Nanocarrier-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Recent Advances in Pharmaceutical Formulation and Clinical Translation

Abstract

Nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems have transformed the landscape of pharmaceutical formulation by improving solubility, stability, targeted delivery, and therapeutic index of small molecules, biologics, and nucleic acids. This review summarizes the classification of nanocarriers, formulation materials and methods, physicochemical characterization techniques, mechanisms of drug loading and release, clinical and preclinical applications, stimuli-responsive “smart” systems, and the challenges of clinical translation and regulation. We highlight notable clinical successes (e.g., pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and albumin-bound paclitaxel), discuss manufacturing and toxicity concerns, and present future directions including AI-guided design and personalized nanomedicine