Crimson Publishers Publish With Us Reprints e-Books Video articles

Full Text

Modern Approaches in Drug Designing

Controlled Release Systems for Drug Delivery: Advances in Formulation and Application

Moses Adondua Abah1*, Ochuele Dominic Agida2, Anyanwu Adaugo Jessica3, Micheal Abimbola Oladosu4 and Ahinful Isaac Anku5

1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Federal University Wukari, Nigeria

2ResearchHub Nexus Institute, Nigeria

3Department of Biomedical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Nigeria

4Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Anchor University Lagos, Nigeria

5Department of Physical Science, Eastern New Mexico university, USA

*Corresponding author:Moses Adondua Abah, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria

Submission: January 24, 2026;Published: April 02, 2026

DOI: 10.31031/MADD.2026.05.000605

ISSN: 2576-9170
Volume5 Issue 1

Abstract

Controlled release drug delivery systems have transformed modern pharmacotherapy by addressing the inherent limitations of conventional dosage forms, including poor bioavailability, fluctuating plasma drug levels, and reduced patient adherence. Through the ability to precisely control medication release rates, durations, and target sites, these systems minimize systemic toxicity while increasing therapeutic efficacy. This study highlights the increasing importance of controlled release technologies in modern drug delivery by offering a targeted and historical summary of their development, formulation advancements, and clinical uses. The fundamentals of regulated drug release, including diffusion, degradation, and stimulus-mediated mechanisms, are described in the article. In order to achieve consistent and longlasting drug profiles, it also looks at important formulation techniques, highlighting the function of biocompatible polymers, particle carriers, and depot-based systems. Recent developments in smart delivery systems and nanotechnology are examined, with a focus on stimuli-responsive systems that can modify medication release in response to environmental or physiological cues. These developments have broadened the range of applications for controlled release, making it possible to treat complicated illnesses including cancer, long-term metabolic disorders, and localized diseases more successfully. In addition to therapeutic benefits, the review critically addresses current challenges related to formulation complexity, biological barriers, scalability, and regulatory translation. Emerging trends, including personalized delivery systems and next-generation biomaterials, are explored as promising pathways for overcoming these limitations. By integrating formulation science with clinical needs, controlled release systems continue to redefine drug delivery paradigms. This review aims to provide researchers, formulators, and clinicians with a clear and insightful synthesis of progress in the field, while outlining future directions that will shape the next generation of controlled drug delivery technologies..

Keywords:Controlled drug delivery; Controlled release systems; Drug formulation; Nanocarriers; Stimuli-responsive delivery; Therapeutic application

