Role of Nanotechnology in Enhancing Therapeutic Efficacy and Pharmacokinetic Profiles for Dengue

Abstract Dengue virus (DENV) infection remains one of the world’s most pervasive mosquito‐borne threats, with nearly 390 million infections annually and approximately 96 million clinically apparent cases¹. Despite this enormous burden, there are no approved antivirals with both potent efficacy and favorable pharmacokinetics. Nanotechnology‐based delivery systems have emerged as powerful platforms to overcome traditional drug‐delivery barriers—poor solubility, rapid degradation, off‐target toxicity—by modulating drug physicochemistry, enhancing bioavailability, enabling precise targeting, and providing controlled release. Here, we comprehensively review advances in lipid‐, polymer‐, and inorganic‐based nanocarriers for dengue therapy, focusing on eleven major classes: phytosomes, liposomes, cubosomes, niosomes, ethosomes, transfersomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, dendrimers, polymeric micelles, nanoemulsions, and nanocrystals. For each, we detail composition and preparation, physicochemical characterization, mechanisms of cellular uptake and endosomal escape, multimodal antiviral and immunomodulatory actions, and quantitative pharmacokinetic improvements—including extended circulation, sustained release, and lymphatic uptake. Preclinical efficacy in dengue models is summarized alongside immunotoxicity, biodistribution, and regulatory considerations. Finally, we outline future directions in personalized and theranostic nanomedicines tailored to patient‐specific viral and immunological profiles.