Tumor targeting strategies for chitosan-based nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Targeted nanoparticles (NPs) are crucial for overcoming limitations of conventional antitumor agents, including poor solubility, pharmacokinetics, selectivity, and side effects.
• Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharide, is increasingly utilized for targeted drug delivery due to its unique properties and functional groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in target-specific nanoparticles based on chitosan and its derivatives for antitumor agent delivery.
• To elucidate the mechanisms and key efficacy factors of various targeting strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent developments in chitosan-based nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy.
• Analysis of passive, active, and stimuli-sensitive targeting strategies.
• Examination of target mechanisms and efficacy factors.

Main Results:

• Chitosan-based nanoparticles demonstrate significant potential in improving the delivery of antitumor agents.
• Various targeting strategies (passive, active, stimuli-sensitive) are effectively employed using chitosan derivatives.
• Key factors influencing the efficacy of these targeted NPs have been identified.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-based nanoparticles represent a promising platform for developing advanced, targeted cancer therapies.
• Further research into chitosan NP targeting mechanisms and efficacy factors can optimize antitumor agent delivery and patient outcomes.