Ceramics-Silikáty 68, (1) 42 - 57 (2024)

Polymer-ceramic hybrid nanoparticles have emerged as promising platforms for controlled drug release applications. By integrating organic polymers with inorganic ceramics at the nanoscale, hybrid nanoparticles exhibit tailored properties for the efficient encapsulation and programmed release of therapeutic agents. The ceramic domains impart structural rigidity and controlled release kinetics while the polymeric phases facilitate processing, functionalisation and a stimuli-responsive release. Various fabrication methods enable the optimisation of the nanoparticle size, shape, composition and surface properties. Drugs can be loaded through encapsulation, absorption and dispersion, and released via diffusion, swelling, erosion and stimuli-triggered mechanisms. Hybrid nanoparticles have shown potential for tumour therapy through passive and active targeting, as well as tissue engineering by providing the sustained delivery of growth factors and stem cells. However, challenges remain regarding the drug loading capacity, release control, particle stability and toxicity, requiring further research efforts to fully realise the possibilities of polymer-ceramic hybrid nanoparticles for next-generation drug delivery.