Nanoparticle- Embedded Hydrogels for Phytoconstituents Delivery: A Smart Approach to Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Phytoconstituents bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants have gained significant attention in pharmaceutical research due to their therapeutic efficacy, biocompatibility, and minimal side effects. However, their clinical translation is often hindered by poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, instability, and rapid metabolism. Recent advances in nanotechnology and biomaterials have introduced nanoparticle-embedded hydrogels as a smart and versatile platform for effective phytoconstituent delivery. These hybrid systems combine the structural and stimuli- responsive properties of hydrogels with the controlled release, protective encapsulation, and targeting abilities of nanoparticles. Such systems enable site-specific, sustained, and responsive drug release under physiological conditions. This review highlights the principles of hydrogel nanoparticle integration, the advantages of these hybrid systems in phytoconstituent delivery, recent applications in wound healing, cancer therapy, anti- inflammatory treatments, and antimicrobial formulations, as well as current challenges and future perspectives. By bridging traditional herbal medicine with modern nanotechnology, nanoparticle-embedded hydrogels represent a promising next- generation platform in smart drug delivery systems.