THE IMPORTANCE OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN DRUG DELIVERY TO TARGET TISSUES, A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Nanotechnology has become one of the most innovative and promising fields in contemporary biomedical research, particularly in the development of advanced drug delivery systems. The inherent limitations of conventional pharmacotherapy, such as poor solubility in biological media, chemical and metabolic instability, short plasma half-life, nonspecific distribution, and high systemic toxicity, have driven the search for strategies capable of optimizing therapeutic efficacy and treatment safety. In this context, the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale allows the exploitation of distinct physicochemical properties that enhance the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of therapeutic molecules. One of the major advances provided by nanotechnology is the possibility of targeted drug delivery to tissues of interest through passive and active targeting strategies. Passive targeting exploits specific pathophysiological features, such as the enhanced permeability and retention effect, whereas active targeting involves surface functionalization of nanosystems with ligands capable of recognizing overexpressed receptors on target cells. These approaches contribute to increasing drug concentration at the site of action while minimizing exposure of healthy tissues, thereby reducing systemic adverse effects. In this context, this narrative review aims to comprehensively and critically discuss the main concepts, fundamentals, types of nanosystems, targeting strategies, and clinical applications of nanotechnology in drug delivery to tissues of interest, highlighting its advantages, limitations, and future perspectives. Understanding these aspects is essential for advancing translational research and consolidating nanotechnology as one of the pillars of precision medicine and the development of safer, more effective, and targeted therapies.