Introduction

Despite major advances in pharmaceutical sciences, conventional drug delivery systems continue to face fundamental limitations in achieving consistent and optimal therapeutic outcomes, particularly for drugs requiring prolonged or precise exposure [1]. Immediaterelease formulations often result in rapid drug absorption followed by sharp declines in plasma concentration, leading to subtherapeutic levels, frequent dosing, and increased risk of adverse effects [2]. These challenges are especially critical in the treatment of chronic diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders, where maintaining drug concentrations within a narrow therapeutic window is essential for efficacy and safety [3]. Consequently, the development of controlled release drug delivery systems has emerged as a strategic response to overcome these pharmacokinetic and clinical shortcomings [4]. Controlled release systems are engineered to deliver therapeutic agents at predetermined rates over extended periods, enabling sustained drug exposure while minimizing dosing frequency and plasma level fluctuations [5]. By modulating release kinetics, these systems enhance bioavailability, improve patient adherence, and reduce systemic toxicity [6]. Over the past decade, controlled release technologies have evolved from relatively simple polymeric matrices to highly tunable delivery platforms with programmable release profiles and multifunctional capabilities [7]. This evolution has positioned controlled release systems as integral components of modern drug delivery strategies, particularly for long-acting and precision therapies [3]. The performance of controlled release drug delivery systems is governed by fundamental mechanisms such as diffusion, polymer degradation, swelling, and osmotic pressure, all of which are strongly influenced by formulation design and material properties [4]. Recent advances in biodegradable polymers, lipidbased carriers, and hybrid materials have enabled improved control over drug loading, stability, and release predictability. In parallel, the incorporation of micro-and nanotechnology has significantly expanded formulation possibilities by allowing precise control over particle size, surface characteristics, and drug-carrier interactions [2]. These developments have facilitated improved interaction with biological barriers and expanded the applicability of controlled release systems to biologics, peptides, and nucleic acid-based therapeutics [1]. More recently, research has increasingly focused on advanced and smart controlled release systems capable of responding dynamically to physiological or external stimuli [8]. Stimuli-responsive platforms triggered by pH, temperature, enzymatic activity, redox conditions, light, or magnetic fields enable site-specific and on-demand drug release, offering significant advantages for targeted and precision medicine applications [7]. These systems have demonstrated particular promise in cancer therapy, inflammatory diseases, and localized drug delivery, where spatial and temporal control of drug action is critical [3]. However, despite their therapeutic potential, challenges related to formulation complexity, reproducibility, large-scale manufacturing, and regulatory approval continue to limit their widespread clinical translation [5]. The scope of this review is to provide a focused and up-to-date analysis of controlled release systems for drug delivery, with particular emphasis on advances in formulation strategies and their therapeutic applications. The review concentrates on core principles that govern controlled drug release, including key release mechanisms, material selection, and formulation architectures that have driven recent progress in the field. Rather than presenting an exhaustive inventory of all available delivery platforms, this article selectively highlights representative controlled release systems that demonstrate meaningful improvements in drug stability, release precision, and therapeutic performance. In addition, the review examines how modern formulation approaches such as particulate systems, advanced polymeric carriers, and smart delivery platforms have expanded the clinical relevance of controlled release technologies across diverse therapeutic areas, including cancer, chronic disease management, and localized treatments. Key challenges related to biological barriers, scalability, safety, and regulatory translation are discussed to provide a balanced and realistic assessment of current limitations. The overarching purpose of this review is to integrate formulation science with therapeutic application, offering a clear and coherent synthesis of recent advances while identifying emerging directions that may shape the next generation of controlled release drug delivery systems.

Evolution of Controlled Release Technologies

The evolution of controlled release drug delivery technologies reflects a progressive effort to improve therapeutic efficacy, dosing convenience, and patient adherence. Early controlled release systems trace their roots to the mid‑20th century, most notably with the advent of the Span Sule® sustained‑release oral technology in the 1950s, which combined immediate and extended drug release to maintain therapeutic levels over prolonged periods [5,9]. This foundational innovation marked a departure from traditional immediate‑release formulations by demonstrating that drug release profiles could be engineered to optimize pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes, setting the stage for systematic innovation in drug delivery [9]. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, controlled release technologies matured through advances in formulation and delivery routes. First‑generation systems (1950s-1980s) largely focused on oral and transdermal sustained‑release designs that extended dosing intervals for small‑molecule drugs. As the field progressed into the 1980s and 1990s, research expanded to include zero‑order release systems, long‑acting depot formulations, and biodegradable polymeric implants capable of delivering drugs over weeks or months with predictable kinetics [5,9]. The turn of the century ushered in the second major wave of controlled release innovation, centered on nanocarrier‑based platforms. Nanotechnology enabled the design of polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, and other nanoscale carriers that could encapsulate a diverse range of therapeutics including poorly soluble drugs and biologics and improve their bioavailability, stability, and biodistribution [10]. These nanocarriers offered enhanced control over drug release profiles, facilitated passive and active targeting, and expanded the therapeutic repertoire of controlled release systems beyond small molecules to include peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids [11]. More recently, the evolution of controlled release technologies has been characterized by stimuli‑responsive and “smart” delivery systems, which release drugs in response to specific physiological or external cues. Advances in stimuli‑responsive nanocarriers allow drug release to be modulated by environmental triggers such as pH gradients, enzymatic activity, temperature shifts, redox conditions, or externally applied stimuli like light and magnetic fields [12]. These systems enhance spatiotemporal precision in drug delivery by exploiting pathological microenvironments or clinician‑controlled triggers, improving therapeutic index and reducing off‑target effects [13,14]. In summary, controlled release technology has evolved from simple sustained‑release oral matrices to sophisticated platforms that integrate material science, nanotechnology, and responsive design (Figure1). This evolution reflects a trajectory aimed at achieving precise control over drug release characteristics, addressing complex biological challenges, and meeting the demands of modern therapeutic regimens. Continued innovation in smart materials and programmable delivery systems promises to further improve specificity, responsiveness, and clinical impact across a broad range of therapeutic contexts (Table1).

