NANOPARTICLES IN DRUG DELIVERY: A CHEMICAL ENGINEERING PERSPECTIVE ON BIOCOMPATIBILITY, TARGETING, AND CONTROLLED RELEASE MECHANISMS

Abstract

Nanoparticles are increasingly being used in drug delivery systems for improving targeting, drug release, and biocompatibility of the drug molecules. This paper discusses the role of nanoparticles in drug delivery, concentrating on their biocompatibility, targeting and controlled release systems. Polymeric (PLGA, chitosan), lipid-based (liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles), and inorganic (gold and silica) nanoparticles were synthesized and analysed based on physicochemical properties, drug entrapment efficiency, drug release profile, cell viability and distribution. These findings showed that liposomal nanoparticles had the highest encapsulation efficiency (90%) and better biocompatibility while PLGA nanoparticles showed a gradual release of the drug for up to 72 hours. In terms of cell toxicity, it was observed that polymeric and lipid-based nanoparticles had a low toxic effect on the cells, while gold and silica nanoparticles triggered severe toxicity at higher concentrations. The biodistribution of the liposomes also supported the results of the EPR effect analysis indicating that liposomes had the highest uptake in tumor tissue (48%) compared to PLGA (35%) and chitosan (21%). In other pharmacokinetic tests on controlled drug release, it was observed that Polymeric nanoparticles released their drugs gradually by diffusion as well as degradation while Liposomes released the drug quickly because of its amphiphilic nature. Additionally, just for PEGylation and Ligand conjugation the circulation time was enhanced and targeting efficiency were reduced off target accumulation . However, there are still several barriers that have hindered the future clinical application: stability, scalability, and finally approval. In this article, the properties of nanoparticles for drug delivery are discussed, noting the opportunities and challenges that require optimization in the future. The global market for nanomedicine is still in a developmental stage, relying on stimuli-responsive systems and AI-assisted formulation design to overcome current challenges in the near future.