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Melanin and Melanin-Functionalized Nanoparticles as Promising Tools in Cancer Research-A Review
Iasmina Marcovici1,2, Dorina Coricovac1,2, Iulia Pinzaru1,2
1Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
Abstract:
Cancer poses an ongoing global challenge, despite the substantial progress made in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease. The existing therapeutic methods remain limited by undesirable outcomes such as systemic toxicity and lack of specificity or long-term efficacy, although innovative alternatives are being continuously investigated. By offering a means for the targeted delivery of therapeutics, nanotechnology (NT) has emerged as a state-of-the-art solution for augmenting the efficiency of currently available cancer therapies while combating their drawbacks. Melanin, a polymeric pigment of natural origin that is widely spread among many living organisms, became a promising candidate for NT-based cancer treatment owing to its unique physicochemical properties (e.g., high biocompatibility, redox behavior, light absorption, chelating ability) and innate antioxidant, photoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. The latest research on melanin and melanin-like nanoparticles has extended considerably on many fronts, allowing not only efficient cancer treatments via both traditional and modern methods, but also early disease detection and diagnosis. The current paper provides an updated insight into the applicability of melanin in cancer therapy as antitumor agent, molecular target, and delivery nanoplatform.
Insights
Melanin-based nanotechnology offers a promising solution to improve cancer treatment efficacy and reduce side effects. This natural pigment enhances targeted drug delivery and possesses inherent antitumor properties for better cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer remains a significant global health challenge with limitations in current treatments.
- Nanotechnology offers targeted therapeutic delivery to enhance cancer therapy efficacy and specificity.
- Melanin, a natural pigment, exhibits unique properties suitable for biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of melanin and melanin-like nanoparticles in cancer therapy.
- To highlight melanin's potential as an antitumor agent, molecular target, and drug delivery platform.
- To provide an updated insight into melanin-based nanotechnology for cancer treatment and diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in melanin-based nanotechnology for cancer.
- Analysis of melanin's physicochemical properties and biological effects relevant to cancer.
- Exploration of melanin's role in both traditional and novel cancer treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Melanin demonstrates high biocompatibility, redox activity, and light absorption capabilities.
- Melanin-based nanoparticles show potential for targeted drug delivery, reducing systemic toxicity.
- Innate antioxidant, photoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects of melanin are beneficial for cancer therapy.
- Melanin facilitates early cancer detection and diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Melanin-based nanotechnology presents a versatile and effective platform for cancer treatment.
- Melanin's unique properties enable its use as an active therapeutic agent and a sophisticated delivery system.
- Further research into melanin nanotechnology promises advancements in personalized cancer care and diagnostics.