Figure 1:The evolution of controlled release drug delivery technologies. This timeline illustrates the progression from early sustained-release oral systems (1950s) to first-generation oral and transdermal platforms (1980s), nanocarrierbased delivery (2000s), and modern stimuli-responsive systems. It highlights key innovations in drug release control, targeting, and programmability, reflecting the transition from simple matrices to advanced, precision therapeutics.


Table 1:Background from 1950 on drug delivery technologies and technology needed for the future.


Mechanisms of Controlled Drug Release

Controlled release drug delivery systems are designed to regulate the timing, rate, and location of therapeutic agent release, enhancing efficacy while minimizing toxicity. The underlying mechanisms that govern drug liberation are critical to the rational design of formulations and include diffusion, degradation/erosion, swelling, osmosis, and stimuli-responsive release. Diffusion remains one of the most fundamental mechanisms, particularly in polymeric matrices and reservoir systems, where drug molecules migrate along a concentration gradient through water-filled pores or polymer networks. This process is well described by Fick’s laws of diffusion and is often modelled using the Higuchi equation, which predicts cumulative release as proportional to the square root of time. Diffusion-controlled systems are highly dependent on polymer porosity, drug solubility, and matrix architecture, allowing for predictable sustained delivery of small molecules and certain biologics [15]. In parallel, degradation and erosion mechanisms rely on the gradual breakdown of the carrier material to release encapsulated drugs. Biodegradable polymers undergo chemical or enzymatic cleavage, either at the surface (surface erosion) or throughout the bulk matrix (bulk erosion), leading to sustained and sometimes near zero-order release kinetics. The degradation profile can be precisely tuned by polymer chemistry, molecular weight, and environmental conditions, providing versatility across different therapeutic contexts [16]. Swelling-controlled systems, typical of hydrophilic polymeric matrices such as hydrogels, utilize water uptake to expand the polymer network. This hydration alters the polymer’s glass transition properties, facilitating drug diffusion through the swollen matrix. The release kinetics in such systems are influenced by polymer composition, crosslink density, and external conditions such as pH and ionic strength, making them suitable for site-specific and controlled [16]. Osmotic-driven mechanisms employ water influx to generate internal pressure that drives drug release through semipermeable membranes or openings. These systems are particularly valuable in oral osmotic pumps and implantable devices because they can achieve near constant, predictable release rates, largely independent of external variables such as gastrointestinal transit or enzymatic activity [17]. Modern drug delivery has further embraced stimuliresponsive or smart systems, where drug release is triggered by specific internal cues such as pH, enzymes, or redox conditions, or by external signals such as temperature, light, or magnetic fields. These platforms provide on-demand, site-specific release, enabling precise therapeutic control in contexts such as tumor microenvironments, localized inflammation, or targeted organ delivery [18]. Most contemporary controlled release systems integrate multiple mechanisms to optimize drug performance. For example, a hydrogel-based nanoparticle may combine swellinginduced diffusion with enzyme-triggered degradation, while a nanocarrier could leverage diffusion, osmotic pressure, and external stimuli for spatiotemporal control. Understanding the interplay of these mechanisms allows researchers to design formulations with tailored release profiles, achieving therapeutic windows with minimal systemic exposure and improved patient compliance. This mechanistic insight underpins the development of next-generation drug delivery systems, guiding material selection, architectural design, and functionalization strategies across both small-molecule and biologic therapeutics [15-17]. This mechanistic framework is central to advancing therapeutic outcomes, minimizing side effects, and enabling the development of innovative, clinically relevant delivery platforms that meet the diverse needs of contemporary medicine (Figure 2).

