Site-specific Drug Delivery Research Articles

From Conventional to Cutting-edge: A Comprehensive Review on Drug Delivery Systems

: The essential need for efficacious conveyance of therapeutics to specific tissues or cells, refinement of drug formulations, and the scalability of industrial production drives the pre-sent-day demand for enhanced drug delivery systems (DDS). Newly devised drugs often exhibit suboptimal biopharmaceutical properties, resulting in diminished patient adherence and adverse side effects. The paramount importance of site-specific drug delivery lies in its capacity to facili-tate the targeted administration of diverse therapeutic agents, catering to both localized ailments and systemic treatments. Alongside targeted drug delivery strategies encompassing ligand-based targeting and stimuli-responsive systems, the advent of cutting-edge nanotechnologies such as nanoparticles, liposomes, and micelles has marked a paradigm shift. Additionally, personalized medicines have emerged as a consequential facet of drug delivery, emphasizing the customization of treatment approaches. Researchers have explored an excess of methodologies in the advance-ment of these formulation technologies, including stimuli-responsive drug delivery, 3D printing, gene delivery, and various other innovative approaches. This comprehensive review aims to pro-vide a holistic understanding of the past, present, and future of drug delivery systems, offering in-sights into the transformative potential of emerging technologies.

Optimized strategies for precise messenger RNA delivery using site-specific lipid nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems.

Optimized strategies for precise messenger RNA delivery using site-specific lipid nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems.

Approach of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCS): tool as a new targeted drug delivery system: A review

The most significant advancement in the creation of more efficient medicine delivery systems has come from nanotechnology. The target drug delivery system is now incredibly simple and efficient thanks to cutting-edge nanotechnology. A target drug delivery system is a technique for getting the medication's active ingredient to the body's injured area. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are an exceptional and unique development in the field of nanotechnology. Site-specific drug delivery systems can be constructed using NLCs, a novel form of second generation emulsion system that combines spatially incompatible liquid lipids with a mixture of solid lipids. This potential delivery mechanism provides longer stability than SLNs. Because of the potential advantages of drug design at the nanoscale, such as the capacity to increase immunogenicity and bioavailability, which can lead to the development of more convenient administration routes, fewer side effects, improved biodistribution, and an extended drug life cycle, the application of nanostructured and nanophases is seen to bridge the gap between biological and physical sciences.

Development of Grafted Copolymers from Plant Exudates and Their Application for Site-Specific Drug Delivery: A Systematic Review

Grafted copolymers, extracted from plant exudates, have emerged as promising materials for their potential activity in site-specific drug delivery. These biopolymers, derived from natural sources, provide biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional diversity. This review focuses on the methods of grafting copolymers onto plant exudates, the characterization of these novel materials, and their potential applications in drug delivery to specific targeted areas. We focus on specific grafted polymers such as Tamarindus indica acrylamide grafted polymer (TIAG), Sterculia urens acrylamide grafted polymer (SUAG), and Eucalyptus obliqua acrylamide grafted polymer (EOAG), among others, to investigate their advantageous characteristics in delivering potent molecules to the intended site of action, thereby enhancing crucial modalities such as the onset and duration of action. This review also highlights the mechanisms of drug release, targeting strategies, and the therapeutic benefits of using these biopolymers in medical applications.

Nanocarrier-Based Delivery Approaches of Mangiferin: An Updated Review on Leveraging Biopharmaceutical Characteristics of the Bioactive.

In recent years, bioactive constituents from plants have been investigated as an alternative to synthetic approaches of therapeutics. Mangiferin (MGF) is a xanthone glycoside extracted from Mangifera indica and has shown numerous medicinal properties, such as antimicrobial, anti-diarrhoeal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, anti-tumours, and anti-diabetic effects. However, there are numerous challenges to its effective therapeutic usage, including its low water solubility, limited absorption, and poor bioavailability. Nano formulation approaches in recent years exhibited potential for the delivery of phytoconstituents with key benefits of high entrapment, sustained release, enhanced solubility, stability, improved pharmacokinetics, and site-specific drug delivery. Numerous techniques have been employed for the fabrication of MGF-loaded Nano formulations, and each technique has its advantages and limitations. The nanocarriers that have been employed to fabricate MGF nanoformulations for various therapeutic purposes include; polymeric nanoparticles, nanostructure, lipid carriers, polymeric micelles, Nano emulsions, microemulsion & self-microemulsifying drug delivery system, solid lipid nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, transfersomes, nanoliposomes, ethosomes & transethosomes, and glycethosomes. Different biopharmaceutical characteristics (size, shape, entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, ex vivo drug permeation,, and in vivo studies) of the mentioned MGF-loaded nanocarriers have been methodically discussed. Patent reports are also included to further strengthen the potential of MGF in the management of diseases.

