Recent Advances in Porous Carriers for Drug Delivery: Materials, Loading Strategies, and Applications

Background: Poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability of many drugs remain major challenges in pharmaceutical development and often limit the therapeutic efficacy. To overcome these limitations, considerable attention has been directed towards advanced drug delivery systems that can improve drug stability, release behavior, and pharmacokinetic profile. Among these systems, porous carriers have emerged as versatile platforms. These carriers include polymeric, lipid-based, and inorganic materials that possess diverse physicochemical properties enabling efficient drug incorporation and controlled release. Aim: To provide a comprehensive overview of porous carriers in the manufacturing of solid dosage forms and drug delivery systems, focusing on their classification, structural and physicochemical characteristics, drug loading mechanisms, pharmaceutical applications and current challenges associated with their use. Methods: This review is based on previously published scientific studies on porous carriers and their applications in drug delivery systems. Relevant research and review articles were carefully examined to present a clear scientific summary of current knowledge in this field. Conclusion: Porous carriers have gained significant attention as a result of their high surface area, tunable pore size/volume, and modifiable surface chemistry, which enhance drug loading efficacy, dissolution behavior, and controlled release. Various porous materials, including mesoporous silica, Neusilin®, calcium phosphates, and hybrid organic-inorganic frameworks, have demonstrated promising potential in improving drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes. Continued research is essential to optimize these systems and expand their pharmaceutical applications.