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Updated: Sep 26, 2025
A Flow Cytometry-Based Cell Surface Protein Binding Assay for Assessing Selectivity and Specificity of an Anticancer Aptamer
Published on: September 13, 2022
Recent development of aptamer conjugated chitosan nanoparticles as cancer therapeutics
Afsana Sheikh1, Shadab Md2, Nabil A Alhakamy2
1Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.
Abstract:
There is a surge in demand for safe and targeted therapy against cancer as the conventional treatment approach fails to reach the specific site. Chemotherapeutic agents are generally associated with low tumoral accumulation, off-site effect, and drug resistance. Targeted delivery with the use of nanocarrier could elevate the drug accumulation at the target site, reduce toxicity to non-cancerous cells, overcome drug resistance, and reduce dosing. Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotide that folds in a way to get into the pocket of target cells with high affinity and specificity due to the ability to recognize and interact with the biomarkers such as nucleolin, Mucin, EGFR, etc. overexpressed by cancer cells. Aptamer also plays a key role in cancer immunotherapy and the delivery of anti-cancer agents. The review brings the light upon the use of aptamer-chitosan nanoparticles against cancer therapy and their role in the reduction of toxic effects.
Insights
Aptamer-chitosan nanoparticles offer a targeted cancer therapy solution, improving drug delivery and reducing side effects. This approach enhances therapeutic efficacy by targeting cancer cells specifically.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Conventional cancer treatments face challenges like poor drug accumulation, off-target toxicity, and drug resistance.
- Nanocarriers offer a promising strategy for targeted drug delivery to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects.
- Aptamers, as targeting ligands, show high affinity and specificity for cancer biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of aptamer-chitosan nanoparticles in cancer therapy.
- To highlight the potential of this combination in improving targeted drug delivery.
- To discuss the role in reducing the toxic effects of anti-cancer agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on aptamer-chitosan nanoparticle systems for cancer treatment.
- Analysis of aptamer selection strategies for cancer cell targeting.
- Evaluation of chitosan nanoparticle formulation and drug loading capabilities.
Main Results:
- Aptamer-chitosan nanoparticles demonstrate enhanced accumulation in tumors.
- This targeted approach effectively reduces toxicity to non-cancerous cells.
- Aptamer conjugation overcomes drug resistance and allows for reduced dosing.
Conclusions:
- Aptamer-chitosan nanoparticles represent a significant advancement in targeted cancer therapy.
- They offer a dual benefit of specific drug delivery and reduced systemic toxicity.
- Further research into these nanocarriers holds promise for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
