A concise review on nanoscale carriers to target intracellular infections

Abstract The escalating global burden of infectious diseases necessitates the development of innovative strategies to curb their spread. Given that most pathogens reside within host cells, intracellular drug delivery has emerged as a promising avenue for formulation research and therapeutic intervention. Conventional drug delivery approaches, although extensive, pose challenges in achieving the effective concentration of the drug in the intracellular compartment. In contrast, lipid- and polymer-based nanoparticles offer distinct advantages, including enhanced cellular uptake, improved bioavailability, and superior therapeutic efficacy. This review provides a brief overview of the various lipid- and polymer-based nanocarriers and the recent advancements in their method of preparation for large-scale production. Furthermore, it explores key challenges associated with intracellular targeting and discusses future prospects for translating nanotechnology-driven carriers from laboratory research to clinical application.