Nanocrystals: Characterization Overview, Applications in Drug Delivery, and Their Toxicity Concerns

Nanocrystals (NCs) are the class of solid dosage forms which utilizes the concept of nanoscience together with crystal nature of drug to achieve advantages in terms of solubility, dissolution, and physicochemical properties. Comparing with other solid dosage forms, NC often comes with so many challenges in terms of physical stability as well as chemical stability during the manufacturing process and storage. Therefore, physicochemical properties of nanocrystals, toxic effect on the human body, and application in drug delivery through the various routes of administration are critical step formulation of NCs. There are various techniques involved to ensure solid state uniformity in the NCs and its impact on therapeutic performance. This review article emphasizes on various solid-state characterization techniques that are used to evaluate NCs, their toxicity, and pharmaceutical application. Further, NC-based marketed formulation is also discussed in this review.