Nanotheranostics: emerging nanomachines as pharmacotherapeutics

Nanotechnology and nanoscience are interrelated disciplines dealing with nanosized particles possessing great potential owing to their small size, large surface area, and unique optical, physical, chemical, electrical, and physicochemical properties. A growing body of evidence in the recent decade has witnessed the exploration of nanoparticles for various therapeutic aspects. Nanotheranostics acts as unified platforms that combine therapeutic and diagnostic functions at the nanoscale revolutionizing the precision medicine landscape. The present review critically emphasizes the current advancements in nanotheranostic approaches, emphasizing targeted delivery platforms, stimuli-responsive systems, and versatile nanoparticles as the most prominent strategies for synchronized imaging and treatment. Despite overwhelming preclinical results, translation of nanotheranostics to clinical manifestation remains limited. Significant barriers to this include complexity in the manufacturing process, imprecise pharmacokinetics, and lack of defined standardized regulatory platforms. Nevertheless, recent advances put forth by the regulatory agencies like early-stage frameworks for the assessment of nanomedicine efficacy and safety mark a remarkable step towards its clinical adoption. This systematic review further underscores the necessity for robust clinical validation and interdisciplinary association for bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and patient-oriented application.