Polymeric 100–300 nm
PLGA Nanoparticles Biodegradable, FDA-approved polymer
Polymeric 100–500 nm
Chitosan Nanoparticles Mucoadhesive, natural polymer
Lipid 50–500 nm
Liposomes Versatile, clinically proven
Lipid 50–300 nm
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles No organic solvents, scalable
Lipid 50–300 nm
Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Higher drug loading than SLNs
Polymeric 10–100 nm
Polymeric Micelles Small size, good tumor penetration
Polymeric 1–10 nm
Dendrimers Monodisperse, multivalent
Inorganic 20–200 nm
Silica Nanoparticles High surface area, tunable porosity
Inorganic 1–100 nm
Gold Nanoparticles Photothermal, imaging
Inorganic 5–100 nm
Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Magnetic targeting, MRI contrast
Polymeric 50–500 nm
Hydrogel Nanoparticles Stimuli-responsive, biocompatible
Lipid 20–200 nm
Nanoemulsions High bioavailability
Polymeric 100–500 nm
Polymeric Nanocapsules Vesicular reservoir systems
Lipid 60–150 nm
Lipid Nanoparticles (LNP) Clinically approved mRNA / siRNA carrier
Protein 100–200 nm
Albumin-bound Nanoparticles FDA-approved (nab-technology, Abraxane)
Polymeric 10–30 nm (hydrodynamic)
PEGylated Protein / Polymer–Drug Conjugates Long clinical track record (Adagen, Neulasta, Pegasys)
Hybrid 20–60 nm
Iron–Carbohydrate Nanoparticles Approved IV iron therapy (Venofer, Injectafer, Feraheme)
Lipid 100–150 nm
Virosomes Approved vaccine platform (Inflexal V, Epaxal)
Hybrid 100–1000 nm
Drug Nanocrystals Approved oral bioavailability platform (Rapamune, Emend, TriCor)
Inorganic 10–100 nm
Silver Nanoparticles Approved antimicrobial wound dressings (Acticoat, Silverlon)
Inorganic 20–100 nm
Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles Approved bone substitute / dental remineralization