Nanosponges: In-sights into Fabrication, Design, Drug delivery and its Evolving Challenges

Nanosponges (NS) represent a promising advancement in drug delivery technology due to their unique porous structure, biocompatibility, and ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. These nanoscale carriers offer controlled and targeted drug release, improving therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects. This highlights the potential of NS, particularly cyclodextrin-based formulations, in enhancing solubility, bioavailability, and sustained release of poorly water-soluble drugs like docetaxel. Various preparation methods—including emulsion solvent diffusion, quasi-emulsion, and melt techniques—affect the physicochemical characteristics of the final product. Studies demonstrate that β-cyclodextrin and carboxymethyl chitosan-based NS improve drug stability, loading efficiency, and release profile. The addition of cross-linkers and polymer blends further optimizes drug entrapment and release kinetics. NS applications include skin cancer therapy, antifungal treatment, rheumatoid arthritis management, and skin disease therapies. Innovative NS systems incorporating gold nanoparticles or photothermal agents show potential for multifunctional cancer therapies. Preclinical studies report enhanced therapeutic outcomes, biocompatibility, and minimal toxicity, although long-term biosafety and regulatory concerns remain areas for future exploration. Advances in surface functionalization and formulation optimization are expanding NS utility in personalized medicine. Despite the challenges in large-scale production and clinical translation, the evolving research underlines the vast potential of nanosponges as flexible, efficient, and safe drug delivery systems. This review encourages continued development and evaluation to realize their full application in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields.