Nanosponges: Multifunctional Nanocarriers at the Interface of Drug Delivery, Environmental Remediation, and Emerging Biomedical Technologies

Nanosponges are highly porous, three-dimensional nanostructures based on polymers or cyclodextrins, nanosponges combine surface functionality, biocompatibility, and tunable porosity to function as flexible platforms in a variety of applications. This review highlights how modular chemistry allows for the controlled loading and release of a variety of cargos, including small-molecule drugs, peptides, heavy metals, organic pollutants, and imaging agents. It summarizes recent developments in nanosponge design, synthesis, characterization, and application. With a focus on stimuli-responsive and surface-functionalized systems, we analyze formulation strategies in drug delivery that maximize drug-polymer interactions for improved solubility, sustained release, targeted delivery, and decreased toxicity. We assess regeneration strategies, deployment formats, and adsorption mechanisms for environmental remediation that enable the effective removal of heavy metals, dyes, and medications from water streams. Additionally, we investigate cutting-edge biomedical technologies such as antimicrobial coatings and combined therapy (theranostics)