Sustainable drug delivery systems: Biodegradable carriers for a carbon-neutral pharma future

The growing emphasis on sustainable healthcare has accelerated the development of biodegradable drug delivery systems (DDS) as environmentally responsible alternatives to conventional polymeric carriers. Natural biopolymers and biodegradable synthetic polymers offer biocompatibility, controlled degradation and the potential to reduce long-term environmental burden when combined with green manufacturing and life-cycle-based design. Recent advances in nanoscale engineering, stimuli-responsive delivery and sustainable synthesis have further enhanced their therapeutic performance. However, challenges, including raw material variability, inconsistent degradation, manufacturing scalability, regulatory standardization and limited life cycle assessment, remain barriers to widespread clinical translation. Addressing these challenges through interdisciplinary innovation, green chemistry and harmonized regulatory frameworks will facilitate the development of high-performance, sustainable DDS that support a more environmentally responsible pharmaceutical industry.