NANOPARTICLE-MEDIATED DRUG DELIVERY: A REVOLUTIONARY ADVANCEMENT IN CANCER AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE TREATMENT

Abstract

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have evolved as a revolutionary approach to targeted cancer and infectious disease treatment. This work discusses the synthesis, functionalization, and assessment of different types of nanoparticles such as polymeric, lipid, and metal oxide nanoparticles. Some of the findings highlighted that polymeric nanoparticles attained maximum encapsulation efficiency (85%) and controlled release profiles, thereby providing long-term therapeutic activity. Lipid nanoparticles showed increased stability in plasma and effective targeting properties, especially using PEGylation and ligand conjugation techniques. pH-responsive nanoparticles showed controlled release under acidic conditions, increasing localized drug delivery. Magnetic dextran-functionalized nanoparticles effectively accumulated in cancer tissues, showing promise in magnetically guided therapies. The research validated enhanced cellular uptake, decreased systemic toxicity, and increased hemocompatibility in all nanoparticle formulations. In vivo experiments showed increased circulation half-lives and targeted localization in tumor tissues through the EPR effect. These results point toward the promise of multifunctional nanoparticles to advance therapeutic efficacy, minimize side effects, and extend clinical use. Future studies will need to prioritize scalable synthesis methods and hybrid nanoparticle system design to further maximize targeted therapies.