Folate-functionalized chitosan nanoparticles: a versatile platform for targeted drug delivery and biomedical applications

Folate-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles represent a promising advancement in targeted drug delivery, offering enhanced specificity, biocompatibility, and controlled release profiles. Chitosan, a versatile biopolymer, provides a stable platform for nanoparticle synthesis, while folate conjugation enables selective targeting of folate receptors, which are overexpressed in various cancers and inflammatory diseases. This review explores the structural and functional properties of chitosan, mechanisms of folate receptor-mediated endocytosis, and innovative strategies for nanoparticle synthesis and functionalization. The review entails key formulation techniques, including nanopreci­pitation, ionic gelation, and spray drying, alongside characterization methods essential for optimizing therapeutic efficacy. The biomedical applications of Folate-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles are highlighted in cancer therapy, gene delivery, and anti-inflammatory treatments, with an emphasis on emerging trends such as CRISPR-based targeting and dual-ligand strategies. This review critically examines the existing challenges and explores future directions, highlighting the promising role of folate-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles in the evolution of precision medicine.