Tailoring lyotropic liquid crystals for skin barrier penetration: Exploring composition and structure–function relationships

Lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) have garnered attention as a promising nanocarrier delivery system for enhancing skin permeation owing to their unique structural properties, such as improved drug loading and controlled drug release and versatility. LLCs are greatly explored for topical drug delivery owing to their strong bio-adhesive nature and structural similarity to the biological membranes when applied topically, which improves skin retention and permeation of the drugs. This review explores the functionality of structural design, especially the optimization of micellar systems, hexagonal and lamellar phases, and bicontinuous cubic and sponge phases, to achieve efficient skin permeation of therapeutic loaded LLCs. Furthermore, customization of surfactant to achieve skin compatibility and permeation is explored along with incorporating molecular modifications, functionalization, and the influence of surfactant hydrophilic–lipophilic balance. Additionally, the review illuminates the impact of LLCs curvature and the engineering of ordered and disordered phases for optimal drug release. Emerging advanced techniques such as surface modification with various ligands, stimuli-responsive LLCs for on-demand drug release, and combination therapies with multifunctional LLCs for synergistic effects that can promote targeted and site-specific drug delivery have also been discussed. The detailed findings have been discussed in this review with appropriate case studies. Challenges and future perspectives in designing and formulating LLCs for skin permeation are addressed to ignite future research. The knowledge and advancements presented in this review pave the way for developing next-generation LLCs-based systems, enabling enhanced permeation through the skin and opening new possibilities in the treatment of various dermatological conditions.

Double Imprinted Nanoparticles for Sequential Membrane-to-Nuclear Drug Delivery.

Efficient and site-specific delivery of therapeutics drugs remains a critical challenge in cancer treatment. Traditional drug nanocarriers such as antibody-drug conjugates are not generally accessible due to their high cost and can lead to serious side effects including life-threatening allergic reactions. Here, these problems are overcome via the engineering of supramolecular agents that are manufactured with an innovative double imprinting approach. The developed molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) are targeted toward a linear epitope of estrogen receptor alfa (ERα) and loaded with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. These nanoMIPs are cost-effective and rival the affinity of commercial antibodies for ERα. Upon specific binding of the materials to ERα, which is overexpressed in most breast cancers (BCs), nuclear drug delivery is achieved via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Consequentially, significantly enhanced cytotoxicity is elicited in BC cell lines overexpressing ERα, paving the way for precision treatment of BC. Proof-of-concept for the clinical use of the nanoMIPs is provided by evaluating their drug efficacy in sophisticated three-dimensional (3D) cancer models, which capture the complexity of the tumor microenvironment in vivo without requiring animal models. Thus, these findings highlight the potential of nanoMIPs as a promising class of novel drug compounds for use in cancer treatment.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate films reinforced with nanocrystalline cassava starch and intended its applications for colonic drug delivery

Controlled-release drug delivery systems are crucial for improving therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) films are promising candidates due to their film-forming properties and tunable release profiles. However, their mechanical properties can limit their applicability. This study aimed to assess the effect of addition of nanocrystalline cassava (NCS) starches to HPMCP films on the physicochemical and mechanical properties and the ability of films to control drug release rate. Reinforced HPMCP films with 2, 4 and 6 % w/w of NCS were characterized as a function of the microstructure, X-ray diffraction pattern, mechanical properties, and dissolution property. It was found that increasing starch amount induced an increase in heterogeneity of the film microstructure and crystallinity. The tensile strength of HPMCP films increased with addition of starches, while the elongation at break decreased. The lowest dissolution in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer solution was found for films containing NCS at 2 and 4 % w/w. For the application purposes, HPMCP containing different amounts of NCS was used to coat over diclofenac sodium tablets. The tablets coated with HPMCP containing 4 % w/w NCS showed the lowest drug release of 73.5 % in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer solution at 240 min. According to our results, the addition of NCS at adequate amount allowed to improve the mechanical properties of HPMCP films and to decrease the drug release rate which is important for the site-specific drug delivery process.