Figure 2:Mechanisms of controlled drug release. Illustration of the main drug release mechanisms: diffusion, degradation/erosion, swelling, osmotic pressure, and stimuli-responsive release, highlighting how each controls drug liberation.


Materials and Formulation Strategies in Controlled Release Systems

Controlled release drug delivery relies on the thoughtful selection of materials and formulation strategies that together dictate release kinetics, biocompatibility, targeting capability, and clinical performance. At the heart of many advanced controlled release systems are polymers, which serve as structural matrices, carriers, or vehicles for encapsulating therapeutic agents. Both synthetic polymers (e.g., Poly (Lactic‑Co‑Glycolic Acid) [PLGA], polycaprolactone, ethyl cellulose) and natural polymers (e.g., chitosan, alginate, dextrans, hyaluronic acid) are widely employed due to their tunable degradation profiles, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility, enabling sustained or programmed drug release over predetermined durations [16]. Synthetic polymers can be engineered with specific molecular weights and compositions to achieve desired release profiles, whereas natural polymers offer inherent biodegradability and minimal toxicity, making them especially attractive for clinical translation. The combination of polymers with functional moieties further introduces responsiveness to physiological stimuli such as pH or enzymes, enhancing control over drug liberation in targeted environments [16]. Nanocarrier platforms constitute another central formulation strategy in controlled release systems, enabling enhanced delivery of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. Polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, dendrimers, and lipid‑based carriers such as liposomes provide high surface areas and modifiable surfaces for drug loading, protection, and targeted release. The physicochemical properties of nanoparticles size, surface charge, hydrophobicity can be tuned to optimize circulation time, cellular uptake, and biodistribution, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy while reducing off‑target effects. In particular, polymeric nanoparticles functionalized with stimuli‑responsive linkers have been developed to release drugs selectively in microenvironments characterized by specific triggers, such as the acidic pH of tumor tissue or elevated enzyme levels, enabling more precise and effective treatment regimens [19]. Lipid‑based carriers such as liposomes and solid lipid nanocarriers offer complementary advantages. Liposomes, composed of phospholipid bilayers, can encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs while protecting them from premature degradation. Their surfaces can be modified with Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) or targeting ligands to increase circulation time and facilitate active targeting, improving accumulation at disease sites and controlled release of therapeutic payloads. Liposomal and hydrogel hybrids have also been developed to combine prolonged retention and responsive release functionalities, particularly in applications such as cancer therapy and localized treatments [20]. Hydrogels and injectable depots represent another vital class of carriers, comprised of crosslinked polymer networks capable of absorbing significant water content. These systems provide matrix‑based sustained release and can be engineered for in situ gelation upon administration, forming depots that release drugs over long durations while minimizing invasive procedures. By adjusting crosslink density and polymer composition, hydrogel systems can mitigate burst release and achieve controlled diffusion over extended periods, making them suitable for delivering large biomolecules such as proteins and vaccines [21]. Finally, hybrid and porous materials such as mesoporous silica nanoparticles and engineered composite carriers integrate multiple functionalities high drug loading, tailored surface chemistry, and triggered release behavior enabling precise regulation of release kinetics and targeted delivery (Table 2). These approaches are increasingly explored in advanced formulations that combine the strengths of different material classes to overcome biological barriers and improve therapeutic outcomes [22].

Table 2:Key materials and formulation approaches in controlled release drug delivery.


