Nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems have emerged as one of the most significant innovations in pharmaceutical sciences because of their capability to improve therapeutic efficacy, minimize toxicity, and provide site-specific drug delivery. Conventional drug administration methods generally suffer from poor bioavailability, rapid drug degradation, systemic toxicity, and lack of selectivity. Nanotechnology has provided advanced approaches for overcoming these limitations through the development of nanoscale carriers such as polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, hydrogels, magnetic nanoparticles, and biodegradable microspheres. These systems enhance drug solubility, prolong circulation time, improve pharmacokinetics, and enable controlled as well as targeted release of therapeutic agents. Recent developments in smart and stimuli-responsive nanocarriers have further transformed the field of targeted therapeutics by enabling responsive release based on pH, temperature, glucose concentration, and magnetic fields. Nanocarriers have shown promising applications in cancer therapy, insulin delivery, protein therapeutics, imaging, and gene delivery. Polymeric systems and biodegradable materials have become particularly important because of their biocompatibility and controlled-release characteristics. This paper critically reviews the recent advances in nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems with emphasis on targeted therapeutic applications in pharmaceutical sciences.

Nanocarriers, Drug Delivery Systems, Targeted Therapeutics, Polymeric Nanocarriers, Drug Delivery SystemsTargeted Therapeutics, Polymeric Nanoparticles, Hydrogels, Magnetic Nanoparticles, Controlled Drug Release, Pharmaceutical

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