Nanosuspensions: A Novel Drug Delivery System

The current article cites the importance of the emerging and promising future of new age dosage form, ‘nano suspensions’. Particle size reduction, particularly nanonization, is a non-specific, universal approach to improve the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. The article emphasizes importance in the preparation, evaluation and the research work going on with various drugs and their appropriate applications. Nano suspensions have emerged as a promising strategy for the efficient delivery of hydrophobic drugs because of their versatile features and unique advantages. Techniques such as media milling and high-pressure homogenization have been used commercially for producing nano suspensions. The unique features of nano suspensions have enabled their use in various dosage forms, including specialized delivery systems such as mucoadhesive hydrogels. Rapid strides have been made in the delivery of nano suspensions by parenteral, peroral, ocular and pulmonary routes. Currently, efforts are being directed to extending their applications in site-specific drug delivery.

A Review on Metallic Nanoparticles

Metallic nano-particles are nano scale metals that fall between one to one hundred nano meters in length, breadth, and thickness. Faraday looked into the possibility of metallic nanoparticles in solution for the first time in 1856. These days, it is possible to create and modify these nanomaterials with different chemical functional groups, enabling them to engage with medicines, ligands, and antibodies. Applications for metallic nanoparticles in biotechnology, therapeutics, and medication and gene delivery are numerous. The features, benefits, drawbacks, and attributes of metal nanomaterials are outlined in this review. This review also highlights how metallic nanomaterials work as catalysts, which is necessary for stabilization. It provides the readers with detailed information on the synthesis by various methods and characterization, with a particular focus on therapeutic application along with potential side effects and their future perspectives. Recent headway has opened the way to site-specific targeting and drug delivery by these metallic nano particles. Keywords: Surface Atom and Quantum Dot, Metal Nano particle, Gold, Platinum, and Silver Nano particle, Catalyst.

Enteric-Coated Capsules Providing Reliable Site-Specific Drug Delivery to the Distal Ileum.

Nefecon, a targeted-release capsule formulation of budesonide approved for the reduction of proteinuria in adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy, targets overproduction of galactose-deficient immunoglobulin A type 1 in the Peyer's patches at the gut mucosal level. To investigate whether the commercial formulation of Nefecon capsules reliably releases budesonide to the distal ileum, a human study was conducted with test capsules reproducing the delayed-release function of Nefecon capsules. Caffeine was included in the test capsules as a marker for capsule opening in the gut since it appears rapidly in saliva after release from orally administered dosage forms. Magnetic resonance imaging with black iron oxide was used to determine the capsule's position in the gut at the time caffeine was first measured in saliva and additionally to directly visualize dispersion of the capsule contents in the gut. In vitro dissolution results confirmed that the test capsules had the same delayed-release characteristics as Nefecon capsules. In 10 of 12 human volunteers, the capsule was demonstrated to open in the distal ileum; in the other two subjects, it opened just past the ileocecal junction. These results compared favorably with the high degree of variability seen in other published imaging studies of delayed-release formulations targeting the gut. The test capsules were shown to reliably deliver their contents to the distal ileum, the region with the highest concentration of Peyer's patches.

