Nanotechnology‐Based Drug Delivery Systems: Advances and Challenges

ABSTRACT Nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems (NDDS) have emerged as an innovative approach to overcome the limitations associated with conventional drug delivery methods, including poor solubility, limited bioavailability, rapid systemic clearance, and non‐specific distribution of therapeutic agents. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of nanocarriers that enhance the efficiency and precision of drug delivery. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems, focusing on the design, physicochemical characterization, and therapeutic applications of various nanocarriers. Major classes of nanocarriers, including lipid‐based nanoparticles, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes, polymeric nanoparticles, and metallic nanoparticles, are discussed in relation to their structural properties, drug loading capacity, surface modification, and controlled drug release behavior. The review also highlights the importance of physicochemical parameters such as particle size, surface charge, morphology, and hydrophobicity, which play a critical role in determining biodistribution, cellular uptake, and pharmacokinetic performance of nanocarriers. In addition, the mechanisms of nanocarrier‐mediated drug delivery, including receptor‐mediated targeting, endocytosis, linker cleavage, and carrier‐regulated drug release, are explained to provide a better understanding of their therapeutic action. Furthermore, the potential applications of nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems in the management of complex diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological diseases are discussed. Despite the remarkable advantages offered by nanocarriers, several challenges, including nanomaterial toxicity, immunogenicity, large‐scale manufacturing difficulties, and regulatory barriers, remain major obstacles to their widespread clinical translation. Future research should focus on developing safer, biocompatible, and multifunctional nanocarriers to enhance therapeutic efficacy and facilitate the successful integration of nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems into modern clinical practice.