Advanced Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery Systems

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The current Topic highlights the recent advances in nanotechnology and explores how these are transforming modern drug delivery systems to improve therapeutic outcomes. The prime focus of this Topic is to showcase different kinds of innovative and multifunctional nanotechnology-based delivery systems such as nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes and hybrid nanoparticles/nanocomposites. The contributions will highlight the design, optimization, and characterization of these nanocarriers to have enhanced drug solubility, stability, targeting efficiency, site-specific delivery, bioavailability, toxicity evaluation and controlled/sustained release.

The Topic also addresses challenges in overcoming biological barriers and clinical translation of the technology, such as biocompatibility, toxicity profile, manufacturing scalability, theranostic potential and regulatory considerations. Emphasis of contributions will be placed on applications of nanotechnology-based delivery of nucleic acids, small molecules, biologics, drugs, smart and stimuli-responsive nanosystems, and vaccines in various therapeutic areas including cancer therapy, infectious diseases, inflammation and other chronic disorders.

Collectively, this Topic provides a comprehensive overview of current advancement and future directions in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, further paving its way to enable safer, more effective, and personalized therapies of the next generation.

In this Topic, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:

1. Smart Nanoparticles
2. Stimuli-Responsive Nanocarriers
3. Targeted Nanomedicine
4. Precise Nanomedicine
5. Theranostic Nanomedicine
6. Nano-Immunotherapy
7. Nanotechnology-Based Gene Delivery
8. Nanotechnology-Based Biologics Delivery
9. Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy
10. Controlled and Sustained Drug Delivery Systems
11. Biocompatibility of Nanoparticles
12. Toxicity Profile of Nanoparticles

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Neeraj Chauhan
Dr. Pallabita Chowdhury
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Nano applnano	-	4.6	2020	15.7 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.5	2011	16 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Cancers cancers	4.4	8.8	2009	19.1 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Molecules molecules	4.6	8.6	1996	15.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Nanomaterials nanomaterials	4.3	9.2	2010	14 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Pharmaceuticals pharmaceuticals	4.8	7.7	2004	16 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Pharmaceutics pharmaceutics	5.5	10.0	2009	15.7 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Processes processes	2.8	5.5	2013	14.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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All Applied Sciences Molecules Nanomaterials Pharmaceutics Pharmaceuticals Cancers Processes Applied Nano

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14 pages, 3563 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Co-Delivery of Glucose Oxidase and Iron-Doped ZIF-8 as a pH-Responsive Ferroptosis and Starvation Agent for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Therapy

by Zhibin Lin, Yuanxin Zhao, Lin Tang and Jianhua He

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(9), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16090533 - 28 Apr 2026

Viewed by 431

Abstract

Currently, single-modal tumor therapy has significant limitations, while multi-modal combination therapy can overcome this bottleneck and open up new pathways for enhancing the efficacy of tumor therapy. However, it is still difficult to design a functionalized nanocarrier that can simultaneously mediate multiple therapeutic [...] Read more.

Currently, single-modal tumor therapy has significant limitations, while multi-modal combination therapy can overcome this bottleneck and open up new pathways for enhancing the efficacy of tumor therapy. However, it is still difficult to design a functionalized nanocarrier that can simultaneously mediate multiple therapeutic approaches. To tackle this challenge, we developed a multifunctional nano-codelivery system with glucose oxidase (GOx) loaded inside iron-doped zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (Fe/ZIF-8), abbreviated as GFZ. This system effectively integrates the synergy and complementarity between ferroptosis therapy and starvation therapy (STT). Herein, GFZ innovatively combines the pH sensitivity of the ZIF-8 skeleton with the EPR effect of nanoparticles to achieve on-demand triggered release, significantly improving the accuracy of tumor targeting. Furthermore, GOx-mediated STT effectively alleviates the insufficiency of endogenous H₂O₂ during the ferroptosis process, thereby enhancing and synergizing with ferroptosis therapy. Experiments demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo that GFZ activates antitumor cascade reactions, inhibits tumor recurrence and metastasis, and exhibits excellent biocompatibility. Consequently, given its remarkable potential, GFZ is poised to emerge as a new mode of nano-delivery platform. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery Systems)

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26 pages, 1411 KB  

Open AccessReview

Nanoparticles: An Emerging Hope in Cancer Therapy

by Shahid Sher, Rosny Jean and Zaman Khan

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(9), 515; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16090515 - 24 Apr 2026

Viewed by 730

Abstract

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, characterized by abnormal cell growth and metastasis. Current limitations of conventional therapies, particularly non-specific toxicity harming healthy cells, highlight the need for more targeted approaches. Nanotechnology offers a revolutionary solution, utilizing nanoparticles (NPs) for precise drug [...] Read more.

