Nanosponges as Emerging Nanocarriers: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Developments and Pharmaceutical Applications

Abstract

Recent advancements in nanotechnology have revolutionized drug delivery systems by enabling targeted and controlled delivery of therapeutic agents. Despite significant progress, challenges such as poor bioavailability, drug toxicity, limited stability, and uncontrolled drug release continue to hinder the effectiveness of conventional drug delivery approaches. Nanosponges have emerged as a promising nanocarrier system capable of overcoming these limitations due to their unique structural and functional characteristics.Nanosponges are nanosized, three-dimensional porous structures composed primarily of cross-linked cyclodextrins and suitable cross-linking agents. The nanosponge drug delivery system offers numerous advantages, including reduced drug toxicity, prolonged and predictable drug release, enhanced therapeutic efficacy, and site-specific drug targeting. In addition to pharmaceutical applications, nanosponges have demonstrated significant potential in the delivery of proteins, enzymes, vaccines, antibodies, and other biomacromolecules. Their applications extend to various therapeutic areas, including cancer treatment, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and theranostic medicine.This review provides a comprehensive overview of nanosponges, focusing on their preparation methods, factors influencing formulation, physicochemical characterization techniques, advantages and limitations, and diverse pharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, recent developments and future perspectives in nanosponge-based drug delivery systems are discussed. The growing body of evidence suggests that nanosponges represent a versatile and innovative platform with immense potential to enhance the efficacy and safety of modern drug delivery systems.