Short Communication - (2025) Volume 15, Issue 6
Received: 01-Nov-2025, Manuscript No. jnt-26-178987;
Editor assigned: 03-Nov-2025, Pre QC No. P-178987;
Reviewed: 17-Nov-2025, QC No. Q-178987;
Revised: 24-Nov-2025, Manuscript No. R-178987;
Published:
29-Nov-2025
, DOI: 10.37421/2161-0959.2025.15.600
Citation: McLeod, Hannah. ”Nanotechnology for Kidney Disease Drug Delivery Advancements.” J Nephrol Ther 15 (2025):600.
Copyright: © 2025 McLeod H. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
The field of renal therapeutics is undergoing a significant transformation driven by advancements in drug delivery systems. These innovative approaches aim to enhance treatment efficacy for various kidney diseases while concurrently minimizing adverse side effects. Nanotechnology, in particular, has emerged as a powerful tool, enabling the precise targeting of therapeutic agents to the affected renal tissues. This facilitates improved drug concentrations at the site of action, offering a more effective and less burdensome treatment regimen for patients [1].
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents a complex challenge requiring sustained and controlled therapeutic interventions. Hydrogel-based drug delivery systems have shown considerable promise in this regard. By encapsulating active pharmaceutical ingredients, hydrogels can provide a sustained release of drugs over extended periods. This not only improves the bioavailability of therapeutic agents but also enhances patient compliance by reducing the frequency of administration [2].
Glomerular diseases, characterized by inflammation and injury to the kidney's filtering units, necessitate targeted and efficient drug delivery. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles have gained traction due to their remarkable drug-loading capacities and their ability to control drug release kinetics. These properties are critical for managing kidney inflammation effectively and preventing further damage to these delicate structures [3].
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic disorder leading to the formation of cysts in the kidneys, is another area where advanced drug delivery systems are making an impact. Liposomal formulations are being explored for their ability to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs, thereby improving their solubility and enabling targeted delivery to the renal cysts. This targeted approach holds the potential for significant therapeutic benefits in managing PKD [4].
Renal fibrosis, a common pathological outcome in many chronic kidney diseases, is a focus for the development of sophisticated drug delivery strategies. Stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems, such as pH-sensitive or temperature-sensitive polymers, are being engineered. These systems are designed to release therapeutic agents selectively within the diseased kidney environment, thereby minimizing systemic exposure and associated toxicities [5].
Acute kidney injury (AKI), a sudden loss of kidney function, demands rapid and precise therapeutic interventions. Microfluidic-based drug delivery systems are emerging as a promising avenue for AKI management. Their ability to create highly controlled drug formulations and precisely regulate drug release rates offers a valuable tool for prompt and effective treatment [6].
Diabetic nephropathy, a serious complication of diabetes, requires long-term management strategies that ensure a consistent supply of renoprotective agents. Biodegradable polymers, such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), are being utilized for sustained drug release. These materials can be engineered to deliver anti-diabetic and renoprotective drugs at a steady rate, improving the long-term outlook for patients [7].
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a type of kidney cancer, is being targeted by advanced therapeutic modalities such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). This approach leverages the specificity of antibodies to deliver potent cytotoxic agents directly to cancer cells, thereby sparing healthy kidney tissue from damage and reducing the incidence of side effects [8].
Interstitial nephritis, an inflammation of the kidney tubules and surrounding tissues, can benefit from novel drug delivery strategies. Dendrimer-based delivery systems are being investigated for their high drug encapsulation efficiency and the potential for multivalent drug delivery. These characteristics could lead to improved therapeutic outcomes in preventing and treating this condition [9].
Kidney transplantation, while life-saving, often requires long-term immunosuppression, which can lead to nephrotoxicity. Polymeric micelles are being explored for the delivery of immunosuppressive drugs. This strategy aims to enhance drug efficacy while mitigating the detrimental effects on kidney function, ultimately improving graft survival rates [10].
