Targeting multifunctional magnetic nanowires for drug delivery in cancer cell death: an emerging paradigm

Sukhbir Singh1, Hema Rani2, Neelam Sharma3

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutics, MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana, 133207, India.

Insights

This review summarizes programmed cell death (apoptosis) mechanisms and highlights how nanowires can be engineered to induce apoptosis in cancer cells through a multi-pronged approach, offering new therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis.
  • Environmental pollutants can disrupt cellular processes and induce apoptosis.
  • Dysregulation of apoptosis is implicated in cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of current evidence on apoptosis.
  • To explore the role of nanowires in inducing apoptosis and delivering targeted cancer therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on apoptosis mechanisms.
  • Analysis of studies investigating nanowire applications in cancer treatment.
  • Discussion of intrinsic, extrinsic, and endoplasmic reticulum pathways of apoptosis.

Main Results:

  • Apoptosis involves complex caspase stimulation and morphological/biochemical changes.
  • Nanowires can induce cancer cell death via vibration, heat, and drug delivery.
  • Reduced apoptosis in cancer is linked to protein imbalances, decreased caspase activity, and impaired death receptor signaling.

Conclusions:

  • Nanowires show significant potential for inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.
  • Engineered nanowires offer a promising strategy for targeted cancer therapy and drug delivery.

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