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, characterized by abnormal cell growth and metastasis. Current limitations of conventional therapies, particularly non-specific toxicity harming healthy cells, highlight the need for more targeted approaches. Nanotechnology offers a revolutionary solution, utilizing nanoparticles (NPs) for precise drug delivery to tumor sites while minimizing off-target effects. These nanometer-scale particles enable superior binding to cancer cell membranes, the tumor microenvironment, or nuclear receptors, facilitating significantly higher local concentrations of therapeutic agents. NPs, synthesized via physical, chemical, or biological methods, are categorized as organic (organic material-based) or inorganic (metallic particle-based). Key delivery mechanisms include the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect and Active Transport and Retention (ATR). This review specifically examines NP applications for the most prevalent cancers in the US (2025): breast, prostate, and lung. Gold and magnetic NPs show significant promise for early breast cancer detection. For lung cancer, polymeric NPs like PCL, PLA, and PLGA are effective carriers for peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids. BIND-014, a docetaxel-loaded NP formulation, represents an emerging strategy for prostate cancer. Clinically established examples include liposomal doxorubicin and albumin-bound paclitaxel. We comprehensively discuss the synthesis methods, delivery mechanisms, and the current landscape of NPs in research and clinical trials for these cancers. This analysis underscores the potential of nanotechnology to provide more effective and targeted therapeutic options for cancer patients in the future. A distinctive feature of this review is its comparative cancer-specific analysis of NP platforms in breast, prostate, and lung cancers. Unlike previous generalized reviews, this work integrates synthesis strategies, delivery mechanisms, translational challenges, and clinically relevant formulations to provide a bench-to-bedside perspective on the future of nanomedicine in oncology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery Systems)

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22 pages, 2527 KB  

Open AccessArticle

A Degradable Nanosystem Based on Small Gold Nanoparticles and Albumin for Amyloid Aggregation Inhibition

by Matías Levio, Francisco Rossel Carrera, Fredys Sánchez Hoyos, Maycol Huerta, Carlos Alamos, Rodrigo Vásquez-Contreras, Marcelo J. Kogan and Eyleen Araya Fuentes

Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(4), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18040504 - 19 Apr 2026

Viewed by 471

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Beta amyloid (Aβ) aggregates play a central role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and their detection and modulation remain major challenges in developing effective therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. Previously, gold nanoparticles with plasmonic and optical properties in the near-infrared [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Beta amyloid (Aβ) aggregates play a central role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and their detection and modulation remain major challenges in developing effective therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. Previously, gold nanoparticles with plasmonic and optical properties in the near-infrared (NIR) region and photothermal capabilities have been designed for detecting and disaggregating Aβ aggregates. However, these systems often face limitations related to biodegradability, long-term accumulation, and safety. In this work, a degradable NIR-responsive nanosystem based on small gold nanoparticles (sAuNPs), potentially excretable due to their small size, encapsulated within bovine serum albumin (BSA) and functionalized with the all-D peptide D3, was developed to inhibit Aβ aggregation. Methods: sAuNPs (~5–6 nm), functionalized with HS-PEG-NH₂, were encapsulated into BSA nanoparticles using a desolvation method and subsequently conjugated to D3, resulting in the nanosystem f-sAuNPs-BSANPs-D3. The nanosystem was characterized by UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The effects of the nanosystem on Aβ_1–42 aggregation were evaluated using a thioflavin T assay and electron microscopy. Additionally, the effects of f-sAuNPs-BSANPs-D3 on cell viability and its stability against trypsin digestion were assessed. Results: The nanosystem exhibited a measurable photothermal response under NIR irradiation and significantly reduced fibril formation. It did not affect the viability of SH-SY5Y neuronal cells at the tested concentrations. Trypsin incubation experiments demonstrated that the nanosystem remained stable at low enzyme concentrations mimicking plasma conditions, whereas higher enzyme concentrations induced degradation of the albumin matrix and subsequent disaggregation of sAuNPs. Conclusions: Overall, this study presents a degradable, albumin-based sAuNP nanosystem with NIR-responsive properties and potential for nanomedicine applications to inhibit Aβ aggregation in AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery Systems)

