide durability to medications that are susceptible to oxidation and enzymatic breakdown by shielding them from environmental influences (Zhao et al., 2022). Moreover, protein and peptide medication formulations, which are frequently susceptible to denaturation and aggregation, can be overcome with the use of nanoscale carriers. Insulin encapsulation with biodegradable nanoparticles, for instance, has been shown to improve therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance by stabilizing the medication and guaranteeing its continuous release (Kumar et al., 2021). The aforementioned developments underscore the critical function of nanotechnology in enhancing the stability of many medication classes, especially those whose instability would otherwise restrict their clinical use (Ghosh et al., 2021).
Adding phytochemicals to green nanocarriers has become a viable way to improve the therapeutic effects and bioavailability of natural goods. Flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and polyphenols are examples of phytochemicals that frequently have strong biological effects but have low solubility, stability, and bioavailability when taken by themselves. These restrictions are addressed by encapsulating these bioactive substances in green nanocarriers, such as liposomes, plant-based nanoparticles, and micelles, which increase their solubility and prevent degradation. By enhancing the pharmacokinetic characteristics of phytochemicals, this method enables more effective transport to the target location, improving the therapeutic results for conditions like diabetes, cancer, and inflammation (Hussain et al., 2021). To increase the bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness of polyphenols like curcumin and resveratrol, for example, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) made from plant extracts have been effectively used (Kumar et al. 2022) Due to greater cellular absorption and prolonged release of curcumin, curcumin-loaded green AuNPs showed improved anticancer activity in vitro. Likewise, quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), two phytochemicals that have been delivered via green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), have demonstrated enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These formulations encourage a more environmentally responsible and sustainable method of medicine delivery in addition to increasing the phytochemicals’ therapeutic potency (Zhang et al., 2023). The creation of sustainable drug formulations is further aided by the use of green nanocarriers derived from natural products. Green chemistry is adhered to by these nanocarriers, which are made from renewable resources like plant-based polymers and do not involve the use of hazardous chemicals or solvents. These formulations help to lessen the environmental impact of drug delivery systems by employing eco-friendly techniques like plant extract-mediated synthesis, while also offering a biocompatible and efficient way to increase the therapeutic potential of natural products (Bashir et al., 2022).
Significant environmental benefits can be obtained from green nanotechnology, especially in the form of lower energy and chemical waste during the manufacturing of nanoparticles. Conventional approaches to the creation of nanoparticles sometimes use high-energy procedures and dangerous chemicals, which pollute the environment. On the other hand, green synthesis techniques minimize energy requirements and do away with the need for hazardous reagents by using environmentally friendly precursors including plant extracts, microorganisms, and biopolymers. It has been demonstrated, for example, that the use of plant extracts in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles can reduce the production of chemical waste while preserving high efficiency and scalability (Patel et al., 2022). In addition, green synthesis techniques frequently use ambient pressure and temperature, which significantly lowers energy usage when compared to traditional high-temperature processes (Khan et al., 2021). The biodegradability of green nanoparticles, which results in less environmental toxicity, is another important environmental advantage. Traditional nanoparticles can linger in ecosystems and endanger aquatic and terrestrial life over time. One example of this is when they are made from non-biodegradable materials. On the other hand, green nanoparticles derived from biodegradable substances such as cellulose, chitosan, and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) break down into non-toxic byproducts, which lessens their environmental impact. In medication delivery, for instance, chitosan-based nanoparticles have shown full biodegradability without posing any discernible environmental risks (Singh et al., 2023). Gold and silver nanoparticles produced by green synthesis break down more easily in natural settings, avoiding bioaccumulation and the related toxicity issues (Ahmed et al., 2023). Green nanotechnology has the potential to support sustainable development because of its increased biodegradability, decreased energy usage, and less chemical waste. In addition to improving the environmental sustainability of nanoparticle production, these approaches that adhere to the principles of green chemistry also guarantee safer and more responsible usage in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries (Sharma et al., 2022).
Green nanotechnology has many benefits, but evaluating the possible hazards of green nanomaterials is still difficult, especially when it comes to their long-term ecotoxicity. Green-synthesized nanoparticles are typically thought to be safer because they are biocompatible and biodegradable, but little is known about their persistence, degradation mechanisms, and environmental behavior. Even green-synthesized nanoparticles have been demonstrated to interact with environmental matrices including soil and water, potentially producing unanticipated ecological impacts. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), for example, can discharge ionic silver into aquatic systems even though they are made from plant extracts. Over time, this could have harmful consequences on aquatic creatures (Khan et al., 2021). Another worry Is the possible buildup of nanoparticles in ecosystems, which could endanger species. Food chain penetration by nanoparticles can result in bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Aquatic species, for instance, have been reported to accumulate gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) made using biopolymers, which can impact their growth and ability to reproduce (Patel et al., 2023). The adsorption of green-synthesized nanoparticles onto soil particles can also change soil fertility and microbial diversity, thereby having an indirect effect on terrestrial ecosystems (Ahmed et al., 2022). Assessing the long-term environmental destiny of these materials is made more difficult by the absence of established techniques (Zhang et al., 2021). Furthermore, the complex interactions between biological systems and green nanoparticles can result in unanticipated toxicity. Concerns over the safe use of chitosan-based nanoparticles in biomedical and environmental applications have been raised by research on the possibility for oxidative stress in specific cell types (Singh et al., 2023). The inadequate decomposition of certain nanoparticles in natural environments might nevertheless endanger non-target animals, such as humans and wildlife, even though green nanotechnology seeks to reduce toxicity (Sharma et al., 2022).
To guarantee the sustainable manufacturing and secure disposal of green nanomaterials, the growth of green nanotechnology necessitates the creation of extensive regulatory frameworks. Although green nanotechnology reduces the need for energy-intensive procedures and hazardous chemicals, precise regulations that take into account the special properties of these materials are still required. The main goals of regulatory frameworks should be to promote environmentally friendly production processes, standardize synthesis techniques, and describe the effects of degradation products on the environment. As an illustration, the absence of rules governing the removal of plant-based nanoparticles may result in unforeseen environmental effects including aquatic toxicity or soil pollution (Das et al., 2021; Mukherjee et al., 2021). The research and use of green nanotechnology both heavily depend on ethical considerations. Concerns including fair access to these technologies, the possibility of abuse in non-medical applications, and the openness of their effects on the environment need to be addressed. Regulatory agencies must include ethical standards to guarantee that green nanotechnology is created in a way that respects society's values. In addition, it is critical to involve a variety of stakeholders, such as scientists, legislators, and the general public, in order to resolve ethical issues and foster confidence in these new technologies (Gupta et al., 2023; Prasad et al., 2023). Green nanomaterial disposal and waste management techniques present significant regulatory obstacles. Green nanomaterials can biodegrade, but their breakdown processes and byproducts need to be carefully examined to make sure they don’t damage ecosystems. Aquatic life may be at risk if, for example, nanoparticles made from natural polymers like cellulose or chitosan break down into microplastics in specific environmental circumstances. Adoption of life cycle assessments must be promoted by policies in order to analyze the environmental impact of these materials and create safe disposal procedures. Green nanotechnology’s negative environmental effects can also be lessened by integrating recycling and reuse procedures into legal frameworks (Basu et al., 2022; Singh et al., 2023).
Although green nanotechnology has several benefits for therapeutic formulations, the high cost of producing eco-friendly nanoparticles is one of the main obstacles. Conventional chemical approaches to producing nanoparticles frequently use inexpensive but dangerous chemicals, but green synthesis techniques use plant extracts, microbiological sources, and biopolymers, which may need to be thoroughly purified and optimized, raising the cost of manufacturing. Financial and logistical challenges also arise when transferring these green methods from lab settings to industrial manufacturing. Due to the need for specialized machinery, consistent procedures, and strict quality control methods, large-scale production is no longer economically feasible (Kumar et al., 2021; Pandey et al., 2022). Another noteworthy constraint pertains to the uniformity and repeatability of green-synthesized nanoparticles. In contrast to chemical synthesis, which allows for exact control over particle size, shape, and surface characteristics, biological and plant-mediated synthesis techniques may lead to diversity from batch to batch. This fluctuation may impact the physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles, resulting in uneven drug release patterns and diminished effectiveness. Plant extracts containing natural biomolecules may also include contaminants or disrupt the stability of the nanoparticles, requiring further purifying procedures that raise production costs. Advanced characterization methodologies and the creation of scalable, repeatable green synthesis processes are necessary to overcome these obstacles (Sharma et al., 2023; Verma et al., 2023). Green nanomaterials manufacturing faces major infrastructure and regulatory obstacles as it moves from small-scale to large-scale production. Modern pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities may need significant alterations to support green nanotechnology-based procedures because they are mostly built for traditional drug formulation techniques. Additionally, efforts to commercialize green nanoparticles may be delayed since regulatory bodies have not yet fully established criteria relevant to large-scale production. Researchers, industry stakeholders, and legislators must work together to address these constraints in order to create scalable, affordable solutions that meet regulatory requirements and preserve the environmental advantages of green nanotechnology (Rastogi et al., 2022; Patel et al., 2023).
