How to Develop Drug Delivery System Based on Carbohydrate Nanoparticles Targeted to Brain Tumors

Vladimir E Silant'ev1,2, Mikhail E Shmelev1, Andrei S Belousov1

  • 1Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia.

Polymers
|June 10, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Carbohydrate nanoparticles offer a promising solution for brain tumor treatment by improving drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This review explores their synthesis and potential for treating aggressive gliomas and glioblastomas.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Brain tumors present significant therapeutic challenges due to diverse forms, limited effective chemotherapies, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
  • Nanoparticles (1-500 nm) are emerging as advanced drug delivery systems, driven by nanotechnology advancements.
  • Carbohydrate-based nanoparticles offer biocompatibility, biodegradability, and reduced toxicity for molecular transport.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the synthesis and modification strategies for carbohydrate nanoparticles.
  • To provide an overview of the biological and clinical outcomes associated with carbohydrate nanocarriers.
  • To highlight the potential of carbohydrate nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery in gliomas and glioblastomas.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on carbohydrate nanoparticle synthesis and modification.
  • Analysis of existing studies on the biological activity and clinical applications of these nanocarriers.
  • Exploration of challenges in the design and fabrication of biopolymer colloidal nanomaterials.

Main Results:

  • Carbohydrate nanoparticles demonstrate potential for overcoming the BBB, enhancing drug delivery to brain tumors.
  • These nanocarriers exhibit favorable biocompatibility and biodegradability, minimizing systemic toxicity.
  • The review synthesizes current knowledge on fabrication techniques and therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Carbohydrate-based nanoparticles represent a promising platform for targeted drug delivery in neuro-oncology.
  • Further research into their design and fabrication is crucial for clinical translation.
  • These nanocarriers hold significant potential for improving treatment outcomes for high-grade gliomas and glioblastomas.

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