Published Paper Details:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which primarily includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, remains a major therapeutic challenge due to its chronic relapsing nature and localized inflammation within the colon. Conventional oral therapies with corticosteroids such as budesonide are limited by extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism, low systemic bioavailability, and undesirable side effects. To overcome these challenges, colon-targeted nanoparticle-based delivery systems have emerged as a promising approach to improve drug localization, reduce systemic exposure, and enhance therapeutic efficacy. Budesonide-loaded nanoparticles, particularly those formulated using natural polymers such as chitosan, alginate, and other biodegradable carriers, have demonstrated significant potential in modulating drug release and improving mucoadhesion in the colonic environment. Various formulation strategies, including nanoprecipitation, ionic gelation, and emulsification techniques, have been explored to achieve optimal particle size, high encapsulation efficiency, and controlled release profiles. Preclinical studies highlight that nanoparticle systems not only protect the drug in the upper gastrointestinal tract but also enable targeted release in the colon, where local conditions favor solubility and absorption. Furthermore, nanoparticles enhance drug residence time at the site of inflammation, thereby minimizing dosing frequency and reducing systemic corticosteroid-associated toxicity. This review consolidates recent advances in budesonide-loaded nanoparticle formulations for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, focusing on formulation techniques, physicochemical characterization, in vitro and in vivo performance, and therapeutic outcomes. The evidence strongly supports nanoparticle-based colon-specific delivery of budesonide as a superior alternative to conventional dosage forms, offering a promising platform for future clinical translation in IBD management.