| Lipid-based NPs | High drug loading capacity, gene delivery capability, natural targeting, and high biocompatibility | Low stability, and shortened in vivo circulation time | Predominantly preclinical investigations, with selective progression to clinical trials |
| Polymer NPs | Tunable structural properties, stimuli-responsive behavior, and broad-spectrum drug compatibility | Multi-step synthesis process, limited in vivo stability, and potential toxicity risks | Comprehensive preclinical investigation with selective, clinical translation-oriented studies |
| Inorganic NPs | Precise controllability, theranostic integration, and high stability | Potential toxicity risks, incompletely characterized metabolic pathways, and undetermined long-term safety profiles | Predominantly preclinical investigation, with a limited subset progressing to clinical trials |
| Biomimetic NPs | High biocompatibility, prolonged circulation time, and homology-directed targeting | Complex multi-step synthesis, restricted membrane availability, and challenges in standardization | Active preclinical research, remaining largely in the preclinical phase without clinical progression |