Gallium-based liquid metal nanoparticles for drug delivery applications

Drug delivery systems have been widely investigated over the past decades for their ability to enhance drug efficacy and reduce side effects. However, in order to be applicable to a wide range of diseases and drugs, research on diverse and effective controlled delivery systems is imminent. The specificities of gallium-based liquid metal nanoparticles (Ga-based LMPs), such as low toxicity, core-shell structure, mobility, and photothermal effect, make them full of potential for development in drug delivery. Functional gallium-based LMPs can be driven by physical or chemical stimuli for targeted drug transport to the lesion. This review introduces the recent research progress of Ga-based LMPs by summarizing its unique advantages in the field of drug delivery. At the same time, this paper introduces some Ga-based LMPs drug delivery opportunities in conjunction with its advantages and challenges. This review will provide some directions for the future development of Ga-based LMPs in the field of drug delivery