Applications of Controlled Release Drug Delivery Systems

Controlled release drug delivery systems have significantly expanded the therapeutic landscape by enabling precise temporal and spatial control over drug exposure, thereby improving efficacy, safety, and patient adherence across diverse medical applications. One of the most impactful areas is cancer therapy, where controlled release platforms such as polymeric microparticles, hydrogels, and microneedle systems have been developed to sustain antigen and adjuvant presentation for cancer vaccines, enhancing immunogenicity while reducing the need for frequent booster injections [23]. Nanoparticle‑based delivery systems that provide controlled and targeted release of chemotherapeutics have demonstrated improved tumor accumulation, reduced systemic toxicity, and enhanced antitumor effects compared with conventional chemotherapy, as evidenced in lung and other solid tumor models [3,24]. In the realm of infectious diseases, controlled release formulations offer substantial benefits by maintaining sustained therapeutic concentrations of antimicrobial agents and vaccines, reducing the frequency of administration, and improving patient compliance. Injectable sustained‑release gels and nanoparticle systems have been explored for prophylactic vaccines, long‑acting antibiotic therapy, and post‑exposure prophylaxis, addressing logistical and adherence challenges that contribute to morbidity and mortality in infectious disease settings [25]. For chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and neurological disorders, controlled release technologies ensure steady drug levels over extended periods, minimizing peak‑to‑trough fluctuations and enhancing therapeutic consistency. This steady pharmacokinetic profile has been particularly valuable for hormones and metabolic agents where tight control of systemic concentrations is imperative [26]. Pain management is a key application of controlled release drug delivery systems. These technologies are designed to maintain therapeutic drug levels over extended periods and reduce peak‑to‑trough plasma fluctuations that are common with immediate‑release formulations, thereby improving pain control and reducing dosing frequency in chronic conditions. For example, implantable or long‑acting systems can provide continuous opioid or analgesic delivery with improved pharmacokinetics and patient adherence compared with conventional dosing [27]. Ophthalmic controlled release systems, such as periocular implants and ocular inserts, have improved the treatment of chronic eye diseases by enabling localized sustained drug delivery, which minimizes systemic exposure and reduces the burden of frequent topical dosing. These systems have shown promise in managing conditions like glaucoma and post‑surgical inflammation. Moreover, other routes of administration including transdermal patches and oral controlled release formulations have demonstrated utility in cardiovascular therapy and central nervous system disorders, where maintaining stable plasma drug levels is essential for therapeutic success [28]. In summary, controlled release drug delivery systems have transformed therapeutic strategies across oncology, infectious disease, chronic disease management, pain control, hormone therapy, and ophthalmology by providing sustained, predictable, and targeted drug exposure. These applications underscore the clinical significance of controlled release formulations in enhancing therapeutic outcomes, reducing dosing frequency, and improving patient adherence. Continued innovation in materials and formulation design promises to further extend the clinical impact of these systems in precision medicine (Figure 3).

Figure 3:Clinical applications of controlled release drug delivery. Central controlled release system connecting to major therapeutic areas-cancer, infectious diseases, chronic conditions, pain, hormone therapy, and ophthalmology highlighting benefits of improved efficacy, reduced dosing, and enhanced compliance.


Current Challenges in Controlled Release Drug Delivery Systems

Despite remarkable advances, the clinical translation of controlled release drug delivery systems remains constrained by several challenges. Scaling laboratory formulations to reproducible, commercially viable products is a major limitation, as many promising polymeric, nanoparticle, and hybrid systems exhibit excellent in vitro performance but face manufacturing, stability, and regulatory hurdles during large-scale production [29]. Maintaining precise control over particle size, polymer degradation rates, and drug loading while ensuring sterility and long-term stability is particularly difficult, limiting the translation of complex delivery systems into clinical practice [30]. Safety and biocompatibility are central concerns in controlled release applications. Longterm exposure to synthetic polymers, metallic nanoparticles, or hybrid systems can induce immunogenicity, cytotoxicity, or tissue accumulation, particularly in chronic therapy settings [31]. Additionally, complex pharmacokinetics and biodistribution may result in off-target effects or unpredictable systemic exposure, necessitating rigorous preclinical evaluation and ongoing postmarketing surveillance [30]. Regulatory pathways for novel delivery platforms, especially stimuli-responsive or multifunctional hybrid systems, remain underdeveloped, creating uncertainty that slows clinical adoption [29].

