Nanocomposites: Potential therapeutic agents for the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases and cancer

Qamar, S. U. R.

Nanotechnologies contributed to almost every field of science such as physical and chemical science, material and biological science and engineering. In past decade, nanotechnology have been applied to treat cancer and infectious diseases which attracted the interest of many scientists. Nanocomposites (NCs) play a vital part in the delivery of specific drugs or genes to target sites in the human body. NCs gained attention because of advanced applications in diagnosing and treating cancer and infectious diseases such as COVID-19, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV infection. Their extended and unique applicability depend on the properties of NCs such as astonishing physicochemical behavior, excellent antimicrobial ability, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity. Studies were carried out using various NPs for their potential antimicrobial and anticancer ability, but the most explored NPs are silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The major focus of this review is to highlight newly developed diagnostic techniques and production of nanomaterial which acts as a delivery system or drug to treat and diagnose both diseases. Moreover, presented information will be relevant for researchers working on NCs and their applications in drug delivery, disease treatment and diagnostic system with an emphasis on cancer and infectious diseases. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.