Topic overview

Start with the big picture

Nanocarriers—including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, solid-lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers, and nanocrystals—can improve drug loading, stability, tissue delivery, or controlled release. Targeting may be passive, such as tumor accumulation through the enhanced permeability and retention effect, or active through surface ligands that bind receptors. Coatings can extend circulation, while responsive systems release cargo in reaction to triggers such as pH or temperature. The topic also considers delivery barriers encountered by oral and intranasal formulations, and examples of approved nanomedicines: Doxil, Abraxane, and Onpattro. Development requires attention to particle attributes, characterization, reproducible scale-up, and potential safety concerns. The broader landscape includes regulatory expectations and emerging platforms such as exosome-mimetic vesicles and DNA origami carriers.