# Advanced nanoparticles for osteoarthritis: a review

**Authors:** Kang Yang, Yong Yuan, Li-Min Guo, Wen-Dong Luo, Chong-Hua Dai, Feng-Xiang Xia, Feng Lin, Xing-Xiong Jiang

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1651659 · Frontiers in Medicine · 2025-10-10

## TL;DR

This review discusses how PLGA nanoparticles can improve drug delivery for osteoarthritis treatment, aiming to enhance effectiveness and patient outcomes.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of recent advances in using PLGA nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery in osteoarthritis.

## Key findings

- PLGA nanoparticles offer potential for improved drug bioavailability in joint cavities.
- Targeted drug delivery using PLGA could lead to more effective osteoarthritis treatments.

## Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint disease, characterized by whole-joint degenerative disease with cartilage degeneration as the primary pathogenesis. It is also a major cause of disability and increased social costs, particularly among the elderly. With the aging population and increasing obesity rates, the incidence of OA increases annually. The main symptoms include joint pain and loss of joint function, which severely impact the quality of life and daily activities of patients. Despite numerous treatments attempted over the past few decades, the long-term treatments have been disappointing. The main challenge lies in the very low bioavailability of drugs within the joint cavity, Therefore, the development of a therapeutic approach with cartilage targeting and efficient bioavailability is the key point to address OA. This paper summarizes the latest research on the use of PLGA in drug delivery for the treatment of OA, which provides an important foundation and a more comprehensive perspective for the subsequent drug treatment of joint diseases. We hope this will lead to more accurate and effective treatment plans for arthritis patients and promote the continuous advancement of the medical field.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** PLGA (PubChem CID 36797)
- **Diseases:** osteoarthritis (MONDO:0005178), arthritis (MONDO:0005578)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** joint pain (MESH:D018771), OA (MESH:D010003), degenerative disease (MESH:D019636), obesity (MESH:D009765), loss of joint function (MESH:D006315), joint disease (MESH:D007592), cartilage degeneration (MESH:D002357), arthritis (MESH:D001168)
- **Chemicals:** PLGA (MESH:D000077182)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

6 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12549656/full.md

## References

117 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12549656/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12549656