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Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Manufacture and Drug Delivery Applications of Silk Nanoparticles
Published on: October 8, 2016
Harnessing cells to deliver nanoparticle drugs to treat cancer
Bijay Singh1, Samir Mitragotri2
1School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States; Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology (RIBB), Nakkhu, Lalitpur 44600, Nepal.
Abstract:
Clinical translation of nanoparticle drug (nanodrug) delivery systems for cancer therapy is primarily hindered by short half-life of nanodrugs in blood circulation and their poor ability of tumor targeting and penetration in vivo. Circulatory cells have garnered much attention in cancer therapy as drug delivery vehicles due to their biocompatibility, high mobility, biodegradability, tissue targeting capability, high drug loading capacity, ability to cross biological barriers and inherent ability to remain in blood circulation long enough to accumulate within the tumors. Here, we review the progress and potential of circulatory cells as nanodrug delivery vehicles, especially for cancer therapy.
Insights
Circulatory cells show promise for cancer therapy, overcoming nanodrug limitations like short half-life and poor tumor targeting. These cells offer enhanced biocompatibility and drug delivery for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Clinical translation of nanodrug delivery systems for cancer is limited by short circulation half-life and poor tumor targeting.
- Nanodrugs struggle with in vivo tumor penetration and accumulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress and potential of using circulatory cells as nanodrug delivery vehicles.
- To address the challenges in nanodrug delivery for cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on nanodrugs and circulatory cell-based delivery.
- Analysis of the properties of circulatory cells relevant to drug delivery.
Main Results:
- Circulatory cells offer biocompatibility, high mobility, and biodegradability.
- These cells demonstrate effective tissue targeting, high drug loading, and ability to cross biological barriers.
- Circulatory cells possess inherent capabilities for prolonged blood circulation and tumor accumulation.
Conclusions:
- Circulatory cells represent a promising platform for advancing nanodrug delivery in cancer therapy.
- Utilizing circulatory cells can overcome key limitations of current nanodrug systems.
- Further research into cell-based nanodrug delivery holds significant potential for improved cancer treatment.
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