Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterials: Progress in Synthesis and Application in Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Nanotechnology offers advanced therapeutic methods with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials are inorganic materials with low toxicity and facile functionalization.
• TiO2 nanostructures can serve as versatile carriers for drugs, genes, and antigens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the synthesis, functionalization, and drug delivery applications of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials.
• To highlight recent advances in TiO2-based sustained and controlled drug release systems.
• To discuss the critical need for toxicity assessment in the clinical translation of TiO2 drug delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
• Data on titanium dioxide synthesis, functionalization, and drug delivery applications were systematically collected.
• Relevant patents and intellectual property were also reviewed.

Main Results:

• TiO2 nanomaterials can be synthesized and functionalized for various drug delivery applications.
• Recent advancements include TiO2-based systems for sustained and controlled drug release.
• Long-term toxicity assessment remains a critical challenge for clinical application.

Conclusions:

• TiO2-based smart drug delivery systems hold significant potential for personalized medicine.
• Future research should explore dual- and single-reaction delivery systems (e.g., redox, enzyme-triggered).
• Extensive in vivo studies are essential before human clinical trials can commence.