Nanotechnology can enhance oral drug delivery through various mechanisms:
1. Improved Solubility: Nanoparticles can increase the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs, enhancing their absorption in the GI tract. 2. Protection from Degradation: Encapsulation of drugs in nanocarriers can protect them from the acidic and enzymatic environment of the GI tract. 3. Enhanced Bioavailability: Nanoparticles can facilitate transport across the intestinal mucosa, improving drug absorption and bioavailability. 4. Targeted Delivery: Functionalization of nanoparticles with ligands can enable targeted delivery to specific cells or tissues, reducing side effects and improving therapeutic outcomes.