Article: Recent advances and challenges in nanomaterial based drug delivery approaches Journal: International Journal of Nano and Biomaterials (IJNBM) 2026 Vol.11 No.3 pp.220 - 247 Abstract: Targeted delivery of medicinal drugs to diseased cells in body is one of the most significant areas of pharmaceutical research. Nanomaterials with ultrahigh surface area, good aqueous solubility and facile functionalisation capabilities have proven to be an ideal platform for loading and delivery of drug molecules. Small size of nanoparticles and their aqueous compatibility allows for easier passage across the cellular membranes which further enhances the drug's overall efficacy. Additionally, nanostructured materials, especially carbon-based nanostructures, can protect drugs from degradation and slow down their clearance by the body's immune system, allowing for longer circulation times and increased drug availability. Advancements in magnetic nanocarriers as well as quantum dots have brought significant interest in this field due to their dual advantage in highly localised disease diagnosis as well as treatment. Tremendous improvements in nanomaterial engineering over last decade have also led to success in more regulated and sustained drug release in the biosystems. This review systematically encapsulates the most recent breakthroughs in the field and addresses the critical leftover challenges and probable remedial strategies. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Recent advances and challenges in nanomaterial based drug delivery approaches

Authors: Yasmin Mirza; Jaibir Kherb

Addresses: Department of Chemistry, Amity Institute of Applied Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh-201303, India ' Department of Chemistry, Amity Institute of Applied Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh-201303, India

Abstract: Targeted delivery of medicinal drugs to diseased cells in body is one of the most significant areas of pharmaceutical research. Nanomaterials with ultrahigh surface area, good aqueous solubility and facile functionalisation capabilities have proven to be an ideal platform for loading and delivery of drug molecules. Small size of nanoparticles and their aqueous compatibility allows for easier passage across the cellular membranes which further enhances the drug's overall efficacy. Additionally, nanostructured materials, especially carbon-based nanostructures, can protect drugs from degradation and slow down their clearance by the body's immune system, allowing for longer circulation times and increased drug availability. Advancements in magnetic nanocarriers as well as quantum dots have brought significant interest in this field due to their dual advantage in highly localised disease diagnosis as well as treatment. Tremendous improvements in nanomaterial engineering over last decade have also led to success in more regulated and sustained drug release in the biosystems. This review systematically encapsulates the most recent breakthroughs in the field and addresses the critical leftover challenges and probable remedial strategies.

Keywords: drug delivery; nanomaterials synthesis and functionalisation; active targeting; biomedical applications of carbon nanomaterials; cancer therapy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNBM.2026.153210

International Journal of Nano and Biomaterials, 2026 Vol.11 No.3, pp.220 - 247

Received: 02 Aug 2024
Accepted: 06 Oct 2025
Published online: 29 Apr 2026 *

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Title: Recent advances and challenges in nanomaterial based drug delivery approaches

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