The Rise of Nanotechnology in Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Packaging: Applications and Future Prospective

ABSTRACT Advanced nanotechnology, an emerging technology of nanoscale materials, has been rapidly expanding in the pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging industries to protect drug performance and ensure consumer safety as the primary goals. The review commences by establishing the fundamental principles of pharmaceutical packaging. It then delves into the diverse applications of nanotechnology for both enteral and parenteral dosage forms. A broad spectrum of nanomaterials is explored, ranging from established options like noble metal and polysaccharide‐based nanoparticles to cutting‐edge materials such as rare earth metal complexes and carbon dots. Furthermore, the review highlights the potent functionalities enabled by nanotechnology. These functionalities encompass anti‐counterfeiting measures utilizing holograms and photoluminescent topcoats, tracking and monitoring capabilities facilitated by radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, and colorimetric indicators for drug integrity. Additionally, the review discusses commercially available products, acknowledges safety considerations and regulatory frameworks, and concludes by outlining the future prospects of nanotechnology in pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging.