Nanotechnology has rapidly advanced drug delivery by enabling the development of nanoscale carriers that improve therapeutic performance through efficient drug loading, protection against degradation, and controlled release behavior. These systems address key limitations of conventional formulations by enhancing the solubility and stability of poorly water-soluble drugs, thereby improving bioavailability. In addition, sustained release profiles allow prolonged therapeutic action while reducing dosing frequency, and targeted delivery approaches help minimize off-target effects and enhance treatment efficacy. This review presents a mechanism-oriented comparison of major nanoparticle platforms, including lipid-based systems, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, inorganic nanomaterials, and hybrid nanocarriers, with emphasis on their design principles, functional properties, and biomedical applications. Each system offers distinct advantages that make it suitable for specific therapeutic contexts, highlighting the importance of rational design in nanocarrier development. In addition to established systems, emerging directions such as stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, biomimetic delivery platforms, and the progress of clinically approved nanomedicine formulations are briefly highlighted to provide a forward-looking perspective on the field. This review underscores the evolving role of nanotechnology in drug delivery and its potential to drive the development of more effective and clinically translatable therapeutic strategies.
Narmadha et al. (Fri,) studied this question.