A review on targeting tunable nanocarrier interaction, physiochemical properties, and futuristic nanocarrier

Targeting nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach in drug delivery systems, offering enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects. The physicochemical properties of nanocarriers largely influence the interaction of the nanocarrier within the body and its intended targets. Factors such as size, shape, surface charge, and elasticity play crucial roles in determining the nanocarrier's ability to navigate biological barriers, evade the immune system, and selectively accumulate at the target site. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have led to the development of newer nanocarriers with improved targeting capabilities. These innovative designs incorporate smart materials that respond to specific stimuli, such as pH changes or enzyme activity, allowing precise control over drug release. The understanding and optimization of these physicochemical properties are essential for designing more effective and efficient targeted drug delivery systems, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of various diseases, particularly in cancer therapy. Additionally, surface modifications with ligands further enhance the specificity of nanocarrier-target interactions. The intersection of protein corona, tumor microenvironment, biological barriers, and nanoparticles' physicochemical properties offers several challenges in cancer-targeted treatment. Moreover, we discussed the current situation and remaining challenges of various targeting methods with receptors, nanocarrier systems targeting carcinoma, which could facilitate the advancement of targeted nanodrug delivery systems in the future. This review synthesizes advances in nanocarriers design from 2015 to 2025, focusing on cancer-specific targeting, offering a thorough analysis of all critical parameters that need to be meticulously studied to select the most suitable nanocarrier approaches for successful clinical translation.