A complete sojourn on nanotechnological advancements and nanocarriers applications in arthritis management

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial hyperplasia, cartilage destruction, and pannus formation, ultimately leading to severe disability. Despite advancements in rheumatoid arthritis management, current treatments often lack specificity, cause systemic side effects, and fail to halt disease progression effectively. There is an urgent need for innovative, targeted therapeutic strategies that improve treatment effectiveness while minimizing side effects. The complexity of drug delivery to inflamed joints remains a critical challenge, necessitating precise, site-specific therapeutic approaches. Recent breakthroughs in nanotechnology offer highly efficient drug delivery systems, enabling enhanced targeting of inflamed synovial tissue through engineered nanocarriers. These include liposomes, nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes, which can respond to the unique microenvironment of inflamed joints. Key molecular targets such as VEGF, CD44, and pro-inflammatory cytokines also present new opportunities for precise intervention in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis. Furthermore, the integration of herbal-based nanotherapeutics introduces a natural and potentially safer alternative to conventional treatments. The literature included in this review was selected from reputable scientific databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, focusing on recent advancements in nanotechnology-based therapies for rheumatoid arthritis. This review highlights the growing urgency to develop advanced, nanotechnology-driven therapeutic solutions for rheumatoid arthritis, emphasizing their role in early disease intervention, symptom alleviation, and disease-modifying activities. By bridging the gap between emerging nanomedicine and traditional pharmacotherapy, this study underscores the critical need for targeted, effective, and minimally invasive strategies to transform rheumatoid arthritis treatment.