Applying nanotechnology to biotechnology: Boosting production and delivery of plant-derived secondary metabolites as therapeutic drugs

Plant-derived secondary metabolites (SMs) represent a major category of bioactive molecules possessing diverse therapeutic characteristics such as antimicrobial, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Despite their potential, clinical application remains limited due to low natural yields, limited solubility, susceptibility to degradation, and restricted biological availability. Nanoscience and nanotechnology offers revolutionary solutions to these limitations by enhancing metabolite biosynthesis and enabling efficient, targeted drug delivery. Engineered nanoparticles function as nano-stimulants to boost plant metabolic pathways and as nano-delivery systems such as liposomal formulations and polymer-based nanoparticles, as well as micelles—to improve SM stability, solubility, and controlled release. Case studies involving compounds like resveratrol and paclitaxel illustrate the synergistic integration of nanotechnology in both production and therapeutic delivery. However, realizing these benefits requires addressing challenges related to nanoparticle toxicity, environmental persistence, regulatory uncertainty, and large-scale production costs. Emerging directions such as green nanotechnology, AI (Artificial Intelligence)-driven optimization, and personalized medicine are reshaping the future landscape of nano-biotechnology. Collectively, these advancements highlight how the integration of nanotechnology and biotechnology can transform secondary metabolite–based therapeutics into more sustainable, safe, and effective biomedical applications.