The environmentally friendly and non-toxic nature of biological methods, such as plant extracts, microorganisms, and biopolymers, has drawn attention to the synthesis of nanoparticles; however, one of the main challenges is the variability in nanoparticle size, shape, and stability across batches. Biological methods rely on natural extracts, which can vary depending on plant species, growth conditions, and extraction protocols. These variations impact the composition of bioactive compounds involved in nanoparticle synthesis, resulting in physicochemical properties that differ from batch to batch (Rao et al., 2021; Ghosh et al., 2023). The complexity of the biomolecular interactions that occur during the production of nanoparticles is another problem that leads to discrepancies. Proteins, polysaccharides, and other biomolecules can affect nucleation and growth mechanisms in biological extracts, resulting in changes in particle shape and aggregation. It is challenging to attain reproducibility on an industrial scale because of the lack of uniformity in extract preparation and reaction settings, which exacerbates these differences even more. Creating more regulated and repeatable biological synthesis techniques, including bioreactor-based production or enzymatic methods, may help lessen these discrepancies (Das & Mishra, 2022; Jaiswal et al., 2023). Because interactions with nearby biomolecules can cause surface characteristics to alter over time, the stability of biologically produced nanoparticles is also an issue. Reduced bioactivity, changed drug release patterns, and undesired aggregation may result from this. Nanoparticle stability is largely dependent on variables like pH, ionic strength of the medium, and storage conditions. Drug formulations are being investigated for ways to improve stability and guarantee consistent performance, including surface functionalization, encapsulation in biocompatible polymers, and synthesis parameter optimization (Patil et al., 2023; Roy et al., 2023).
The relatively recent use of biologically produced nanoparticles has left the long-term health and environmental impacts of green nanotechnology largely unknown. Despite being thought to be safer than their chemically produced counterparts, little is known about these nanoparticles’ biodegradation processes, ecological longevity, and potential for bioaccumulation. Nanoparticles released into the environment for industrial and medicinal purposes may have unexpected toxicological effects due to their unpredictable interactions with soil, water, and living things. It is difficult to determine their complete ecological impact in the absence of long-term investigations on their environmental fate (Thomas et al., 2021; Silva et al., 2022). A significant worry is the possibility that biologically produced nanoparticles could build up in live tissues and cause long-term harm. According to research on conventional nanoparticles, extended exposure can result in DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammatory reactions. The dearth of comparable long-term research on green nanoparticles, however, makes it challenging to assess their actual safety and biocompatibility. In order to assess the behavior of these nanoparticles in human tissues and vital organs such the liver, kidneys, and brain, both in vitro and in vivo models must be created (Fernandes et al., 2023; Wang et al., 2023). Furthermore, there are currently insufficient regulations in place at regulatory bodies to track and manage the long-term health and environmental hazards associated with green nanotechnology. Although some early research indicates that plant-mediated nanoparticles break down more quickly than chemically produced ones, the harmful effects of breakdown byproducts may yet be unknown. Strong safety laws cannot be developed if there are no established procedures for long-term risk assessment. In order to ensure the safe and sustainable integration of green nanotechnology into medical and industrial applications, future research should concentrate on large-scale epidemiological studies, environmental monitoring programs, and the development of regulatory frameworks (Khan et al., 2022; Oliveira et al., 2023).
Green nanotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI) together have the potential to completely transform the creation of environmentally friendly medication compositions. Large-scale datasets on plant extracts, microbial agents, and biopolymer-based nanoparticles can be analyzed using AI-driven predictive models to enhance nanoparticle synthesis. These models assist in determining the optimal synthesis parameters, including temperature, pH, and reactant concentrations, to guarantee scalability and reproducibility while consuming the fewest resources possible. Extensive trial-and-error experimentation is not necessary because machine learning algorithms can also predict nanoparticle properties like size, shape, and stability (Zhang et al., 2021; Kumar et al., 2023). Improving medicine delivery systems is one of the most exciting uses of AI in green nanotechnology. By simulating drug-nanoparticle interactions, AI-driven simulations can optimize controlled release patterns and targeted delivery methods. By examining biological data, artificial intelligence (AI) can assist in creating customized nanomedicine formulations that meet the demands of each patient, increasing therapeutic efficacy and lowering adverse effects. Additionally, AI can help choose the most sustainable raw materials for the synthesis of nanoparticles, guaranteeing that green nanotechnology complies with the circular economy (Hassan et al., 2022; Patel & Singh, 2023). AI can help evaluate green nanoparticles' long-term safety and environmental impact. Deep learning algorithms can interpret complicated data from ecological research and toxicity screening assays to determine environmental destiny, biodegradability, and possible toxicity. By guaranteeing adherence to global safety standards and automating risk assessments, AI-based solutions can also help with regulatory compliance. More environmentally and morally sound drug formulations are made possible by the integration of AI and green nanotechnology, which provides a route toward sustainable, effective, and economical pharmaceutical development (Chen et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2024).