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26 pages, 3445 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Microfluidization Technique on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Cannabidiol Nanoemulsions

by Andrés Fernando Sánchez Martínez, Luis Eduardo Diaz Barrera, Natalia Elizabeth Conde Martínez, Rosa Helena Bustos Cruz, Martha Ximena León Delgado and María Ximena Quintanilla Carvajal

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(8), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16080459 - 14 Apr 2026

Viewed by 532

Abstract

This study examines the effect of microfluidization on the physicochemical properties, stability, release behavior, and cytocompatibility of cannabidiol (CBD) nanoemulsions intended for topical application. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid characterized by anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity; however, its therapeutic use is limited by low [...] Read more.

This study examines the effect of microfluidization on the physicochemical properties, stability, release behavior, and cytocompatibility of cannabidiol (CBD) nanoemulsions intended for topical application. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid characterized by anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity; however, its therapeutic use is limited by low solubility and poor bioavailability. To address these limitations, nanoemulsions were formulated using avocado oil and Tween 80 and optimized through a Box–Behnken experimental design evaluating microfluidization pressure (5000–20,000 PSI), CBD concentration (0–2%), and oil content (8–10%). Nanoemulsions were characterized over a 60-day period in terms of droplet size, dispersity index (D), and zeta potential. An increase in processing pressure led to a reduction in both droplet size and dispersity, with optimal conditions identified between 11,000 and 15,000 PSI. Higher oil and CBD concentrations were associated with an increase in the magnitude of the zeta potential, contributing to electrostatic stabilization of the system. Encapsulation efficiency reached approximately 81.4%. Cell viability assays in HaCaT keratinocytes indicated no significant cytotoxic effects. The optimized formulation exhibited a sigmoidal CBD release profile best described by Weibull and Gompertz models (R² ≈ 0.99), suggesting combined diffusion and interfacial mechanisms that support efficient topical delivery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery Systems)

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32 pages, 16205 KB  

Open AccessArticle

pH-Responsive Nanostructured Calcium Phosphate Microrods as Pulmonary Delivery Platform: Fabrication, Characterization, and Comparative Assessment of Cytotoxic and Transcriptomic Responses in Alveolar Macrophages

by Jannis Fries, Richard Bachmann, Amalia Schechtel, Oliver Janka, Julia Schulze-Hentrich and Marc Schneider

Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(4), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18040428 - 31 Mar 2026

Viewed by 688

Abstract

Background: Nanostructured, rod-shaped microparticles represent a promising drug delivery platform for the pulmonary delivery and targeting of alveolar macrophages by exploiting the aerodynamic advantages of fiber-like geometries. These microrods feature a hierarchical architecture, designed for potential macromolecular payloads, and silica (SiO₂)-based [...] Read more.

Background: Nanostructured, rod-shaped microparticles represent a promising drug delivery platform for the pulmonary delivery and targeting of alveolar macrophages by exploiting the aerodynamic advantages of fiber-like geometries. These microrods feature a hierarchical architecture, designed for potential macromolecular payloads, and silica (SiO₂)-based systems have previously been shown to successfully deliver oligonucleotides in vitro. However, current microrod systems mainly rely on nanoparticulate SiO₂-based frameworks with limited biodegradability and lack a specific escape mechanism to the cytosol. Therefore, a nanostructured calcium phosphate (CaP) framework is proposed as a biodegradable and resorbable alternative, featuring pH-responsive dissolution under endolysosomal conditions. Methods and Results: This study presents the fabrication of nanostructured, rod-shaped calcium phosphate microparticles and discusses their suitability as a potential pulmonary drug delivery platform. The particles feature dissolution-driven disintegration in acidic and ion-rich environments relevant to phagolysosomes. In addition, the particles exhibited a favorable acute cytotoxicity profile in the murine alveolar macrophage cell line MH-S compared with their SiO₂-based counterparts. Comparative RNA-seq analysis of MH-S exposed to the particles indicates a mild transcriptomic response, while canonical signatures of classical or alternative macrophage activation programs were not observed, supporting a generally well-tolerated exposure profile of the carrier. Conclusions: Together, these findings establish key prerequisites for employing calcium phosphate microrods as a biodegradable pulmonary carrier platform in subsequent studies incorporating therapeutic cargos. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery Systems)

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