Applications of Bioinorganic Nano-Based Delivery Systems—Diagnostics and Therapeutics

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising avenue for producing nanomedicines as alternatives to conventional drugs. Many organic nanoparticles, such as liposomes used in formulations like Doxil, Onivyde, and Marqibo, are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and instrumental in treating various types of cancers. However, due to the many challenges associated with these formulations, alternative delivery systems have been explored, particularly those derived from inorganic sources. In particular, bioinorganic nano-based delivery systems (BNDSs) such as gold, silver, platinum, silicon-based, metal oxide and hybrid nanoparticles have been found to be useful in treating cancer and infectious and noncommunicable diseases. This review presents the most commonly used BNDSs, providing an in-depth discussion on their use as therapeutic and imaging agents, the challenges associated with their use and current trends and future perspectives in their development for enhancing efficacy.