Application of Nanotechnology in Phytochemical Research

While the concepts behind nanotechnology were first introduced by Richard Feynman, a world-known physicist, in 1959, the actual term 'nanotechnology' was used by Norio Taniguchi in 1974 for the very first time. Since its arrival, nanotechnology has influenced research methodologies and outcomes almost in all areas of science, particularly, surface science, organic chemistry, molecular biology, semiconductor physics, microfabrication, drug formulation and delivery, and molecular engineering. The very basis of these applications in phytochemical research is based on the fact that nanoparticles can increase solubility and stability of phytochemicals, enhance their absorption, enhance permeation and retention in target tissues, increase bioavailability, protect them from premature degradation in the body, exhibit high differential uptake efficiency in the target cells over normal cells and prolong their circulation time.1 Commonly used biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles in phytochemical research include nanoliposomes, nanoemulsions, lipid nanocarries, phytosomes, micelles and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles. While there are numerous publications available to date on the use of nanoparticles for the delivery of various bioactive phytochemicals, Conte et al.5 have recently reviewed published literature on the application of nanotechnology in the delivery of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals including chemical classes like polyphenols (e.g., curcumin, ellagic acid, quercetin and resveratrol), terpenoids (e.g., lycopene and squalene), phytocannabinoids (e.g., Д-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), phytosterols (e.g., phytosterol), carbohydrates (e.g., mannose-6phosphate) and essential oils (e.g., carvacrol, cymene, linalool and thymol).