Recent trends and future predictions in the area of nano-carriers for effective delivery of drugs

1. The promise of nano-carriers

Nano-carriers are nano-materials made up of biocompatible or biodegradable substances, hence considered safe. Their unique properties, which include small size, high surface area, and morphology, enable them to enhance drug bioactivity, improve stability, and solubility [2,3]. Nanocarriers not only improve the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties of the drug but also protect it from premature degradation while exhibiting controlled or sustained release. Because of these unique properties, nano-carriers have been utilized in reducing systemic toxicity of drugs and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Advancements in the field of nanotechnology, as well as other fields associated with the synthesis, characterization, and utilization have yielded various types of nanocarriers (Fig. 1, and Table 1) such as Lipid-based Nanocarriers, Polymeric Nanocarriers (PN), Inorganic Nano-carriers, Carbon-based Nano-materials, Hybrid Nano-carriers, DNA Nanostructures, Protein nano-cages, and Nano-sponges [2,4,5].

Figure 1. Nanocarriers. [Click here to view]

Table 1. Types of nanocarriers.

Figure 2. Role of AI in nanocarriers. [Click here to view]

Recent advances have led to the development of smart nanocarriers called “stimuli-responsive nano-carriers (SRNC)”. SRNCs are advanced drug delivery systems engineered to release therapeutic agents in response to specific internal (pH, hypoxia, and enzyme) or external (temperature, light, and magnetic field) triggers [18,19]. These systems enhance site-specific delivery, reduce systemic toxicity, and improve therapeutic efficacy by responding selectively to disease-associated microenvironments or externally applied signals [20]. Recent advancements in SRNCs have led to clinical translation of several drugs, including doxorubicin, cisplatin, and epirubicin, which are used for the treatment of various solid tumors (currently under clinical trial) [21]. Although these carriers have shown promising therapeutic effects and superior performance compared to conventional nanocarriers, maintaining their stimuli-responsiveness during large-scale production remains a significant challenge. Furthermore, despite extensive research, only a limited number of SRNCs have progressed to clinical translation, underscoring the need for continued efforts to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical application.

1.1. AI and nanocarriers

The convergence of Artificial intelligence (AI) and nanomedicine has facilitated the synthesis of novel nanocarriers with better precision and efficiency [22]. AI could be used to optimize carrier material and enhance drug encapsulation, release profiles, and biocompatibility [23]. AI-driven computational simulations aid in understanding the interactions between nanocarriers and biological systems, reducing experimental costs and improving safety profiles. For instance, AI-optimised liposomes loaded with Sorafenib improved drug delivery efficiency in liver cancer animal models. In addition, these liposomes helped in enhancing the tumor-selective targeting while reducing the systemic toxicity [24–26]. Hence, this powerful synergy between AI and nanomedicine could reshape the future of drug delivery by overcoming long-standing challenges in conventional systems and leading the way toward next-generation patient-specific therapeutics.

1.2. Nanocarriers as theranostics

Although nanocarriers were originally designed as targeted drug delivery systems, they have been successfully re-engineered to combine therapy with diagnostic applications, making them powerful “theranostic agents”. This single nanoscale platform enables real-time monitoring of drug bio-distribution while measuring the treatment response. For instance, gold-based nanocarriers serve as both photo-thermal agents (therapy) and CT contrast enhancers (diagnosis) [27,28]. This diverse functionality is achieved by (a) altering structures to enhance co-loading capacities, which enables the encapsulation of both therapeutic drugs and diagnostic agents, (b) targeted delivery in which, functionalization of nanocarriers with targeting ligands such as antibodies or peptides allows them to selectively bind to specific cells increasing the accumulation of both therapeutic and diagnostic agents, (c) controlled and stimuli-responsive release, in which the nanoparticles have been engineered to release therapeutic drugs and diagnostic agents (imaging dyes) in a controlled manner, often triggered by specific stimuli such as pH changes, enzymes, or temperature in the disease microenvironment, and (d) enhanced pharmacokinetics-by improving circulation time and reducing rapid clearance through the immune system. Collectively, these advancements highlight nanocarriers as powerful theranostic agents, bridging the gap between targeted therapy and real-time disease monitoring.

1.3. Future of nanocarriers

1. Nano-carrier biosensors: By harnessing the electrochemical properties of nanocarriers, biosensors are being designed as wearable patches for ultrasensitive biomarker detection in biological fluids, offering real-time health monitoring and non-invasive early diagnosis.

2. DNA Origami Nanobots: These stimuli-responsive nanobots utilise DNA as building blocks for the synthesis of nanoparticles that carry therapeutic drugs or siRNA.

3. Nanofiber dressings in wound care: Nanocarriers embedded in silk fibroin or synthetic polymer nanofibers provide controlled, localized release of antimicrobials, growth factors, or anti-inflammatory agents.

4. Metal-based nanocarriers in theranostics: Metal nanoparticles such as gold and platinum can deliver chemotherapeutic agents and allow simultaneous imaging based on their photo-thermal or radiotherapy and optical properties, respectively.

5. Gene and RNA therapeutics using nanocarriers: Lipid nanoparticles represent the gold standard for delivering mRNA vaccines and gene-editing tools such as CRISPR–Cas9. By protecting nucleic acids from enzymatic breakdown and promoting efficient cellular entry, these advanced nanocarriers enable precise gene therapy and accelerate the development of personalized medicine.

6. Nanocarriers in microgravity: Reduced sedimentation and convection improve nanoparticle stability and dispersion, leading to enhanced drug release profiles, greater cellular uptake, and improved therapeutic efficacy. These properties make nanocarriers highly promising for space medicine and the development of next-generation pharmaceuticals designed for extreme environments.

1.4. Global harmonization of regulatory frameworks current status and challenges

Global harmonisation of regulatory frameworks, particularly through the Food and Drug Administration of United States, European Medicines Agency of European Union, and International Council for Harmonization, has profoundly influenced pharmaceutical development and registration on a global scale. This convergence has streamlined regulatory frameworks by minimising redundant studies, reducing delays, and lowering the cost [29]. They establish consistent global standards for quality, safety, and efficacy; ensuring equitable treatment outcomes, and foster stronger collaboration between regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders worldwide. Despite progress in harmonisation, several challenges still hinder the regulatory approval of nanocarriers [30]. For instance, variability in physicochemical characterization methods often leads to inconsistencies in data interpretations [31]. Similarly, biosafety concerns, such as long-term toxicity, bioaccumulation, and unforeseen immunological responses, remain insufficiently addressed due to limited standardised protocols [32]. These existing gaps not only slow down the global adoption of nanomedicine-based therapies but also highlight the need for robust and harmonised guidelines tailored to the unique complexities of nanocarrier systems.