Future Research Directions

Future directions should focus on next-generation innovations to overcome these challenges. Stimuli-responsive systems that release drugs in response to specific internal or external cues, such as pH, temperature, light, or enzymatic activity, offer ondemand and site-specific therapy [32]. Personalized and modular platforms, incorporating patient-specific parameters and AI-guided predictive pharmacokinetic modeling, are emerging to tailor drug release kinetics to individual therapeutic needs [29]. Bioinspired and biodegradable materials, including self-assembling peptides, DNA nanostructures, and advanced hydrogels, provide safer, sustainable alternatives for long-term administration [31]. Multifunctional hybrid systems, combining polymeric matrices with nanoparticles, liposomes, or hydrogels, can enhance targeting and release control while minimizing systemic toxicity [30]. Advances in microfabrication, 3D printing, and nanomanufacturing enable precise control of structure at micro- and nanoscale levels, improving reproducibility and predictability of drug release [32- 34]. Interdisciplinary collaboration between material scientists, clinicians, and regulatory authorities, along with standardized evaluation protocols, is essential to accelerate clinical translation and maximize therapeutic impact [29].

Conclusion

Controlled release drug delivery systems have transformed modern therapeutics by enabling precise control over the timing, rate, and site of drug release. Through the integration of advanced materials, formulation strategies, and innovative platforms, these systems improve efficacy, reduce dosing frequency, and enhance patient compliance across a wide range of clinical applications. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in large-scale manufacturing, safety, regulatory translation, and long-term biocompatibility. The convergence of smart stimuli-responsive materials, personalized and modular delivery platforms, and advanced fabrication techniques represents the future of controlled release technologies. Continued interdisciplinary research and innovation will be critical to overcoming current limitations and realizing the full clinical potential of these systems, ultimately advancing precision medicine and improving therapeutic outcomes.

