Drug Delivery Systems
Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract
Drug delivery systems play an important role in improving the safety, effectiveness, and therapeutic performance of medicines. Conventional approaches often face limitations such as poor bioavailability, frequent dosing, drug degradation, and non-specific distribution. Recent advances have therefore led to the development of modified, controlled, targeted, and nanotechnology-based delivery systems designed to improve drug release and achieve better site-specific action. This chapter provides an overview of conventional and advanced drug delivery approaches, including liposomes, niosomes, polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based carriers, nanoemulsions, nanogels, dendrimers, and nanocrystals. Particular attention is given to targeted and stimuli-responsive systems that can regulate drug release in response to biological or external triggers. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, personalized delivery, 3D-printed systems, RNA delivery, and programmable drug delivery are also discussed. The chapter further highlights important factors influencing system design, characterization, therapeutic applications, safety considerations, regulatory challenges, and clinical translation. Overall, modern drug delivery technologies offer promising opportunities for improving therapeutic outcomes and supporting more precise, patient-centered treatment strategies.
Author Affiliations
- 1 Principal, Department of Pharmacology, Shakuntala Patil Bahuuddeshiy Sanstha, Shatabdi Institute of Pharmacy, Samsherpur, Bamdod, Nandurbar, India.