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Biodegradable and Stimuli-Responsive Nanomaterials for Targeted Drug Delivery in Autoimmune Diseases

Journal of Functional Biomaterials 2025 49 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 73 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Nargish Parvin, Sang Woo Joo, Tapas Kumar Mandal

Summary

This review examines biodegradable nanomaterials designed to deliver drugs precisely to treat autoimmune diseases, releasing medications in response to specific body signals like pH or temperature changes. While focused on drug delivery, the responsive behavior of these biodegradable nanoparticles in the body parallels how micro- and nanoplastics interact with biological systems and accumulate in tissues.

Body Systems
Models

Autoimmune diseases present complex therapeutic challenges due to their chronic nature, systemic impact, and requirement for precise immunomodulation to avoid adverse side effects. Recent advancements in biodegradable and stimuli-responsive nanomaterials have opened new avenues for targeted drug delivery systems capable of addressing these challenges. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of state-of-the-art biodegradable nanocarriers such as polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and hydrogels engineered for targeted delivery in autoimmune therapies. These nanomaterials are designed to degrade safely in the body while releasing therapeutic agents in response to specific stimuli, including pH, temperature, redox conditions, and enzymatic activity. By achieving localized and controlled release of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents, these systems minimize systemic toxicity and enhance therapeutic efficacy. We discuss the underlying mechanisms of stimuli-responsive nanomaterials, recent applications in treating diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease, and the design considerations essential for clinical translation. Additionally, we address current challenges, including biocompatibility, scalability, and regulatory hurdles, as well as future directions for integrating advanced nanotechnology with personalized medicine in autoimmune treatment. This review highlights the transformative potential of biodegradable and stimuli-responsive nanomaterials, presenting them as a promising strategy to advance precision medicine and improve patient outcomes in autoimmune disease management.

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