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Updated: Nov 27, 2025
Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
Biosynthetic Polymalic Acid as a Delivery Nanoplatform for Translational Cancer Medicine
Jianguo Zhang1, Deyu Chen2, Guoxin Liang3
1Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; The Affiliated Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, China.
Abstract:
Poly(β-L-malic acid) (PMLA) is a natural polyester produced by numerous microorganisms. Regarding its biosynthetic machinery, a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) is proposed to direct polymerization of L-malic acid in vivo. Chemically versatile and biologically compatible, PMLA can be used as an ideal carrier for several molecules, including nucleotides, proteins, chemotherapeutic drugs, and imaging agents, and can deliver multimodal theranostics through biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier. We focus on PMLA biosynthesis in microorganisms, summarize the physicochemical and physiochemical characteristics of PMLA as a naturally derived polymeric delivery platform at nanoscale, and highlight the attachment of functional groups to enhance cancer detection and treatment.
