Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Recent Advances and Challenges

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have emerged as a transformative approach in modern pharmaceutics, offering improved therapeutic efficacy, enhanced bioavailability, and reduced toxicity compared to conventional dosage forms. These systems utilize nanoscale carriers such as polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, solid lipid nanoparticles, and metallic nanoparticles to deliver drugs in a controlled and targeted manner. Recent advances have focused on surface modification, ligand-mediated targeting, and stimuli-responsive systems that enable site-specific drug release, particularly in the treatment of cancer, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases. Additionally, innovations in nanotechnology have facilitated the development of multifunctional nanoparticles capable of simultaneous diagnosis and therapy (theragnostic). Despite these promising developments, several challenges remain, including issues related to large-scale manufacturing, stability, toxicity, regulatory approval, and long-term safety. This review highlights the recent progress in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, discusses their applications in various therapeutic areas, and addresses the critical challenges that must be overcome for their successful clinical translation.