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Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for cancer therapy
1Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
Smart Materials in Medicine
|September 23, 2021
Summary
Nanoparticle drug delivery systems enhance cancer treatment by improving drug stability, solubility, and targeted release. This review covers chitosan, silica, and PLGA nanoparticle DDS, discussing their fabrication, applications, and future potential.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (DDS) offer significant advantages over conventional methods for cancer therapy.
- These systems enhance drug efficacy through increased drug half-life, improved solubility of hydrophobic agents, and controlled/targeted release at the tumor site.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review nanoparticle-based DDS for cancer treatment.
- To focus on DDS fabricated from chitosan, silica, and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA).
- To discuss fabrication methods, applications, limitations, and future directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of nanoparticle-based DDS in cancer treatment.
- Focus on materials including chitosan, silica, and PLGA.
- Analysis of fabrication techniques and therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle DDS demonstrate enhanced pharmacokinetic profiles and improved drug delivery efficiency.
- Chitosan, silica, and PLGA nanoparticles show versatile applications in various cancer models.
- Key fabrication methods and their impact on drug release kinetics are highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticle-based DDS hold immense promise for advancing cancer treatment strategies.
- Further research into material optimization and targeted delivery mechanisms is crucial.
- Addressing current limitations will pave the way for clinical translation of these advanced DDS.
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