Tumor microenvironment-induced structure changing drug/gene delivery system for overcoming delivery-associated...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Oncology

Background:

• Nanoparticle-based drug/gene delivery systems (DDS) offer advantages like payload protection, prolonged circulation, controlled release, reduced side effects, and enhanced targeting for cancer therapy.
• Conflicting requirements for DDS properties (e.g., surface charge, size, stability) at different delivery stages limit their overall efficiency.
• The tumor microenvironment (TME) presents unique challenges and opportunities for nanocarrier design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in tumor microenvironment (TME) stimuli-responsive drug/gene delivery systems (DDS).
• To address the challenges posed by conflicting DDS property requirements during cancer therapy.
• To highlight how TME-responsive DDS can improve drug and gene delivery efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of DDS with tunable structural, size, or charge characteristics.
• Incorporation of TME stimuli-responsive elements into nanocarrier designs.
• Review of current literature on TME stimuli-responsive DDS.

Main Results:

• TME stimuli-responsive DDS can dynamically alter their properties in response to specific tumor microenvironment cues.
• This adaptability allows DDS to meet varying requirements throughout the complex drug/gene delivery process.
• Such systems demonstrate potential for improved therapeutic outcomes in cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

• TME stimuli-responsive DDS represent a promising strategy to overcome limitations of conventional nanocarriers.
• These advanced systems enhance drug/gene delivery efficiency by adapting to the dynamic tumor microenvironment.
• Further research in this area is crucial for developing next-generation cancer therapeutics.