Nanogels for the targeted delivery of antibiotic and antimicrobial drugs

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems represent a promising platform for advancing biomedical therapies. Among them, nanogels - three‑dimensional, crosslinked polymer networks - offer tunable structures that enable targeted and controlled drug delivery, a key advantage in combating antimicrobial resistance. Recognized by the World Health Organization as a major global health threat, antimicrobial resistance continues to rise due to the overuse, misuse, and improper dosing of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine. Resistant bacterial strains often form biofilms that further reduce antibiotic effectiveness, underscoring the need for delivery platforms that enhance targeting while minimizing off‑target exposure. Nanogels are well-positioned to address these challenges. Recent <i>in vivo</i> studies, sourced from Google Scholar and PubMed between 2020 and 2026, demonstrate their ability to improve antimicrobial therapy through efficient drug loading, controlled release, and site‑specific delivery. This review highlights these advances and discusses remaining obstacles, including scaling up nanogel production and the potential role of artificial intelligence in optimizing nanogel design and manufacturing to support standardized, cost‑effective, and clinically viable treatments.