Nanosponges: Emerging Carrier for Targeted Drug Delivery

Nanosponges are novel nanosized porous carriers widely explored in pharmaceutical sciences for controlled and targeted drug delivery. Their unique porous structure enables encapsulation of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, improving solubility, stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy. Nanosponges are mainly prepared using cyclodextrins and suitable cross-linking agents, forming stable three-dimensional networks capable of sustained drug release. These systems have attracted significant attention in the treatment of acne, cancer, fungal infections, and topical disorders due to reduced toxicity and improved site-specific action. The present review summarizes the structure, composition, methods of preparation, characterization, advantages, disadvantages, and pharmaceutical applications of nanosponges. Recent advances, safety aspects, evaluation parameters, and future perspectives are also discussed. Due to their versatile nature and controlled release behavior, nanosponges represent an emerging platform in modern targeted drug delivery systems.