Nanotechnology: Current Applications, Safety Issues and Future Prospects in Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology

Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most promising advancements in modern pharmaceutical sciences due to its ability to manipulate materials at the nanoscale and enhance their interaction with biological systems. In veterinary pharmacology and toxicology, nanotechnology offers innovative solutions to overcome the limitations associated with conventional drug delivery systems, such as poor bioavailability, lack of target specificity, rapid elimination, systemic toxicity, and drug residue concerns in food-producing animals. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems improve therapeutic efficacy by enhancing drug solubility, stability, controlled release, and targeted delivery. Various nanocarriers, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, dendrimers, quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles, nanoshells, and nanopores, have shown significant applications in veterinary therapeutics, diagnostics, oncology, vaccine delivery, and infectious disease management. These nanosystems improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of drugs while minimizing adverse effects. Despite their advantages, nanotechnology-based products raise important safety and toxicological concerns. The unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles may result in organ toxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, oxidative stress, and environmental hazards. Species-specific responses and long-term exposure effects further complicate safety evaluation in veterinary applications. Therefore, comprehensive nanotoxicological assessment and regulatory oversight are essential before widespread adoption. The future prospects of nanotechnology in veterinary pharmacology and toxicology include the development of smart nanocarriers, nano-theranostics, nano-phytogenics, precision veterinary medicine, and environmentally safer nanomaterials. This review consolidates findings from multiple scientific studies to present a comprehensive overview of the current applications, safety issues, and future prospects of nanotechnology in veterinary pharmacology and toxicology.