The exploration of innovative drug delivery systems for renal therapeutics is revolutionizing the management of kidney diseases. Nanotechnology, through the use of nanocarriers, hydrogels, and targeted delivery mechanisms, offers a paradigm shift in achieving higher drug concentrations directly at the kidney site, thereby improving treatment outcomes and significantly reducing unwanted systemic side effects [1].
For chronic kidney disease (CKD), hydrogel-based drug delivery systems are proving to be highly effective. These biocompatible materials are capable of encapsulating a wide range of therapeutic agents, facilitating a sustained and controlled release profile. This sustained release not only enhances the therapeutic efficacy but also leads to a marked improvement in patient adherence to treatment regimens, a crucial factor in managing long-term conditions [2].
The intricate nature of glomerular diseases, which involve inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, demands sophisticated drug delivery solutions. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles stand out for their exceptional drug-loading capabilities and tunable release kinetics. Their application ensures that therapeutic agents reach the inflamed glomerular structures with high precision, aiding in the effective control of kidney inflammation and injury [3].
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is being addressed with advancements in liposomal drug delivery systems. These lipid-based vesicles are particularly adept at encapsulating hydrophobic drugs, thereby increasing their solubility and enabling targeted delivery to the renal cysts. This targeted approach offers a promising strategy for the effective management of PKD and its associated complications [4].
Renal fibrosis, a common endpoint for many kidney ailments, is a key target for stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems. These smart materials, designed to react to specific physiological cues such as pH or temperature, can precisely release therapeutic agents within the diseased kidney environment. This localized release minimizes systemic exposure, thus reducing the risk of off-target toxicities [5].
In the critical scenario of acute kidney injury (AKI), prompt and accurate drug administration is paramount. Microfluidic-based drug delivery platforms provide a novel solution, allowing for the precise fabrication of drug formulations and meticulous control over drug release rates. This capability is vital for rapid and effective intervention in AKI cases [6].
Diabetic nephropathy, a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the kidneys, necessitates a continuous supply of therapeutic agents. Biodegradable polymers, such as PLGA, are being harnessed for their sustained drug release properties. They ensure a consistent delivery of anti-diabetic and renoprotective compounds, thereby improving the long-term prognosis for individuals with this condition [7].
Targeted therapy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is being significantly advanced by antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). These conjugates combine the specificity of antibodies to recognize and bind to cancer cells with the potent cytotoxic power of attached drugs. This targeted delivery mechanism spares healthy kidney tissues from damage, leading to more effective cancer treatment with fewer side effects [8].
Interstitial nephritis, characterized by inflammation of the kidney interstitium, is a prime candidate for dendrimer-based drug delivery. Dendrimers offer substantial drug encapsulation capacity and the possibility of delivering multiple therapeutic agents simultaneously. This multifaceted approach holds the potential for improved treatment efficacy and prevention of this condition [9].
For patients undergoing kidney transplantation, managing immunosuppression without causing further kidney damage is a critical concern. Polymeric micelles are being investigated as a means to deliver immunosuppressive drugs effectively. This strategy aims to optimize drug delivery, enhance therapeutic benefits, and reduce the nephrotoxicity associated with long-term immunosuppressive therapy, ultimately contributing to better graft survival [10].
This compilation of research highlights advancements in drug delivery systems for kidney diseases. It explores the application of nanotechnology, hydrogels, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, liposomes, stimuli-responsive polymers, microfluidics, biodegradable polymers, antibody-drug conjugates, dendrimers, and polymeric micelles. These technologies aim to improve treatment efficacy, enable targeted drug delivery, achieve sustained release, and minimize side effects across a spectrum of renal conditions including chronic kidney disease, glomerular diseases, polycystic kidney disease, renal fibrosis, acute kidney injury, diabetic nephropathy, renal cell carcinoma, interstitial nephritis, and in kidney transplantation. The focus is on enhancing therapeutic outcomes and patient well-being through precise and controlled drug administration.
None
None
Journal of Nephrology & Therapeutics received 784 citations as per Google Scholar report
