Molecular Switches-Tools for Imparting Control in Drug Delivery Systems
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Published on: July 21, 2017
Owen Fitzmaurice1, Michał Bartkowski1, Silvia Giordani1
1School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University (DCU), Dublin, Ireland.
Abstract:
Cancer is a globally prevalent cause of premature mortality. Of growing interest is the development of novel anticancer therapies and the optimisation of associated risks. Major issues presently facing conventional anticancer therapies include systemic toxicity, poor solubility, membrane permeability, and multidrug resistance Nanocarriers have been employed to address these issues. Nanocarriers encapsulate anticancer drugs, enabling them to bypass biological barriers and minimise their adverse side effects. These drug delivery systems offer extensive benefits as they can be modified to gravitate towards specific environmental conditions. To further enhance the safety and efficacy of these drug carriers, modern developments have included incorporating a molecular switching mechanism into their structure. These molecular switches are responsive to endogenous and exogenous stimuli and may undergo reversible and repeatable conformational changes when activated. The incorporation of molecular switches can, therefore, impart stimuli-responsive drug-release control on a DDS. These stimuli can then be manipulated to offer precise dosage control over the drug release at a specific target site. This review discusses recent developments in the design of DDSs incorporating light and pH-responsive molecular switches as drug release controllers.
Insights
Novel nanocarriers with molecular switches offer improved anticancer drug delivery. These stimuli-responsive systems enhance drug efficacy and safety by controlling release at target sites.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Conventional anticancer therapies face challenges like toxicity and drug resistance.
- Nanocarriers improve drug delivery by encapsulating agents and minimizing side effects.
- Molecular switches offer stimuli-responsive control over drug release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in drug delivery systems (DDS) incorporating molecular switches.
- To highlight the use of light and pH-responsive switches for controlled drug release.
- To discuss enhancing the safety and efficacy of anticancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems.
- Focus on DDS designs featuring molecular switching mechanisms.
- Analysis of stimuli-responsive properties (light, pH) for drug release control.
Main Results:
- Nanocarriers with molecular switches demonstrate potential for targeted drug delivery.
- Stimuli-responsive mechanisms allow for precise control over drug release kinetics.
- Incorporation of switches enhances the safety and therapeutic index of anticancer drugs.
Conclusions:
- Drug delivery systems integrating molecular switches represent a significant advancement in cancer therapy.
- Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers offer a promising strategy to overcome limitations of conventional treatments.
- Future research should focus on optimizing these systems for clinical translation.
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