Affiliation:
1. Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
2. Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Patras, 26332 Patras, Greece
Abstract
Nanotechnology, now established as a transformative technology, has revolutionized medicine by enabling highly targeted drug delivery. The use of organic nanocarriers in drug delivery systems significantly enhances the bioavailability of vitamins and their analogs, thereby improving cellular delivery and therapeutic effects. Vitamin D, known for its crucial role in bone health, also influences various metabolic functions, such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, and immunomodulation, and is increasingly explored for its anticancer potential. Given its versatile properties and biocompatibility, vitamin D is an attractive candidate for encapsulation within drug delivery systems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of vitamin D synthesis, metabolism, and signaling, as well as its applications in customized drug delivery. Moreover, it examines the design and engineering of organic nanocarriers that incorporate vitamin D and discusses advances in this field, including the synergistic effects achieved through the combination of vitamin D with other therapeutic agents. By highlighting these innovations, this review provides valuable insights into the development of advanced drug delivery systems and their potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
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