Size-controlled drug delivery systems (DDSs) have gained significant attention in the field of pharmaceutical sciences due to their potential to enhance drug efficacy, minimize side effects, and improve patient compliance. This review provides a concise overview of the preparation method, advancements, and applications of size-controlled drug delivery systems focusing on the sub-100 nm size DDSs. The importance of tailoring the size for achieving therapeutic goals is briefly mentioned. We highlight the concept of “template polymerization”, a well-established method in covalent polymerization that offers precise control over molecular weight. We demonstrate the utility of this approach in crafting a monolayer of a polymer around biomolecule templates such as DNA, RNA, and protein, achieving the generation of DDSs with sizes ranging from several tens of nanometers. A few representative examples of small-size DDSs that share a conceptual similarity to “template polymerization” are also discussed. This review concludes by briefly discussing the drug release behaviors and the future prospects of “template polymerization” for the development of innovative size-controlled drug delivery systems, which promise to optimize drug delivery precision, efficacy, and safety.

中文翻译：

---

用于药物输送应用的模板聚合的亚 100 nm 载体

尺寸控制药物递送系统（DDS）由于其具有增强药物疗效、最大限度地减少副作用和提高患者依从性的潜力而在制药科学领域获得了极大的关注。本综述简要概述了尺寸控制药物递送系统的制备方法、进展和应用，重点关注亚 100 nm 尺寸的 DDS。简要提到了调整尺寸以实现治疗目标的重要性。我们强调“模板聚合”的概念，这是一种成熟的共价聚合方法，可以精确控制分子量。我们展示了这种方法在围绕 DNA、RNA 和蛋白质等生物分子模板制作单层聚合物方面的实用性，从而实现了尺寸范围为几十纳米的 DDS 的生成。还讨论了一些与“模板聚合”概念相似的小型 DDS 的代表性示例。本综述最后简要讨论了药物释放行为以及“模板聚合”用于开发创新的尺寸控制药物递送系统的未来前景，该系统有望优化药物递送精度、功效和安全性。