SP94 engineered erythrocyte membrane enhanced the targeted delivery of biomimetic nanosuspension with IDO immunotherapy and chemotherapy in liver cancer

The efficient eradication of tumor cells remains a critical challenge in the realm of liver cancer therapies. The combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy holds more significant potential for improving treatment efficacy. However, the effectiveness of immunotherapy is mainly impeded by the high activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which creates an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment via robust proliferation of immunosuppressive T regulatory cells (Tregs) and inhibition of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Herein, we developed SR-ATO-ASIV@NS, a liver cancer-targeting peptide (SP94) modified RBCM-coated biomimetic nanosuspension. This innovative formulation incorporates the chemotherapeutic agent arsenic trioxide (ATO) and the immunomodulator astragaloside IV (AS-IV) as IDO inhibitor for the combined chemoimmunotherapy of liver cancer. The SR-ATO-ASIV@NS increased the solubility of both ATO and AS-IV and displayed excellent stability and exhibited high drug-loading efficiency, rendering it suitable for efficient dual drug delivery. Furthermore, this biomimetic nanosuspension efficiently evaded immune response and showed specific uptake in liver cancer cells via SP94 receptor-mediated endocytosis. The remarkable pharmacokinetic profile, characterized by prolonged blood circulation, enhanced the in vivo anti-tumor efficacy in H22 tumor bearing mice through the synergistic action of the dual drugs. On one hand, the released ATO resulted in excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which stimulated the induction of apoptosis pathways via Bax/Bcl-2 and caspase mechanism. While on the other hand, AS-IV effectively blocked the IDO activity and hinders the production of Tregs within the tumor microenvironment. Consequently, the reduced Tregs population fosters the proliferation of CTLs, alleviating ITM and intensifying the immunotherapeutic response for the efficient killing of cancer cells. Additionally, the successful inhibition of liver cancer metastasis to the lungs and robust increase in T memory cells further boosted the anti-tumor therapeutic efficacy of SR-ATO-ASIV@NS. In summary, SR-ATO-ASIV@NS represents a novel and scientifically sophisticated strategy in targeted biomimetic nanotherapeutics. This approach not only enhances site-specific drug delivery but also showcases promising potential for advancing the field of combined chemoimmunotherapy for liver cancer.

Innovative tumor interstitial fluid-triggered carbon dot-docetaxel nanoassemblies for targeted drug delivery and imaging of HER2-positive breast cancer

In this study, we have developed an innovative pH-triggered nanomedicine delivery system, targeting HER2-positive breast cancer cells for effective low-cost, imaging-guided drug delivery and precise therapy. The key feature of this system lies in its unique tumor interstitial fluid microenvironment-responsive drug release behavior which achieved tumor site-specific drug delivery. Our in vitro experiments demonstrated that the carbon dot-integrated material achieves more efficient DTX release (96.13 % at 72 h) in the tumor interstitial fluid microenvironment (pH 6.5), thereby boosting drug concentration at the tumor site and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Further cell experiments confirmed the system's significant inhibitory effect on HER2-positive tumor cells SKBR3 in a pH 6.5 environment, and apoptosis assays indicating a notable increase in early cell apoptosis (from 8.39 % to 24.61 % compared with pH 7.4). Furthermore, the integration of HER2 aptamer within the carbon dot-based system enables targeted recognition and binding to tumor cells, ensuring more precise delivery of DTX while minimizing potential side effects. Crucially, the carbon dots in this system emit superior red fluorescence (the QY = 47.64 % excited at 535 nm compared with Rodamine 6G), enabling real-time visualization of the drug delivery process. This feature provides valuable feedback on treatment effectiveness, facilitating necessary adjustments. The small size (1.88 ± 0.48 nm) of carbon dots significantly improved their ability to penetrate biological barriers, while their low toxicity (no significant cell toxicity under 350 μg/mL) contributed to the formulation’s outstanding biocompatibility. Overall, this carbon dot-enhanced drug delivery system offers immense potential for enhancing drug efficacy, minimizing side effects, and providing real-time treatment monitoring, thus proposing a innovate strategy for breast cancer therapy.

