Nanogel-Based Drug Delivery Systems
Summary
Nanogel-based drug delivery systems comprise three-dimensional polymeric networks at the nanoscale that can encapsulate and protect a wide range of therapeutic agents. By virtue of their high water content, biocompatibility and tunable physicochemical properties, nanogels offer prolonged circulation, reduced systemic toxicity and enhanced accumulation at target sites. Their chemical versatility allows for the incorporation of diverse functionalities—such as surface ligands, imaging probes and responsive linkers—enabling controlled or stimuli-triggered release in response to pH shifts, temperature changes, enzyme action or redox conditions. Advances in synthesis techniques, including microfluidics and controlled polymerisation, have yielded nanogels with precise size distributions, narrow polydispersity and tailored degradation profiles. These materials have been applied in oncology for targeted chemotherapy, in regenerative medicine for growth factor delivery, and in diagnostic imaging through the integration of contrast agents. Ongoing research focuses on multifunctional platforms that combine therapeutic payloads with real-time monitoring capabilities, thereby bridging the divide between treatment and diagnosis in a single nanoscale entity.
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Nanogel-Based Drug Delivery Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in nanogel-based drug delivery systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Nanogel: A nanoscale, crosslinked polymer network capable of encapsulating therapeutic agents within its hydrophilic matrix.
Crosslinking: The chemical or physical bonding of polymer chains to form a stable three-dimensional network.
Stimuli-responsive: Describes materials that undergo a change in structure or properties in response to external triggers such as pH, temperature, enzymes or light.
PEGylation: The attachment of polyethylene glycol chains to a nanoparticle surface to improve biocompatibility, circulation time and reduce immunogenicity.
Theranostic: A combined therapeutic and diagnostic approach where a single agent or system provides treatment while enabling monitoring of its own efficacy.
References
- A multifunctional bioresponsive and fluorescent active nanogel composite for breast cancer therapy and bioimaging. Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials (2023).
- Nanogels: A chemically versatile drug delivery platform. Nano Today (2025).
- Exploring the Potential of Nanogels: From Drug Carriers to Radiopharmaceutical Agents. Advanced Healthcare Materials (2023).
- Nanogel: A Versatile Nano-Delivery System for Biomedical Applications. Pharmaceutics (2020).
- Synthesis of Nanogels: Current Trends and Future Outlook. Gels (2021).
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