State-of-the-art drug delivery system to target the lymphatics

Abstract

Primary Objective

The primary objective of the review is to assess the potential of lymphatic-targeted drug delivery systems, with a particular emphasis on their role in tumour therapy and vaccination efficacy.

Reason for Lymphatic Targeting

The lymphatic system’s crucial functions in maintaining bodily equilibrium, regulating metabolism, and orchestrating immune responses make it an ideal target for drug delivery. Lymph nodes, being primary sites for tumour metastasis, underscore the importance of targeting the lymphatic system for effective treatment.

Outcome

Nanotechnologies and innovative biomaterials have facilitated the development of lymphatic-targeted drug carriers, leveraging endogenous macromolecules to enhance drug delivery efficiency. Various systems such as liposomes, micelles, inorganic nanomaterials, hydrogels, and nano-capsules demonstrate significant potential for delivering drugs to the lymphatic system.

Conclusion

Understanding the physiological functions of the lymphatic system and its involvement in diseases underscores the promise of targeted drug delivery in improving treatment outcomes. The strategic targeting of the lymphatic system presents opportunities to enhance patient prognosis and advance therapeutic interventions across various medical contexts, indicating the importance of ongoing research and development in this area.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Nanoparticles
• polymers
• intestinal delivery
• lymphatic system
• glymphatic system
• polymeric nanoparticles

Acknowledgment

“The author acknowledges the department of pharmaceuticals under the government of India. The NIPER/R/communication no 533”. The author (Prashant Kesharwani) acknowledges financial support from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, India, through Extramural Research Grants.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.