Polymeric nanomaterials as a drug delivery system for anticancer and antibacterial infections: a review

Abstract

Globally, cancer remains the primary cause of mortality. Despite significant progress in cancer research, the efficacy of chemotherapy has diminished in recent decades due to the emergence of multidrug resistance. Conventional cancer treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, and surgical interventions often result in morbidity and inadequate cure rates for various cancer types. Bacterial infections also pose a growing therapeutic challenge, primarily due to their inherent characteristics, increasing antibiotic resistance, and the increasing number of immunocompromised individuals. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) serve as crucial tools for improving targeted drug delivery at the site of action and enhancing drug bioavailability. Polymers may be an optimal choice because of their versatility in meeting the specific requirements of each drug delivery system. This review encompasses polymeric nanoparticles for cancer drug delivery, polymeric nanoparticles for antibacterial drug delivery, types of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles, and the functions of polymeric nanoparticles in various routes of drug administration.