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Analyzing Tumor and Tissue Distribution of Target Antigen Specific Therapeutic Antibody
Published on: May 16, 2020
Functionalizing nanoparticles with cancer-targeting antibodies: A comparison of strategies
A C Marques1, P J Costa1, S Velho2
1UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, MEDTECH, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto (FFUP), R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
Standard cancer therapies sometimes fail to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs to tumor cells in a safe and effective manner. Nanotechnology takes the lead in providing new therapeutic options for cancer due to major potential for selective targeting and controlled drug release. Antibodies and antibody fragments are attracting much attention as a source of targeting ligands to bind specific receptors that are overexpressed on cancer cells. Therefore, researchers are devoting time and effort to develop targeting strategies based on nanoparticles functionalized with antibodies, which hold great promise to enhance therapeutic efficacy and circumvent severe side effects. Several methods have been described to immobilize antibodies on the surface of nanoparticles. However, selecting the most appropriate for each application is challenging but also imperative to preserve antigen binding ability and yield stable antibody-conjugated nanoparticles. From this perspective, we aim to provide considerable knowledge on the most widely used methods of functionalization that can be helpful for decision-making and design of conjugation protocols as well. This review summarizes adsorption, covalent conjugation (carbodiimide, maleimide and "click" chemistries) and biotin-avidin interaction, while discussing the advantages, limitations and relevant therapeutic approaches currently under investigation.
Insights
Nanotechnology offers new cancer therapies by using antibody-functionalized nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. This review explores methods to attach antibodies to nanoparticles, improving cancer treatment efficacy and reducing side effects.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Standard cancer therapies face challenges in safe and effective drug delivery to tumor cells.
- Nanotechnology presents promising solutions for targeted cancer therapy and controlled drug release.
- Antibodies are explored as targeting ligands for specific receptors overexpressed on cancer cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare common methods for immobilizing antibodies onto nanoparticles.
- To provide knowledge for selecting optimal functionalization strategies for antibody-conjugated nanoparticles.
- To aid in the design of conjugation protocols for enhanced cancer therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Adsorption methods for antibody immobilization.
- Covalent conjugation techniques including carbodiimide, maleimide, and click chemistries.
- Biotin-avidin interaction for antibody-nanoparticle conjugation.
Main Results:
- Discussion of advantages and limitations of each antibody functionalization method.
- Evaluation of methods for preserving antibody antigen-binding ability.
- Assessment of methods for creating stable antibody-conjugated nanoparticles.
Conclusions:
- Effective antibody conjugation to nanoparticles is crucial for enhancing cancer therapy efficacy.
- Careful selection of functionalization methods is imperative for successful targeted drug delivery.
- Ongoing research investigates various antibody-nanoparticle strategies for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
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