References

  1. Tibbitt MW, Dahlman JE, Langer R (2016) Emerging frontiers in drug delivery. Journal of the American Chemical Society 138(3): 704-717.
  2. Banik BL, Fattahi P, Brown JL (2016) Polymeric nanoparticles: The future of nanomedicine. Wiley Interdisciplinary reviews. Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology 8(2): 271-299.
  3. Mitchell MJ, Billingsley MM, Haley RM, Wechsler ME, Peppas NA, et al. (2021) Engineering precision nanoparticles for drug delivery. Nature reviews. Drug Discovery 20(2): 101-124.
  4. Siepmann J, Siepmann F (2008) Mathematical modeling of drug delivery. International Journal of Pharmaceutics 364(2): 328-343.
  5. Park K, Skidmore S, Hadar J, Garner J, Park H, et al. (2019) Injectable long-acting PLGA formulations: Analyzing PLGA and understanding microparticle formation. Journal of Controlled Release: Official journal of the Controlled Release Society 304: 125-134.
  6. Li J, Mooney DJ (2016) Designing hydrogels for controlled drug delivery. Nature Reviews Materials 1(12): 16071.
  7. Rahim MA, Jan N, Khan S, Shah H, Madni A, et al. (2021) Recent advancements in stimuli responsive drug delivery platforms for active and passive cancer targeting. Cancers 13(4): 670.
  8. Rwei AY, Wang W, Kohane DS (2015) Photoresponsive nanoparticles for drug delivery. Nano Today 10(4): 451-467.
  9. Park H, Otte A, Park K (2022) Evolution of drug delivery systems: From 1950 to 2020 and beyond. Journal of Controlled Release: Official Journal of the Controlled Release Society 342: 53-65.
  10. Wang Y, Huang R, Feng S, Mo R (2025) Advances in nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery and controlled drug release. Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines 23(5): 513-528.
  11. Sangavi R, Khute S, Subash P (2025) Advances in novel drug delivery systems: A focus on nanoparticles and mucoadhesive technologies. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy 51(12): 1673-1688.
  12. Ding C, Tong L, Feng J, Fu J (2016) Recent advances in stimuli-responsive release function drug delivery systems for tumor treatment. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 21(12): 1715.
  13. Mura S, Nicolas J, Couvreur P (2013) Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers for drug delivery. Nature Mater 12(11): 991-1003.
  14. Hussain S, Mohit, Kaur G, Pamma P (2021) Overview of controlled drug delivery system. Advances in Bioresearch 12(3): 248-255.
  15. De Araujo DR, Padula C (2023) Topical Drug Delivery: Innovative Controlled Release Systems. Pharmaceutics 15(6): 1716.
  16. Adepu S, Ramakrishna S (2021) Controlled drug delivery systems: Current status and future directions. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 26(19): 5905.
  17. Hamzah F (2025) Mechanisms of controlled release.
  18. Rezaei A, Rafieian F, Akbari-Alavijeh S, Kharazmi MS, Jafari SM (2022) Release of bioactive compounds from delivery systems by stimuli-responsive approaches; Triggering factors, mechanisms, and applications. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science 307: 102728.
  19. Beach MA, Nayanathara U, Gao Y, Zhang C, Xiong Y, et al. (2024) Polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery. Chem Rev 124(9): 5505-5616.
  20. Binaymotlagh R, Haghighi HF, Chronopoulou L, Palocci C (2024) Liposome-hydrogel composites for controlled drug delivery applications. Gels 10(4): 284.
  21. Lu H, Cai Z, Hu P (2024) Recent advances in polymeric delivery vehicles for controlled and sustained drug release. Pharmaceutics 16(9): 1184.
  22. Hady MA (2024) Recent advances ultra-porous drug nano-carriers: Synthesis and targeting approaches. Silicon 16: 345-366.
  23. Han L, Peng K, Qiu LY, Li M, Ruan JH, et al. (2021) Hitchhiking on controlled-release drug delivery systems: Opportunities and challenges for cancer vaccines. Frontiers in Pharmacology 12: 679602.
  24. Fu J, Yu L, Wang Z, Chen H, Zhang S, et al. (2025) Advances in controlled release drug delivery systems based on nanomaterials in lung cancer therapy: A review. Medicine 104(6): e41415.
  25. Kunkel AA, McHugh KJ (2024) Injectable controlled-release systems for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A 112(8): 1224-1240.
  26. Singh AP, Biswas A, Shukla A, Maiti P (2019) Targeted therapy in chronic diseases using nanomaterial-based drug delivery vehicles. Sig Transduct Target Ther 4: 33.
  27. Kumar N (2023) Applications of control drug delivery systems. J Develop Drugs 12(4): 202.
  28. Cong YY, Fan B, Zhang ZY, Li GY (2023) Implantable sustained-release drug delivery systems: A revolution for ocular therapeutics. International Ophthalmology 43(7): 2575-2588.
  29. Đorđević S, Gonzalez MM, Conejos-Sánchez I, Carreira B, Pozzi S, et al. (2022) Current hurdles to the translation of nanomedicines from bench to the clinic. Drug Delivery and Translational Research 12(3): 500-525.
  30. Torchilin VP (2005) Recent advances with liposomes as pharmaceutical carriers. Nature Reviews Drug discovery 4(2): 145-160.
  31. Anselmo AC, Mitragotri S (2019) Nanoparticles in the clinic: An update. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine 4(3): e10143.
  32. Kumbhar R, Jangme C (2025) Stimuli-responsive (smart) drug delivery systems: An in-depth review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 3(8): 1534-1542.
  33. Swarnalatha KM, Iswariya VT, Akash B, Bhandari S, Shirisha R, et al. (2024) A Comprehensive review of controlled drug release delivery systems: Current status and future directions. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Phytopharmacological Research 14(2): 24-30.
  34. Rathamesh Sune R, Kajal Jumde S, Pooja Hatwar R, Ravindra Bakal L, Atharv Korde V (2024) Advances in oral controlled release drug delivery systems. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences 29(3): 286-297.

© 2026 Moses Adondua Abah. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.

About Crimson

We at Crimson Publishing are a group of people with a combined passion for science and research, who wants to bring to the world a unified platform where all scientific know-how is available read more...

Leave a comment

Contact Info

  • Crimson Publishers, LLC
  • 260 Madison Ave, 8th Floor
  •     New York, NY 10016, USA
  • +1 (929) 600-8049
  • +1 (929) 447-1137
  • info@crimsonpublishers.com
  • www.crimsonpublishers.com