A review of the analysis of the effects of nanoparticle morphology on intracellular drug delivery

Abstract

Nanoparticles have been used as promising carriers for targeted and controlled drug delivery by researchers due to their unique physicochemical properties, such as size, surface charge, and especially shape. Among these parameters, the shape of nanoparticles has attracted increasing attention because it significantly affects their interactions with biological barriers, including blood vessels, cell membranes, and extracellular matrix. The aim of this study is to investigate and analyze the effects of nanoparticle shape on drug delivery efficiency and to classify related articles based on clinical and experimental findings. A comprehensive review was conducted on 30 scientific articles, from which 22 studies published between 2010 and 2025 were selected that directly investigated the role of particle shape in drug delivery systems. While spherical nanoparticles have received the most attention, recent evidence suggests that rod-shaped, disc-like, and elongated structures may provide increased circulation time, improved tumor penetration, and more controlled drug release profiles. The findings suggest that precise engineering of nanoparticle morphology, along with size variations, is crucial for optimizing drug delivery performance. Overall, controlling the shape of nanoparticles offers a powerful strategy for improving therapeutic outcomes in the treatment of cancer and other complex diseases.