# Emerging patterns in nanoparticle-based therapeutic approaches for rheumatoid arthritis: A comprehensive bibliometric and visual analysis spanning two decades

## TL;DR

This study maps global research trends in nanoparticle-based therapies for rheumatoid arthritis from 2003 to 2023, highlighting growth and key contributors.

## Contribution

A comprehensive bibliometric and visual analysis of nanoparticle-based RA therapies over two decades, identifying research hotspots and trends.

## Key findings

- China leads in nanoparticle RA therapy publications, followed by the United States and India.
- Collaboration is prominent between the U.S. and countries like China, Germany, and India.
- Key research areas include drug delivery systems, gold nanoparticles, and smart delivery systems.

## Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze scientific literature to investigate the current research status, focus areas, and developmental trends in nanoparticle systems for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy. To do that, Research articles published from 2003 to 2023 were retrieved from the Web of Science database, and analysis included quantitative output, distribution by country/region, collaborative publishing data, influential authors, high-yield institutions, keywords, hotspots, and development trends. Visual knowledge maps were generated using VOSviewer and Citespace. Findings reveal a steady increase in publications related to nanoparticle systems for RA therapy, indicating growing global interest. China leads with 487 papers (37.433%), followed by the United States (233, 17.909%), India (179, 13.759%), South Korea (89, 6.841%), and Egypt (50, 3.843%). Active collaboration is observed, particularly between the United States and countries such as China, Germany, Saudi Arabia, India, England, and Pakistan. The Chinese Academy of Sciences ranks first in total articles published (55), with Liu Y from China being the most prolific author. The Journal of Controlled Release emerges as a primary outlet in this field. Primary keyword clusters include “Drug delivery systems,” “Gold nanoparticles,” “Transdermal delivery,” “Angiogenesis,” “Collagen-induced arthritis,” “Rheumatoid arthritis,” “Oxidant stress,” “Dendritic cells,” and “pH sensitive.” Research hotspots with great development potential include “Immunopathological Mechanisms,” “Novel drugs,” and “Smart delivery system.” In conclusion, research on nanoparticle systems for RA therapy has significantly expanded over the past two decades, with a focus on elucidating pathogenetic mechanisms and advancing novel drug delivery strategies anticipated to be prominent in the foreseeable future.