Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
14:20

Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?

Published on: June 13, 2014

17.2K

'Smartening' anticancer therapeutic nanosystems using biomolecules

Rebeca Núñez-Lozano1, Manuel Cano1, Belén Pimentel2

  • 1Synthetic Biology and Smart Therapeutic Systems Group, Andalusian Centre for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía, C/ Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590 Campanillas, Málaga, Spain.

Current Opinion in Biotechnology
|August 17, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Smart anticancer nanomedicines use biomolecules to overcome physiological barriers, improving drug delivery. These targeted nanoparticles enhance selective cancer cell killing, addressing limitations of traditional chemotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Nanotechnology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Conventional anticancer agents often lack selectivity, leading to off-target toxicity.
  • Effective cancer therapy requires selective induction of cancer cell death.
  • Drug delivery systems offer a potential solution to enhance chemotherapeutic selectivity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in developing smart anticancer therapeutic nanosystems.
  • To explore the use of biomolecules in enhancing nanoparticle functionality for cancer treatment.
  • To address the physiological barriers that hinder effective nanoparticle drug delivery.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems.
  • Analysis of strategies employing biomolecules to functionalize nanoparticles.
  • Examination of methods to overcome physiological barriers for targeted cancer therapy.

Main Results:

  • Biomolecule-functionalized nanoparticles demonstrate potential in evading immune surveillance.
  • These nanosystems show promise for selective attachment to target cancer cells.
  • Strategies exist for nanoparticles to penetrate cells, escape endosomes, and release drugs controllably.

Conclusions:

  • Transforming bare nanoparticles into smart anticancer therapeutic nanosystems is achievable.
  • Biomolecular engineering of nanoparticles is crucial for overcoming drug delivery challenges.
  • Advanced nanomedicines hold significant potential for improving selective cancer cell killing.

More Related Videos

Monitoring of Nanodrug Accumulation in Murine Breast Cancer Metastases09:48

Monitoring of Nanodrug Accumulation in Murine Breast Cancer Metastases

Published on: August 23, 2024

850
Synthesis of Aptamer-PEI-g-PEG Modified Gold Nanoparticles Loaded with Doxorubicin for Targeted Drug Delivery09:09

Synthesis of Aptamer-PEI-g-PEG Modified Gold Nanoparticles Loaded with Doxorubicin for Targeted Drug Delivery

Published on: June 23, 2020

6.7K

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted 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...
9.1K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

1.8K
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers01:24

Site-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...
114
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
2.3K
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted01:24

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
112