In the quest to effectively diagnose and treat the diseases that afflict mankind, the development of a tool capable of simultaneous detection and treatment would provide a significant cornerstone for the survival and control of these diseases. Theranostics denotes a portmanteau of therapeutics and diagnostics which simultaneously detect and treat ailments. Research advances have initiated the advent of theranostics in modern medicine. Overall, theranostics are drug delivery systems with molecular or targeted imaging agents integrated into their structure. The application of theranostics is rising exponentially due to the urgent need for treatments that can be utilized for diagnostic imaging as an aid in precision and personalised medicine. Subsequently, the emergence of nanobiotechnology and the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) has provided one such avenue for nanoscale development and research. Of interest is the drastic rise in the use of medicinal plants in the synthesis of MNPs which have been reported to be potentially effective in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. At present, medicinal plant-derived MNPs have been cited to have broad pharmacological applications and have been studied for their potential use in the treatment and management of cancer, malaria, microbial and cardiovascular diseases. The subject of this article regards the role of medicinal plants in the synthesis of MNPs and the potential role of MNPs in the field of theranostics.

The rise of cancer cases has coincided with the urgent need for the development of potent chemical entities and/or modification of existing commodities to improve their efficacy. Increasing evidence suggests that cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally, with colon cancer cases alone likely to rise exponentially by 2030. The exponential rise in cancer prevalence is largely attributable to the growing change toward a sedentary lifestyle and modern diets, which include genetically modified foods. At present, the prominent treatments for cancer are chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Despite slowing cancer progression, these treatments are known to have devastating side effects that may deteriorate the health of the patient, thus, have a low risk–benefit ratio. In addition, many cancer drugs have low bioavailability, thereby limiting their therapeutic effects in cancer patients. Moreover, the drastic rise in the resistance of neoplastic cells to chemotherapeutic agents is rendering the use of some drugs ineffective, thereby signaling the need for more anticancer chemical entities. As a result, the use of natural derivatives as anticancer agents is gaining considerable attention. Iridoids have the potential to form conjugates with other anticancer, antidiabetic, antileishmanial, and antimalarial drugs, which synergistically have the potential to increase their effects. Published studies have identified the role of iridoids, which, if fully explored, may result in cheaper and less toxic alternative/adjuvant cancer drugs. The subject of this article is natural and synthetic iridoid derivatives and their potential therapeutic roles as anticancer agents.

This chapter delves into the intricate art of surface modification of liposomes, a versatile group of nanocarriers renowned for their pivotal role in various fields, including drug delivery, diagnostics, and theranostics. Emphasising the significance of surface modification, this chapter outlines the methods employed to design liposomes with added functionalities, improved stability, and targeted delivery capabilities. The chapter offers a comprehensive overview of modern surface modification strategies from traditional conjugation chemistry to innovative bioinspired and biomimetic methods. Additionally, it meticulously examines the use of various ligands—including peptides, antibodies, proteins, and polymers—to embellish liposomal exteriors, thereby achieving enhanced biocompatibility, extended circulation times, and targeted delivery. Furthermore, the discussion extends to the implications of these surface modifications, highlighting how they influence the biological fate of liposomes, from cellular interactions to their behaviour in vivo. Through this exploration, the chapter aims to provide an extensive understanding of the current landscape and prospects of liposomal surface modification, fostering advancements in nanomedicine.

There has been a recent paradigm shift among scientists concerning the development of novel anticancer diagnostic and treatment agents. The interest lies in the utilization of nanomedicine which has triggered significant attention in cancer research. At present, nanomedicine has transformed the current landscape of science through the use of numerous nanoformulations not only in cancer diagnosis but also in treatment. Nanoformulations including but not limited to polymeric, lipidic, metallic, crystal, and quantum dots nanomaterials have been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in circumventing major challenges associated with anticancer medications such as targeting cancer cells and reducing side effects. The use of nanomaterials in cancer is largely attributed to their distinct tunable features such as small size, improved drug loading, high sensitivity, high surface area‐to‐volume ratio, and site specificity, all of which are key in the development of next‐generation antitumoural formulations. Additionally, the versatility of these nanomedicine formulations extends to the overall improvement of the bioavailability of antitumoural medicines. Consequently, researchers are investigating the potential use of nanomaterials in oncology to improve tumor diagnosis and treatment. This article focuses on the potential role of nanomedicines in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment using polymeric, lipidic, metallic, organic, quantum dot nanomaterials which are promising for innovant therapies and personalized nanomedicine.

Curcumin is a polyphenol phytochemical that is extracted from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa Linn. (Zingiberaceae) in the Zingiberaceae family. In recent years, the investigation of curcumin has notably skyrocketed due to its broad pharmacological profile, as evidenced by its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral properties. While research and use of curcumin are significantly increasing, its apparent poor water solubility has notably limited its potential as a promising chemical entity. Consequently, efforts to enhance its apparent solubility without altering the chemical properties have been considered. Among the leading techniques is nanocrystasllisation which involves modifying its physicochemical properties, such as particle size, shape and electrical charge. Nanocrystallisation is a nanoscience technique that utilises the drug’s crystalline properties to enhance its solubility, bioavailability, and overall pharmacological activity. To date, various nanocrystallisation techniques have been employed, including high-pressure homogenisation, sonoprecipitation, and the solvent-antisolvent precipitation technique. Curcumin nanocrystallisation has often been reported for the improvement of its loading capacity, as it requires fewer excipients and significantly enhances the minimal dose efficiency. Furthermore, the significant role of curcumin in primarily female-associated cancers has been highlighted in some in vitro studies. Therefore, this review will focus on the elaboration of nanocrystals and its promising role in breast and gynaecological cancers. Given the limited studies reported on the anticancer activity of breast and gynaecological cancers curcumin nanocrystals, this review also aims to highlight the research gaps concerning the anticancer activity of curcumin nanocrystals.