Table 2. Summary of the advantages and limitations of organic, inorganic, and hybrid nanocarriers used in drug delivery.

Nanocarrier type	Examples	Advantages	Limitations
Organic NPs	Liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, nanogels	Biodegradable and biocompatible; surface easily functionalized; suitable for hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs; controlled drug release	Poor physical stability; prone to leakage or fusion; limited circulation time
Inorganic NPs	Gold NPs, silica NPs, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes	High structural stability; tunable optical/electronic properties; potential for imaging and theranostics	Poor biodegradability, potential long-term toxicity, and accumulation in organs
Hybrid NPs	Lipid–polymer hybrids, MOFs, polymer-coated metal NPs	Combine the advantages of both organic and inorganic NPs; improved drug stability and targeting, and multifunctional capabilities	Complex synthesis, scalability issues, cost and regulatory concerns