Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Anti-Inflammatory Therapies
Summary
Inflammatory disorders underlie a spectrum of acute and chronic conditions, from arthritis and ulcerative colitis to neurodegenerative and ocular diseases. Conventional anti-inflammatory drugs such as glucocorticoids or non-steroidal agents often require high doses or frequent administration, leading to systemic toxicity, off-target effects and poor patient compliance. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems address these challenges by encapsulating or conjugating therapeutic agents within nanoscale carriers that confer controlled release, improved solubility, extended circulation and targeted accumulation at inflamed sites. A diverse array of formulations has been developed, including polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, inorganic nanocapsules and hybrid constructs. Surface modifications—such as polyethylene glycol coatings or ligand attachment—enable evasion of the mononuclear phagocyte system and active targeting of macrophages or inflamed endothelium. Stimuli-responsive designs exploit pH, enzymes or redox gradients within inflamed tissues to trigger on-demand drug release. Beyond efficacy improvements, multifunctional platforms can integrate imaging agents for real-time tracking. Preclinical successes in models of rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, pulmonary inflammation and ocular disease underscore the global significance of these approaches. As formulation science and nanomedicine converge, such systems are poised to transform anti-inflammatory therapy by maximising local potency while minimising systemic burden.
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Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Anti-Inflammatory Therapies publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for anti-inflammatory therapies across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
ζ-potential: Electrical potential at the slipping plane of a nanoparticle, indicating surface charge and predicting colloidal stability.
Polyelectrolyte complex: A nanoparticle formed by electrostatic association of oppositely charged polymers, enabling drug encapsulation without organic solvents.
PEGylation: Attachment of polyethylene glycol chains to a nanoparticle surface to reduce protein adsorption and extend systemic circulation.
Core–shell nanocapsule: A nanoparticle architecture in which a functional core (drug or imaging agent) is enclosed within a protective outer shell, allowing controlled release and surface modification.
References
- Development and Bioactivity of Zinc Sulfate Cross-Linked Polysaccharide Delivery System of Dexamethasone Phosphate. Pharmaceutics (2023).
- Controlling protein interactions in blood for effective liver immunosuppressive therapy by silica nanocapsules. Nanoscale (2020).
- Anti-Inflammatory Polymeric Nanoparticles Based on Ketoprofen and Dexamethasone. Pharmaceutics (2020).
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