Table 2 Advantages and disadvantages of delivery vehicle targeting intestinal lymphatic system

Polymeric micellar-based vehicles

Efficient encapsulation of drugs; Enhanced stability and solubility of poorly soluble drugs; Controlled drug release through the modulation of micelle properties; Potential for surface modification to improve targeting and uptake

Limited payload capacity for large drugs; Potential for premature drug release during circulation;

Challenges in scaling up production and maintaining batch-to-batch consistency; Potential toxicity and immunogenicity concerns

102, 105

Lipid-based vehicles

Excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Enhanced drug solubility and stability. Ability to incorporate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. Potential for targeted drug delivery to specific sites.

Limited drug payload capacity. Potential for drug leakage and instability. Challenges in long-term storage and transportation. Risk of lipid oxidation and degradation.

115, 117, 119

Inorganic-based vehicles

High drug loading capacity; Stability and controlled release of drugs; Potential for surface modification and multifunctionality; Improved drug bioavailability and targeting

Potential for toxicity and immunogenicity. Limited biodegradability and clearance from the body. Challenges in large-scale production and reproducibility. Risk of aggregation and reduced drug release efficacy.

126, 128, 129

Biomimetic-based vehicles

Enhanced biocompatibility and biodegradability; Mimicry of natural biological systems for efficient drug delivery; Targeted delivery and improved drug stability; Potential for synergistic therapeutic effects.

Limited scalability and manufacturing complexity.

Challenges in maintaining stability and reproducibility.

Potential immunogenicity and clearance concerns.

Limited understanding of long-term safety and efficacy.

130–134

Other vehicles

Advantages and disadvantages of other types of vehicles will depend on their specific characteristics, such as nanoparticles, dendrimers, and hydrogels. These vehicles may offer unique advantages in terms of drug encapsulation, controlled release, and targeted delivery, but they also come with challenges related to scalability, stability, immunogenicity, and toxicity.

137