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Bioengineered Ferritin Nanocarriers for Cancer Therapy
Xuanrong Sun1, Yulu Hong1, Yubei Gong1
1Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 2, 2021
Summary
Ferritin, a natural protein, shows promise as a biocompatible nanocarrier for targeted cancer therapy. Its unique properties enable drug encapsulation and surface modification for enhanced chemotherapy and phototherapy delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Ferritin is a naturally occurring protein found in most organisms.
- It specifically binds to the transferrin 1 receptor (TfR1), which is highly expressed on tumor cells.
- Ferritin's pH-dependent assembly/disassembly allows for drug encapsulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review ferritin's characteristics as a drug carrier for cancer treatment.
- To discuss surface modifications for targeted delivery.
- To explore multifunctional nanocarriers combining chemotherapy and phototherapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on ferritin in cancer therapy.
- Analysis of ferritin's properties: TfR1 recognition, pH-dependent assembly, surface modifiability, biocompatibility.
- Examination of combined chemotherapy and phototherapy approaches using ferritin nanocarriers.
Main Results:
- Ferritin serves as a biocompatible nanocarrier for anticancer drugs and imaging probes.
- Its surface can be modified for targeted delivery to tumor cells.
- Ferritin nanocarriers are effective in combined chemotherapy and phototherapy.
Conclusions:
- Ferritin is a promising, multifunctional nanocarrier for targeted cancer therapy.
- Engineered ferritin nanoparticles offer a potential platform for tumor treatment.
- Further research is needed to fully explore its therapeutic potential.
