ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Multifunctional nanotheragnostics: design, development and panoramic applications

Nitesh Gupta, Jaya Agnihotri, Bhupendra Chauhan, and Kusum Lata

Maharashtra Education Society HK College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, India

E-mail: gupta.nitesh@hkcp.edu.in

Received: 28 April 2025  Accepted: 26 December 2025

Abstract:

Nanotheragnostics comprising lipid and metal (NLM) have emerged as a hybrid nanocarriers for the complex disease treatment. Lipid-based nanocarriers with the multi-functional properties of metal nanoparticles, offering synergistic therapeutic performance, magnetic or photothermal responsiveness, and enhanced cellular uptake. The present review comprises design aspect methodology and scope of NLM in the treatment of multiple diseases. A systematic comprehensive literature review was conducted to minimize selection bias and to gather scientific data on nanotheragnostics comprising lipid and metal (NLM). Major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Embase, and Google Scholar were scrutinized for information collection related to the NLM synthesis, characterization, pharmacological evaluation and biomedical applications of lipid metal nanoparticles. The majority of studies focused on the synthesis, characterization, and therapeutic evaluation of NLM for cancer, cardiovascular and/or neurodegenerative diseases treatment. Gold-, silver-, and iron oxide–based NLM were the most commonly reported. metal cores, encapsulated within lipid matrices such as phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and stearic acid. Several studies highlighted enhanced cytotoxicity, improved bioavailability, and selective targeting of cells compared to conventional formulations. Owing to the multifunctional nature, NLMs represent a pioneering platform for combining chemotherapy, imaging, and phototherapy within a single system. Continued research on optimizing their synthesis, stability, and biocompatibility is essential to fully realize their potential as next-generation nanocarriers.

Keywords: Lipid; Metal; Hybrid; Nanoparticles; Targeted

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04625-0

Chemical Papers 80 (5) 4539–4552 (2026)