Advances in nanotechnology-based thrombopoietic therapies: trends, challenges, and future directions

Thrombocytopenia, characterized by abnormally low platelet counts, remains a significant clinical challenge with limited and often suboptimal treatment options. Conventional therapies such as thrombopoietin analogs, interleukins, and platelet transfusions are constrained by immunogenicity, cost, and inconsistent efficacy. Recent advances in nanotechnology have opened transformative avenues for thrombopoietic therapy, offering targeted delivery systems, enhanced bioavailability, and improved therapeutic outcomes. This review critically evaluates the landscape of nanocarrier-based interventions, including cytokine delivery systems, siRNA-mediated gene regulation, and stimuli-responsive platforms. Particular focus is given to biomimetic and bioinspired nanoplatforms that emulate platelet or megakaryocyte behaviour, enhancing site-specific action and safety profiles. Despite promising preclinical results, clinical translation remains hampered by regulatory, scalability, and biocompatibility hurdles. We also explore emerging strategies such as AI-driven nanoparticle design, personalized nanomedicine, and gene-editing synergies to overcome current limitations. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of nanotechnology's evolving role in thrombopoiesis and to highlight future directions for more effective and personalized thrombocytopenia management.