Innovations in Core-Shell Nanoparticles: Advancing Drug Delivery Solutions and Precision Medicine

OMICS. 2025 Mar;29(3):73-86. doi: 10.1089/omi.2024.0182. Epub 2025 Feb 21.

Abstract

Drug delivery innovation is an important pillar of systems pharmacology wherein nanotechnology offers significant prospects. This expert review examines and unpacks how core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) could revolutionize drug delivery systems and play a key role in advancing personalized and precision medicine. Core-shell NPs have gained attention as flexible tools for drug delivery due to their distinct structure, which features a core material enclosed by a protective shell. This setup offers multiple benefits, such as effective drug encapsulation, shielding the drug from degradation, and allowing for controlled release. Accordingly, the core serves as a safe storage area for the drug while the shell manages the release speed, providing added stability and supporting sustained delivery. By enabling targeted drug release, this controlled mechanism can help improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects. Various materials, including polymers, lipids, and inorganic substances create these NPs. Biodegradable polymers, such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and poly(lactic acid), are popular choices because they offer adjustable degradation rates, which further control how the drug is released. These materials can be tailored for better drug loading, compatibility with the host organism, and specific chemical properties to suit different therapeutic needs. Research into core-shell NPs has been advancing in many therapeutic areas, highlighting their potential for drug delivery innovations. The potential of core-shell NPs to revolutionize drug delivery is not just a possibility but a promising reality that could significantly advance the field of personalized/precision medicine.

Keywords: biodegradable polymers; controlled release; core–shell nanoparticles; drug delivery systems; nanotechnology and nanomedicine; precision medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Delivery Systems* / methods
  • Drug Liberation
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles* / chemistry
  • Precision Medicine* / methods

Substances

  • Drug Carriers