Nanocapsule Technologies for Drug Delivery Systems

Nanocapsule technologies represent a class of nanometre-scale carriers with a distinct core–shell architecture, enabling encapsulation of therapeutic agents within a liquid or solid core surrounded by a polymeric or lipidic shell. These constructs offer advantages in solubility enhancement, protection of labile drugs from premature degradation, controlled and sustained release profiles, and the potential for targeted delivery through surface functionalisation. Polymeric nanocapsules, often composed of biodegradable materials such as poly(ε-caprolactone) or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), facilitate tunable degradation rates and mechanical stability. Lipid-core nanocapsules combine the biocompatibility of lipids with the structural integrity of polymers, yielding versatile platforms for hydrophobic drug loading. Advanced formulations incorporate stimuli-responsive elements—such as pH-sensitive bonds, magnetic nanoparticles or mucoadhesive coatings—to enable externally triggered or site-specific release. These innovations have global significance in oncology, antiparasitic therapy, central nervous system delivery and topical or transdermal applications, where improved bioavailability and reduced systemic toxicity are critical. Integration with various administration routes, including oral, pulmonary and nasal transmucosal, underscores the adaptability of nanocapsule systems to diverse clinical needs.

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Nanocapsule Technologies for Drug Delivery Systems publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in nanocapsule technologies for drug delivery systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Nanocapsule: A nanometre-scale delivery vehicle comprising a core containing the active agent and a surrounding shell that controls release and protects the payload.

Core–shell structure: An architecture in which an inner core (liquid or solid) is enclosed by an outer shell, enabling distinct functional regions within the same particle.

Encapsulation efficiency: The proportion of a drug successfully loaded into the nanocapsule relative to the total amount used in formulation.

Controlled release: A delivery mechanism designed to release the therapeutic agent at a predetermined rate over a specific time period.

Mucoadhesion: The capacity of a carrier to adhere to mucosal surfaces, prolonging residence time and enhancing drug absorption at the administration site.

References

1. Ivermectin-Loaded Mesoporous Silica and Polymeric Nanocapsules: Impact on Drug Loading, In Vitro Solubility Enhancement, and Release Performance. Pharmaceutics (2024).
2. Polymeric Nanocapsules as Nanotechnological Alternative for Drug Delivery System: Current Status, Challenges and Opportunities. Nanomaterials (2020).
3. Chitosan-Coated Nanoparticles: Effect of Chitosan Molecular Weight on Nasal Transmucosal Delivery. Pharmaceutics (2019).
4. Externally Controlled Triggered-Release of Drug from PLGA Micro and Nanoparticles. PLOS ONE (2014).
5. Polymeric versus lipid nanocapsules for miconazole nitrate enhanced topical delivery: in vitro and ex vivo evaluation. Drug Delivery (2022).
6. Melatonin-Loaded Nanocarriers: New Horizons for Therapeutic Applications. Molecules (2021).
7. An Inhalable Powder Formulation Based on Micro- and Nanoparticles Containing 5-Fluorouracil for the Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma. Nanomaterials (2018).