Current Designs and Developments of Fucoidan-based Formulations for Cancer Therapy

Natural nanostructure materials have been involved in antitumor drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility, biodegradation, and bioactive properties.

These materials have contributed to advanced drug delivery systems in the roles of both bioactive compounds and delivery nanocarriers. Fucoidan, a valuable ocean material used in drug delivery systems, has been exploited in research on cancer and a variety of other diseases.

Although the uniqueness, structure, properties, and health benefits of fucoidan have been mentioned in various prominent reviews, current developments and designs of fucoidan-based formulations still need to be assessed to further develop an effective anticancer therapy. In this review, current important formulations using fucoidan as a functional material and as an anticancer agent will be discussed. This article will also provide a brief principle of the methods that incorporate functional nanostructure materials in formulations exploiting fucoidan.

Current research and future perspectives on the use of fucoidan in anticancer therapy will advance innovative and important products for clinical uses.