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Poly(ethylene glycol)-modified nanocarriers for tumor-targeted and intracellular delivery
Lilian E van Vlerken1, Tushar K Vyas, Mansoor M Amiji
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, 110 Mugar Life Sciences Building, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Abstract:
The success of anti-cancer therapies largely depends on the ability of the therapeutics to reach their designated cellular and intracellular target sites, while minimizing accumulation and action at non-specific sites. Surface modification of nanoparticulate carriers with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) has emerged as a strategy to enhance solubility of hydrophobic drugs, prolong circulation time, minimize non-specific uptake, and allow for specific tumor-targeting through the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Furthermore, PEG/PEO modification has emerged as a platform for incorporation of active targeting ligands, thereby providing the drug and gene carriers with specific tumor-targeting properties through a flexible tether. This review focuses on the recent developments surrounding such PEG/PEO-surface modification of polymeric nanocarriers to promote tumor-targeting capabilities, thereby enhancing efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Polymeric nanocarriers modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) enhance anti-cancer therapy by improving drug delivery. This surface modification targets tumors effectively, boosting therapeutic efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Effective anti-cancer therapies require precise drug delivery to target sites, minimizing off-target effects.
- Nanoparticulate carriers are crucial for drug delivery, but their efficacy depends on optimized surface properties.
- Polymeric nanocarriers offer potential for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEG/PEO) surface modification of polymeric nanocarriers.
- To highlight how PEG/PEO modification enhances tumor-targeting capabilities for anti-cancer strategies.
- To explore the role of PEG/PEO in improving drug solubility, circulation time, and reducing non-specific uptake.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on PEG/PEO-modified polymeric nanocarriers for cancer therapy.
- Analysis of strategies for incorporating active targeting ligands onto PEG/PEO surfaces.
- Examination of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in tumor targeting.
Main Results:
- PEG/PEO surface modification improves solubility of hydrophobic anti-cancer drugs.
- PEGylation of nanocarriers prolongs circulation time and reduces non-specific uptake.
- Flexible tethers on PEG/PEO surfaces facilitate active targeting ligand incorporation for enhanced tumor specificity.
Conclusions:
- PEG/PEO surface modification of polymeric nanocarriers is a key strategy for improving anti-cancer therapy efficacy.
- Targeted delivery via PEG/PEO-modified nanocarriers enhances therapeutic outcomes by concentrating drugs at tumor sites.
- Further development in PEG/PEO surface modification holds significant promise for advanced cancer treatment modalities.
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