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Advancements in redox-sensitive micelles as nanotheranostics: A new horizon in cancer management
Anupama Sikder1, Ganesh Vambhurkar1, Etikala Amulya1
1Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India.
Abstract:
World Health Organisation (WHO) delineated cancer as one of the foremost reasons for mortality with 10 million deaths in the year 2020. Early diagnosis and effective drug delivery are of utmost importance in cancer management. The entrapment of both bio-imaging dyes and drugs will open novel avenues in the area of tumor theranostics. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) are the characteristic features of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Researchers have taken advantage of these specific TME features in recent years to develop micelle-based theranostic nanosystems. This review focuses on the advantages of redox-sensitive micelles (RSMs) and supramolecular self-assemblies for tumor theranostics. Key chemical linkers employed for the tumor-specific release of the cargo have been discussed. In vitro characterisation techniques used for the characterization of RSMs have been deliberated. Potential bottlenecks that may present themselves in the bench-to-bedside translation of this technology and the regulatory considerations have been deliberated.
Insights
This review explores redox-sensitive micelles (RSMs) for tumor theranostics, leveraging tumor microenvironment (TME) features like reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) for targeted drug delivery and imaging.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer is a leading cause of mortality globally, necessitating advancements in early diagnosis and effective treatment.
- Tumor theranostics, combining therapy and diagnostics, offers a promising approach for cancer management.
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) exhibits unique characteristics, including elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH), which can be exploited for targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the advantages of redox-sensitive micelles (RSMs) and supramolecular self-assemblies in tumor theranostics.
- To discuss chemical linkers utilized for tumor-specific cargo release.
- To explore in vitro characterization techniques for RSMs and address challenges in clinical translation.
Main Methods:
- Focuses on a review of existing literature on micelle-based theranostic nanosystems.
- Discusses the design principles and chemical strategies for creating redox-sensitive micelles.
- Examines in vitro characterization methods relevant to RSMs.
Main Results:
- RSMs and supramolecular assemblies offer advantages for tumor theranostics by responding to TME-specific triggers.
- Specific chemical linkers enable controlled and targeted release of therapeutic and imaging agents.
- Various in vitro techniques are available for characterizing RSM performance.
Conclusions:
- RSMs represent a viable strategy for developing advanced tumor theranostic systems.
- Exploiting TME redox conditions enhances drug delivery and diagnostic capabilities.
- Further research and regulatory considerations are crucial for translating RSM technology from bench to bedside.
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