NANOGELS: A SMART AND VERSATILE PLATFORM FOR CONTROLLED AND TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY

Nanogels have emerged as a promising and advanced platform in the field of drug delivery due to their unique physicochemical and biological properties. They are nanosized, threedimensional cross-linked polymeric hydrogel systems capable of encapsulating a wide range
of therapeutic agents, including small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids. Their high water content, tunable size, and large surface area enable efficient drug loading and controlled release. Nanogels overcome the limitations of conventional drug delivery systems such as poor stability, low bioavailability, and non-specific targeting by providing improved biocompatibility, biodegradability, and prolonged circulation time. Furthermore, nanogels exhibit stimuli-responsive behavior (pH, temperature, light, and redox
conditions), allowing site-specific and controlled drug release, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Their small size (typically 20–200 nm) facilitates penetration across biological barriers, including the blood–brain barrier, making them highly
suitable for targeted delivery in complex diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders.
Different synthesis methods, including physical and chemical cross-linking techniques, enable the design of nanogels with tailored properties for specific biomedical applications.
Additionally, their ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, along with multiple bioactive agents, highlights their versatility. Despite their significant advantages, challenges such as scalability, stability, and clinical translation remain to be addressed.
Overall, nanogels represent a next-generation drug delivery system with immense potential to revolutionize modern therapeutics and nanomedicine.