Cystine-cored diphenylalanine appended peptide-based self-assembled fluorescent nanostructures direct redox-responsive drug delivery

Fabrication of stimuli-responsive superstructure capable of delivering chemotherapeutics directly to the cancer cell by sparing healthy cells is crucial. Herein, we developed redox-responsive hollow spherical assemblies through self-assembly of disulfide-linked cysteine-diphenylalanine (SN). These fluorescent hollow spheres display intrinsic green fluorescence, are proteolytically stable and biocompatible, and allow for real-time monitoring of their intracellular entry. The disulfide bond facilitates selective degradation in the presence of high glutathione (GSH) concentrations, prevalent in cancer cells. We achieved efficient encapsulation (68.72%) of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) and demonstrated GSH-dependent, redox-responsive drug release within cancerous cells. SN-Dox exhibited a 20-fold lower effective concentration (2.5μM) for compromising breast cancer cell viability compared to non-malignant cells (50μM). The ability of SN-Dox to initiate DNA damage signaling and trigger apoptosis was comparable to that of the unencapsulated drug. Our findings highlight the potential of SN for creating site-specific drug delivery vehicles for sustained therapeutic release.

Dysregulation of calcium homeostasis in cancer and its role in chemoresistance.

Globally, cancer, as a major public health concern, poses a severe threat to people's well-being. Advanced and specialized therapies can now cure the majority of people with early-stage cancer. However, emerging resistance to traditional and novel chemotherapeutic drugs remains a serious issue in clinical medicine. Chemoresistance often leads to cancer recurrence, metastasis, and increased mortality, accounting for 90% of chemotherapy failures. Thus, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance and find novel therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. Among the several factors responsible for chemoresistance, calcium (Ca2+) dysregulation plays a significant role in cancer progression and chemoresistance. Therefore, targeting this derailed Ca2+ signalling for cancer therapy has become an emerging research area. Of note, the Ca2+ signal and its proteins are a multifaceted and potent tool by which cells achieve specific outcomes. Depending on cell survival needs, Ca2+ is either upregulated or downregulated in both chemosensitive and chemoresistant cancer cells. Consequently, the appropriate treatment should be selected based on Ca2+ signalling dysregulation. This review discusses the role of Ca2+ in cancer cells and the targeting of Ca2+ channels, pumps, and exchangers. Furthermore, we have emphasised the role of Ca2+ in chemoresistance and therapeutic strategies. In conclusion, targeting Ca2+ signalling is a multifaceted process. Methods such as site-specific drug delivery, target-based drug-designing, and targeting two or more Ca2+ proteins simultaneously may be explored; however, further clinical studies are essential to validate Ca2+ blockers' anti-cancer efficacy.

Smart Nanocarriers for the Treatment of Retinal Diseases.

Retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinoblastoma, stand as the leading causes of irreversible vision impairment and blindness worldwide. Effectively administering drugs for retinal diseases poses a formidable challenge due to the presence of complex ocular barriers and elimination mechanisms. Over time, various approaches have been developed to fabricate drug delivery systems for improving retinal therapy including virus vectors, lipid nanoparticles, and polymers. However, conventional nanocarriers encounter issues related to the controllability, efficiency, and safety in the retina. Therefore, the development of smart nanocarriers for effective or more invasive long-term treatment remains a desirable goal. Recently, approaches have surfaced for the intelligent design of nanocarriers, leveraging specific responses to external or internal triggers and enabling multiple functions for retinal therapy such as topical administration, prolonged drug release, and site-specific drug delivery. This Review provides an overview of prevalent retinal pathologies and related pharmacotherapies to enhance the understanding of retinal diseases. It also surveys recent developments and strategies employed in the intelligent design of nanocarriers for retinal disease. Finally, the challenges of smart nanocarriers in potential clinical retinal therapeutic applications are discussed to inspire the next generation of smart nanocarriers.

MUKOADEZİF POLİMERLERİN KOLON HEDEFLİ İLAÇ TAŞIYICI SİSTEMLERDE KULLANIMI: DETAYLI BİR İNCELEME

Objective: Mucoadhesive polymers have emerged as crucial components in the realm of drug delivery systems, particularly in the context of targeted treatments within the colon. These polymers possess adhesive properties that enable them to form temporary bonds with mucosal surfaces, extending the contact time of drugs with the colonic mucosa. This review provides a comprehensive overview of mucoadhesive polymers for colon drug delivery systems. Natural polymers such as chitosan and alginate, along with synthetic counterparts like polyacrylic acid derivatives, find application in these systems. The advantages of mucoadhesive polymers lie in their ability to facilitate site-specific drug delivery, thereby minimizing systemic side effects, and in enabling controlled and sustained release of drugs for improved bioavailability. Despite these benefits, challenges including variability in mucosal conditions and the imperative need for biocompatibility must be addressed. The applications of mucoadhesive polymers span diverse medical conditions, including targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs for inflammatory bowel diseases, localized administration of chemotherapeutic agents for colon cancer treatment, and precise delivery of antibiotics for colonic infections. Result and Discussion: As a promising avenue for optimizing colon drug delivery, mucoadhesive polymers offer great potential for the development of effective and well-tolerated treatments for various colonic disorders.

