Alginate-Based Platforms for Cancer-Targeted Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Alginate is an acidic, ocean-derived polysaccharide with favorable biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxic properties.
• It functions as both a biopolymer and a polyelectrolyte, making it suitable for biomedical applications.
• Existing research highlights alginate's potential in developing effective platforms for cancer-targeted drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the formation of alginate-based cancer-targeted delivery systems.
• To discuss the chemical and physical properties of alginate relevant to drug delivery.
• To introduce various alginate-based carriers and recent functionalization strategies for cancer targeting.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on alginate properties and applications in cancer therapy.
• Discussion of different types of alginate-based delivery systems and carriers.
• Analysis of innovative strategies for functionalizing alginate vehicles for enhanced cancer targeting.

Main Results:

• Alginate possesses properties amenable to drug delivery system development.
• Diverse alginate-based carriers have been explored for cancer treatment.
• Functionalization techniques are advancing the optimization of alginate for targeted cancer therapy.

Conclusions:

• Alginate-based platforms offer significant potential for targeted cancer drug delivery.
• Continued research into alginate functionalization is crucial for optimizing these systems.
• Alginate represents a promising biomaterial for advanced cancer therapeutics.