Recent advances in albumin-based nanoparticle drug delivery systems for intestinal disease treatment

Abstract

Intestinal diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC), are increasingly prevalent and difficult to manage due to complex pathology, poor drug targeting, and systemic toxicity. Albumin nanoparticles (ANPs) have emerged as a promising drug delivery platform, offering biocompatibility, controlled degradation, and targeting potential. This review summarizes advances in ANP-based therapies for intestinal diseases, briefly outlining key fabrication approaches and focusing on targeting strategies that exploit pathological features such as leaky vasculature, acidic pH, and oxidative stress. ANPs can also be modified for active targeting via receptor-mediated mechanisms. Preclinical studies demonstrate that drug-loaded ANPs enhance local drug accumulation, suppress inflammation, and improve therapeutic efficacy in IBD and CRC models. In addition, the review addresses potential toxicity concerns related to crosslinkers and drug-albumin interactions. Despite ongoing challenges in oral bioavailability, mucus penetration, and scale-up, ANPs represent a promising avenue for precision treatment of intestinal diseases.