Nanosponges as Advanced Nanocarriers for Controlled and Targeted Drug Delivery: A Comprehensive Review

Nanosponges are advanced nanostructured drug delivery systems characterized by a highly porous, three-dimensional polymeric network capable of encapsulating a wide range of therapeutic agents. Owing to their unique architecture, nanosponges offer significant advantages such as improved drug stability, enhanced solubility, and controlled release behaviour. In topical drug delivery, nanosponges have emerged as a promising carrier system due to their ability to localize drug action within the skin layers, thereby minimizing systemic absorption and reducing adverse effects. Their small particle size and porous nature facilitate prolonged residence time on the skin surface and allow sustained release of active compounds, leading to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. Various methods have been employed for the preparation of nanosponges, including solvent evaporation, melt method, and ultrasound-assisted techniques, each influencing the physicochemical properties of the final formulation. Characterization parameters such as particle size, morphology, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release play a crucial role in evaluating nanosponge performance. This review highlights the fundamentals of nanosponge technology with special emphasis on their application in topical drug delivery, discussing formulation approaches, advantages, limitations, and future perspectives. Overall, nanosponges represent a versatile and effective platform for the development of improved topical formulations.