Biomaterials in Drug Delivery Systems: Design to Clinical Impact

Abstract

The development of biomaterials has significantly changed modern drug delivery by making it possible to release the drug in a controlled, targeted, and sustained manner. Traditional drug administration methods are usually associated with low bioavailability, systemic toxicity, and poor patient compliance. To eliminate these drawbacks, biomaterial-based drug delivery systems have been developed as new vehicles that not only improve the effectiveness of the therapy but also reduce the side effects to a minimum. These systems employ both natural and synthetic biomaterials that are designed at the molecular and nanoscale levels to confine, stabilize, and transport drugs to the specific tissues or cells. This study is intended to serve as an encyclopaedia concerning the fundamental concepts, strategies of the creation, and clinical applications of biomaterials in drug delivery. It provides a brief introduction to the elemental material categories such as polymers, lipids, hydrogels, dendrimers, and inorganic nanocarriers along with intelligent, stimuli-responsive platforms. The paper discusses the design features like surface modification, targeted delivery, and controlled release mechanisms. Current clinical achievements, difficulties in translation, and prospects for a personalized and precision medicine approach are, respectively, the final points of the review.