Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
09:09
Synthesis of Aptamer-PEI-g-PEG Modified Gold Nanoparticles Loaded with Doxorubicin for Targeted Drug Delivery
Published on: June 23, 2020
Expert opinion: Responsive polymer nanoparticles in cancer therapy
William B Liechty1, Nicholas A Peppas
1Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, TX 78731, USA.
Summary
Intelligent polymeric nanoparticles offer targeted cancer treatment by responding to tumor microenvironments. This expert opinion explores pH-responsive nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery, enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Polymeric nanoparticles are promising for cancer therapy due to controllable properties.
- Intelligent nanoparticles offer site-specific drug release by responding to biological cues.
- Tumor microenvironments, including abnormal pH, present opportunities for targeted delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review passive and active targeting strategies for nanoparticles in cancer treatment.
- To discuss various classes of pH-responsive nanoparticles for cancer therapy.
- To highlight the potential of exploiting tumor pathophysiology for localized drug release.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on polymeric nanoparticles for cancer.
- Discussion of targeting mechanisms (passive and active).
- Categorization and analysis of pH-responsive nanoparticle systems.
Main Results:
- Polymeric nanoparticles exhibit advantageous characteristics for drug delivery.
- pH-responsive nanoparticles can be designed to release drugs in acidic tumor environments.
- Targeting strategies enhance nanoparticle accumulation at tumor sites.
Conclusions:
- Polymeric nanoparticles, particularly pH-responsive systems, show significant potential for targeted cancer therapy.
- Exploiting tumor-specific conditions like acidity can improve drug delivery and reduce systemic toxicity.
- Further research into intelligent nanoparticle design is crucial for clinical translation.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:56Treatment Resistent Cancers
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...