Functionalized Peptide-Based Nanoparticles for Targeted Cancer Nanotherapeutics: A State-of-the-Art Review

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Global cancer mortality rates are rising, with existing therapeutics showing limited efficacy and a persistent knowledge gap.
• There is a critical need for innovative and effective anticancer therapeutics to address treatment limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of nanopeptide therapeutics for cancer treatment.
• To explore peptide-functionalized nanoparticles for nanotherapeutic development.
• To discuss biomedical applications, targeted cancer cell therapy, and mechanisms of action.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on nanopeptide synthesis and functionalization.
• Exploration of self-assembly nanostructures, solid-phase peptide synthesis, ligand exchange, chemical reduction, and conjugation methods.
• Analysis of nanodrug formulation strategies for improved stability, bioavailability, and specificity.

Main Results:

• Nanodrugs functionalized with peptides demonstrate enhanced stability, accessibility, bioavailability, and specificity towards cancerous cells.
• Various methods for assembling peptides onto nanoparticles are highlighted, enabling functional nanodrugs.
• The review provides insights into targeted cancer cell therapy and mechanisms of action.

Conclusions:

• Nanopeptide therapeutics represent a promising frontier in cancer treatment, addressing limitations of conventional therapies.
• Further research into formulation and challenges is crucial for the clinical translation of these nanodrugs.
• Nanopeptide-based strategies offer functional novelty for improved cancer therapy and patient outcomes.