Nanoparticles as carriers for targeted drug delivery

The rapid development of nanotechnology in medicine and pharmacy has opened up new opportunities for improving the effectiveness of drugs and reducing their side effects. One of the most promising areas is the use of nanoparticles as carriers for targeted delivery, which ensures the controlled release of active substances into pathologically altered tissues or cells and reduces the systemic impact on healthy organs. The aim of this study is to summarize current approaches to the use of nanoparticles in pharmaceutical practice, identify their advantages and limitations, and outline areas for further research, taking into account the prospects for clinical use. For the study, a systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for 2019–2024. Critical analysis, comparison, and literature synthesis methods were used, comparative assessment of the physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles, analysis of in vitro and in vivo data on biocompatibility and toxicity, generalization of delivery mechanisms (passive and active targeting, controlled release), as well as consideration of examples of their successful application in clinical practice. The main carriers for targeted delivery are polymeric (PLGA, PEG, chitosan), lipid (liposomes, SLN, NLC), metallic (Au, Ag, Fe3O4) nanoparticles, and dendrimers. They increase bioavailability, reduce toxicity, provide prolonged action, and enable surface modification for targeted drug transport. According to the review, three main delivery mechanisms have been identified: passive and active targeting, as well as controlled release. The advantages of individual delivery mechanisms have been established, in particular the use of ligands for specific binding to target cells, and limitations have been identified, such as variability in biocompatibility, potential toxicity, complexity of large-scale production, and regulatory barriers. According to the results of the information search, nanoparticles show significant potential for improving the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy, especially in oncology, neurology, cardiology, and antibacterial therapy. Further research should focus on reducing immunogenicity, optimizing synthesis technologies, standardizing production, and conducting long-term safety assessments, taking into account the characteristics of different patient groups. The use of nanoparticles as drug carriers is a promising area of development in pharmacy that can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of side effects, opening up new opportunities for personalized medicine.