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Overcoming Biological Barriers With Block Copolymers-Based Self-Assembled Nanocarriers. Recent Advances in Delivery
Jazmin Torres1, Namdev Dhas2, Marcela Longhi3,4
1Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
Abstract:
Cancer is one of the most common life-threatening illness and it is the world's second largest cause of death. Chemotherapeutic anticancer drugs have many disadvantages, which led to the need to develop novel strategies to overcome these shortcomings. Moreover, tumors are heterogenous in nature and there are various biological barriers that assist in treatment reisistance. In this sense, nanotechnology has provided new strategies for delivery of anticancer therapeutics. Recently, delivery platforms for overcoming biological barriers raised by tumor cells and tumor-bearing hosts have been reported. Among them, amphiphilic block copolymers (ABC)-based self-assembled nanocarriers have attracted researchers worldwide owing to their unique properties. In this work, we addressed different biological barriers for effective cancer treatment along with several strategies to overcome them by using ABC-based self-assembled nanostructures, with special emphasis in those that have the ability to act as responsive nanocarriers to internal or external environmental clues to trigger release of the payload. These nanocarriers have shown promising properties to revolutionize cancer treatment and diagnosis, but there are still challenges for their successful translation to clinical applications.
Insights
Amphiphilic block copolymers (ABC) form nanocarriers to overcome biological barriers in cancer treatment. These responsive nanostructures offer promising strategies for effective drug delivery and diagnosis, though clinical translation requires further research.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer is a leading cause of death globally, with conventional chemotherapy facing limitations.
- Tumor heterogeneity and biological barriers contribute to treatment resistance.
- Nanotechnology offers novel strategies for enhanced anticancer drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review biological barriers in cancer treatment.
- To explore strategies for overcoming these barriers using amphiphilic block copolymer (ABC)-based nanostructures.
- To highlight responsive nanocarriers for triggered drug release.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nanocarriers for cancer therapy.
- Focus on self-assembled nanostructures formed by amphiphilic block copolymers (ABC).
- Analysis of responsive nanocarriers triggered by internal or external stimuli.
Main Results:
- Amphiphilic block copolymers (ABC) self-assemble into nanocarriers effective against biological barriers.
- Responsive nanocarriers demonstrate potential for controlled drug release.
- These nanocarriers show promise for revolutionizing cancer treatment and diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- ABC-based nanostructures provide innovative solutions for cancer therapy.
- Responsive nanocarriers offer targeted drug delivery and improved treatment outcomes.
- Further research is needed to address challenges for clinical translation of these nanotechnologies.
