Smart Drug Delivery Systems: A New Era in Targeted Therapy

Abstract

The world of drug delivery is undergoing a profound transformation. Nowadays, conventional drug delivery
systems (DDS) are not mostly used due to their side effects and limited benefits. We have already entered the
era of smart DDS (SDDS) which is an innovative wave of therapy that delivers medications precisely where and
when required and always in right amounts. The heart of these systems is nanocarriers. These are microscopic
transporters engineered to protect and deliver drugs with pinpoint accuracy. These tiny vehicles come in various
forms such as liposomes, nanoparticles, quantum dots, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes, and superparamagnetic
iron-oxide nanoparticles each offering unique advantages. This controlled delivery shines especially in areas
such as cancer and gene therapy, where precision can make the difference between success and setbacks. This
review focuses on the design and preparation of the nanocarriers and explore their real-world applications, from
targeted tumor treatment to customized gene delivery. It helps in overcoming long-standing limitations posed
by conventional drug delivery, SDDS are paving the way for treatments that are not just more effective, but also
safer and more personalized. This article also gives information regarding the available marketed products of the
nanocarriers along with their manufacturer’s details and also the brand names. With smarter, more responsive
systems, the future of disease management looks brighter than ever; bringing us closer to therapies tailored to
each individual’s unique needs