Engineering of Advanced Nanocarriers and Extracellular Vesicle Systems for Precision Drug Delivery

Dear Colleagues,

The development of efficient and targeted drug delivery systems is a critical goal in pharmaceutical research. Smart nanocarriers and extracellular vesicle (EV)-based systems are emerging as next-generation platforms for targeted drug delivery, offering high potential for precision medicine thanks to their unique advantages in terms of biocompatibility, versatility, and targeting efficiency.

This Special Issue aims to collect cutting‑edge research that integrates biological inspiration with engineering principles to overcome the limitations of conventional delivery systems.

We invite contributions on the design and fabrication of nanocarriers and EVs via biomimetic and hybrid approaches, including advanced surface modification and functionalization. Studies elucidating nanobiointeractions at target tissues and cellular receptors to reveal uptake and trafficking mechanisms are particularly encouraged.

We also emphasize the importance of manufacturing and translational challenges, encouraging contributions on scalable production, GMP‑compliant processes, and the standardization of downstream protocols. In this context, a key focus is the exploration of alternative, natural EV sources—including plant‑derived vesicles, bacterial and algal EVs, and milk‑derived EVs—as promising systems delivery due to their scalability, cost-effectiveness, and safety.

By integrating insights from nanotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, and bioengineering, this Special Issue aims to advance clinically translatable delivery platforms, bridging experimental innovation and real‑world therapeutic application.

We hope this Special Issue will stimulate interdisciplinary collaborations and contribute to accelerating the transition from bench to bedside.

Dr. Anna Maria Grimaldi
Dr. Eugenia Romano
Dr. Leonardo Lupacchini
Guest Editors

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