INTRODUCTION: ECM-inspired nanocarriers have emerged as a promising platform for drug delivery due to their unique advantages over traditional nanocarrier systems. The ECM is a complex three-dimensional network comprising proteins and polysaccharides that play a key role in maintaining tissue function and homeostasis. Recent advances in the design and synthesis of ECM-inspired nanocarriers have resulted in superior efficacy, targeting, and responsive delivery systems. AREAS COVERED: This review covers ECM-inspired nanocarriers, focusing on their design and fabrication methods, and applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Specific focus is placed on nanocarriers derived from elastin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and their combinations, creating 'conjugate nanoparticles' published in the last 5 years. This review also discusses the benefits of mimicking ECM structure and function, the advantages of each nanoparticle type, challenges associated with large-scale synthesis, and immunogenicity. EXPERT OPINION: ECM-inspired nanocarriers are a novel avenue for the delivery of therapeutics with recent emphasis placed on complex, responsive systems. While substantial progress has been made in the design and application of these nanocarriers in pre-clinical studies, significant challenges remain, particularly concerning immunogenicity, scalability, and the need for more robust clinical data, before these innovations can be widely translated into clinical practice.