Synergistic chemotherapy and phototherapy based on red blood cell biomimetic nanomaterials

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Targeted cancer therapy relies on novel drug delivery systems (DDSs).
• Drug resistance and adverse effects necessitate advanced therapeutic strategies.
• Human cell-based DDSs, particularly red blood cells, are emerging as a promising approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development of photosensitizers for cancer treatment.
• To explore erythrocyte-based bio-nano-delivery systems for synergistic therapy.
• To highlight the potential of mimicking erythrocyte properties in DDSs.

Main Methods:

• Overview of photosensitizer development.
• Review of erythrocyte and erythrocyte membrane-based DDS research.
• Analysis of synergistic outcomes in phototherapy/chemotherapy.

Main Results:

• Red blood cells enhance drug pharmacokinetics when used as DDSs.
• Erythropoietic nanocarriers mimic erythrocyte properties for improved DDS performance.
• Synergistic phototherapy and chemotherapy show potential in overcoming cancer challenges.

Conclusions:

• Erythrocyte-based DDSs are a viable strategy for targeted cancer therapy.
• Mimicking erythrocytes with nanocarriers offers advantages over existing DDSs.
• Synergistic approaches using these DDSs hold promise for clinical applications.