Green nanotechnology's ability to boost immune responses while reducing toxicity has made it a hot topic in immunotherapy. Plant-based gold and silver nanoparticles are examples of biologically produced nanoparticles whose immunomodulatory qualities have been investigated. By serving as transporters of cytokines, tumor antigens, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, these nanoparticles can strengthen anti-cancer immunity. Furthermore, green nanocarriers enhance the way antigen is presented to dendritic cells, which results in vaccination formulations that are more effective. For next-generation cancer immunotherapies, these nanocarriers' biodegradability and decreased toxicity make them a viable substitute for traditional synthetic nanoparticles (Huang et al., 2021; Patel et al., 2023). In personalized medicine, green nanotechnology is being used to create customized treatments according on a patient's disease profile and genetic composition. By functionalizing green nanoparticles with ligands that target disease-associated biomarkers specifically, systemic adverse effects can be minimized and precision medication administration made possible. For example, drug-resistant cancers can be targeted with biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles loaded with chemotherapeutic drugs, which will improve patient outcomes. In order to guarantee that every patient receives the best treatment possible based on their particular molecular profile, AI-driven predictive models further refine the formulation of green nanocarriers (Singh & Mehta, 2022; Zhang et al., 2024). The uses of green nanotechnology are being extended beyond traditional medication delivery through integration with gene therapy and regenerative medicine. CRISPR-Cas9 delivery using plant-derived nanocarriers is being investigated as a non-toxic and effective gene editing method. Biopolymer-based nanoparticles are being employed in regenerative medicine to transport exosomes produced from stem cells and growth factors to support tissue regeneration and repair. The aforementioned developments illustrate the increasing significance of green nanotechnology in precision medicine and the necessity of more investigation into scalable production and regulatory clearance for clinical use (Kumar et al., 2023; Wang et al., 2024).
The swift development of green nanotechnology in the pharmaceutical industry has made the creation of international regulatory standards necessary to guarantee sustainability, safety, and efficacy. Several international organizations, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), are attempting to develop frameworks that specify optimal procedures for the production, description, and use of biologically derived nanoparticles. By standardizing procedures for producing green nanoparticles, these guidelines hope to ensure reproducibility and reduce the amount of dangerous ingredients used in medication compositions. One of the main obstacles to the worldwide acceptance of medications based on green nanotechnology is the disparity in regulatory strategies among nations (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2021; Chen et al., 2023). Standardized analytical methods for green nanoparticles must be established in addition to regulatory harmonization in order to guarantee quality control in pharmaceutical formulations. To account for their diverse compositions, biological nanoparticles require adaptations to current nanoparticle characterization techniques including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Creating widely recognized standards for evaluating the toxicity, stability, and biodegradability of nanoparticles is essential for regulatory approval. Furthermore, batch-to-batch variability is still a major obstacle in large-scale pharmaceutical applications, and it can be avoided by standardizing green synthesis techniques (Patra et al., 2022; Singh & Kundu, 2024). Environmental impact evaluations must be incorporated into pharmaceutical legislation as part of global standards. Though most regulatory regimes currently lack thorough environmental risk evaluations, green nanotechnology seeks to lessen ecological footprints. In order to analyze the environmental sustainability of green nanomaterials during their creation and usage, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and other regulatory agencies are investigating life cycle evaluations, or LCAs. It is recommended that future studies concentrate on improving these evaluation techniques and incorporating them into pharmaceutical standards to guarantee that green nanotechnology stays in line with sustainability objectives (Liu et al., 2023; Wang et al., 2024).
A sustainable and creative approach to medicine compositions is provided by green nanotechnology, which maximizes therapeutic efficacy while reducing environmental impact. Drug transport, stability, and bioavailability are all enhanced by biologically produced nanoparticles, which makes them useful in customized medicine, controlled release systems, and targeted therapy. Although its biodegradability allays toxicity worries, issues including exorbitant production costs, inconsistent synthesis, and long-term environmental hazards still exist. The advancement of this industry will depend on the integration of AI-driven optimization and the establishment of international regulatory standards. Green nanotechnology has the potential to transform pharmaceutical sciences through sustained interdisciplinary efforts, advancing environmental sustainability and human health.
REFRENCES
Mangesh Galbale, Ramprasad Kadam*, Amol Rakte, Yogesh Shelake, Purva Ghumre, Anand Mathpati, Green Nanotechnology in Drug Formulations: Applications and Environmental Impacts, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2025, Vol 3, Issue 2, 1642-1658. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14893305