Nanorobotics: Pioneering Drug Delivery and Development in Pharmaceuticals

Nanorobotics, a rapidly evolving field at the intersection of nanotechnology and robotics, holds immense promise in revolutionizing pharmaceutical drug delivery and development. This comprehensive review article explores the various facets of nanorobotics and its pivotal role in the advancement of medicine. The article begins with an introduction to nanorobotics, providing a definition and historical background to contextualize its significance. Subsequently, it delves into nanorobotics' role in drug delivery, highlighting the challenges faced in conventional methods and the advantages of employing nanorobot-based systems. The review further explores nanorobotics in drug development, emphasizing its contribution to accelerating drug discovery and enabling personalized medicine. It discusses the different types of nanorobots utilized in pharmaceutical applications, including molecular, cellular, and hybrid systems. Additionally, the article covers the fabrication and propulsion techniques of nanorobots, along with navigation and control strategies. Furthermore, it delves into the interaction of nanorobots with biological systems and their potential applications in site-specific drug delivery and disease treatment. Ethical and regulatory considerations pertinent to nanorobotics in pharmaceuticals are also addressed. Finally, the review offers insights into future perspectives and challenges in the field, envisioning advanced drug delivery systems, targeted therapies, nanorobot swarms, and biohybrids. By comprehensively examining the subject, this review article presents a holistic understanding of nanorobotics potential in reshaping pharmaceutical practices for precision medicine and improved patient outcomes.

Recent Advances in pH and Redox Responsive Polymer Nanocomposites for Cancer Therapy

Cancer therapy currently focuses on personalized targeted treatments. A promising approach uses stimuli-responsive biomaterials for site-specific drug release, such as pH- and redox-triggered polymer nanocomposites. These materials respond to the tumor microenvironment, enhance efficacy, and reduce off-target effects. Cancer cells with anomalous properties such as acidic cytosolic pH and elevated redox potential are targeted by these biomaterials. An imbalance in ions and biological thiols in the cytoplasm contributes to tumor growth. Functionalized polymer nanocomposites with large surface areas and specific targeting outperform conventional small-molecule materials. To overcome problems such as low bioavailability, uncontrolled drug release, and poor cell penetration, multifunctional nanomaterials make it easier for drugs to enter certain cellular or subcellular systems. High therapeutic efficacy is achieved through surface functionalization, site-specific targeting, and the use of stimuli-responsive components. In particular, pH and redox dual-stimuli-based polymeric nanocomposites for cancer therapeutics have scarcely been reported. This article provides recent progress in pH- and redox-responsive polymer nanocomposites for site-specific drug delivery in cancer therapy. It explores the design principles, fabrication methods, mechanisms of action, and prospects of these dual-stimuli-responsive biomaterials.

Novel Strategies Using Sagacious Targeting for Site-Specific Drug Delivery in Breast Cancer Treatment: Clinical Potential and Applications.

For more than a decade, researchers have been working to achieve new strategies and smart targeting drug delivery techniques and technologies to treat breast cancer (BC). Nanotechnology presents a hopeful strategy for targeted drug delivery into the building of new therapeutics using the properties of nanomaterials. Nanoparticles are of high regard in the field of diagnosis and the treatment of cancer. The use of these nanoparticles as an encouraging approach in the treatment of various cancers has drawn the interest of researchers in recent years. In order to achieve the maximum therapeutic effectiveness in the treatment of BC, combination therapy has also been adopted, leading to minimal side effects and thus an enhancement in the quality of life for patients. This review article compares, discusses and criticizes the approaches to treat BC using novel design strategies and smart targeting of site-specific drug delivery systems.