Abstract

ADVANCEMENTS IN TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF NANOTECHNOLOGY BASED APPROACHES

Omprakash Ajay Patil*, Ankita Vinayak Chaudhari, Gopal Dipak Sitaram, Pote Sneha Rajendra and Prof. Amit P. Sinhal

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Abstract

Targeted drug delivery has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy and minimize the side effects of therapeutic agents. Nanotechnology-based approaches offer precise control over drug delivery, enabling the selective targeting of diseased tissues while sparing healthy cells. This comprehensive review examines recent advancements in targeted drug delivery utilizing nanotechnology. The review begins with an overview of the principles and benefits of nanotechnology in drug delivery, including improved pharmacokinetics, enhanced cellular uptake, and the ability to overcome biological barriers. Subsequently, it explores various nanocarrier systems, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and inorganic nanoparticles, highlighting their unique properties and applications in targeted therapy. Furthermore, the review discusses strategies for targeting specific cell types or tissues, including passive targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention effect and active targeting through ligand-receptor interactions or stimuli-responsive mechanisms. It also addresses challenges associated with nanomedicine, such as biocompatibility, stability, and scalability, along with current strategies to overcome these limitations. Moreover, the review examines recent preclinical and clinical studies employing nanotechnology-based targeted drug delivery for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, inflammatory disorders, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders. It discusses promising outcomes, limitations, and future directions for translating these approaches into clinical practice. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the role of nanotechnology in advancing targeted drug delivery, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the field of therapeutics and improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: Targeted drug delivery, Nanotechnology, Nanocarrier systems, Passive targeting, Active targeting, Ligand-receptor interactions, Enhanced permeability and retention effect etc.