Recent advances in nanoengineered coating technologies for targeted drug delivery in gastrointestinal diseases

Authors

https://doi.org/10.48314/nna.vi.67

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases remain a major global health concern due to their increasing prevalence and the limitations of conventional oral drug delivery systems. Physiological barriers within the GI tract, including variable pH, digestive enzymes, mucus turnover, epithelial tight junctions, and first-pass metabolism, often compromise drug stability, bioavailability, and site-specific delivery. Nanoengineered coating technologies have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges by enhancing drug protection, controlled release, targeted delivery, and therapeutic efficacy. This review summarizes recent advances in nanoengineered coatings for GI drug delivery, highlighting the design principles and therapeutic applications of enteric, pH-responsive, enzyme-responsive, mucoadhesive, microbiota-responsive, stimuli-responsive, and hybrid coating systems. In addition, the roles of natural polymers, synthetic polymers, lipid-based materials, and multifunctional nanomaterials in improving oral drug delivery are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the application of these coating technologies in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, gastric ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infection, celiac disease, and other GI disorders. Furthermore, the review discusses the major challenges associated with nanoengineered GI coatings, including biological variability, nanomaterial safety, formulation stability, manufacturing scalability, and regulatory considerations. Overall, nanoengineered coatings represent a versatile and rapidly evolving platform with significant potential to improve targeted GI drug delivery and facilitate the development of safer and more effective oral therapies.       

Keywords:

Nanoengineered, Nanotechnology, Gastrointestinal, Oral delivery, Drug delivery, Biomaterials, Smart coatings

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Published

2026-06-14

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Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): Nano Nexus & Applications (NNA)

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How to Cite

Cevallos Torres, L. J. . (2026). Recent advances in nanoengineered coating technologies for targeted drug delivery in gastrointestinal diseases. Nano Nexus & Applications, 1(2), 106-126. https://doi.org/10.48314/nna.vi.67

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