The growing complexity of modern medicine necessitates advanced drug delivery systems (DDS) that surpass the limitations of conventional methods in safety, efficacy, and personalization. This review examines innovative materials, including lipid nanoparticles, hydrogels, dendrimers, metal–organic frameworks, exosomes, silica nanoparticles, and stimuli-responsive polymers, and their potential to achieve targeted, controlled, and responsive drug release. Their biocompatibility, drug-loading efficiency, targeting specificity, and translational readiness have been assessed based on recent literature and clinical data. Furthermore, a five-phase roadmap (2025–2045) has been proposed, outlining the anticipated evolution of drug delivery systems from material optimization and hybrid nanosystems to AI-driven design, clinical translation, and sustainable bio-integrated platforms. Emerging technologies, like CRISPR-gated hydrogels, magnetothermal brain tumor delivery, and exosome-based RNA therapies, are highlighted as key drivers of future innovation. Despite significant promise, challenges remain in regulatory alignment, scalability, and long-term safety. This review underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic investment to translate laboratory breakthroughs into real-world solutions, thereby paving the way for precision medicine, equitable access, and sustainable therapeutic delivery.
Mahdi Gholampour (Sun,) studied this question.