Recent Advances in Zein-Based Nanocarriers for Precise Cancer Therapy
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Updated: Jul 20, 2025
A Comprehensive Procedure to Evaluate the In Vivo Performance of Cancer Nanomedicines
Published on: March 4, 2017
Wenquan Huang1, Fei Yao1, Shuangyan Tian1
1College of Medicine and Health Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China.
Abstract:
Cancer has emerged as a leading cause of death worldwide. However, the pursuit of precise cancer therapy and high-efficiency delivery of antitumor drugs remains an enormous obstacle. The major challenge is the lack of a smart drug delivery system with the advantages of biodegradability, biocompatibility, stability, targeting and response release. Zein, a plant-based protein, possesses a unique self-assembly ability to encapsulate anticancer drugs directly or indirectly. Using zein as a nanotherapeutic pharmaceutic preparation can protect anticancer drugs from harsh environments, such as sunlight, stomach acid and pepsin. Moreover, the surface functionalization of zein is easily realized, which can endow it with targeting and stimulus-responsive release capacity. Hence, zein is an ideal nanocarrier for the precise delivery of anticancer drugs. Combined with our previous research experiences, we attempt to review the current state of the preparation of zein-based nanocarriers for anticancer drug delivery. The challenges, solutions and development trends of zein-based nanocarriers for precise cancer therapy are discussed. This review will provide a guideline for precise cancer therapy in the future.
Insights
Zein, a plant protein, shows promise as a smart nanocarrier for precise cancer therapy. Its unique properties enable efficient and targeted delivery of anticancer drugs, overcoming major obstacles in cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Cancer is a leading global cause of death, with precise therapy and efficient drug delivery remaining significant challenges.
- Existing drug delivery systems often lack biodegradability, biocompatibility, stability, targeting, and stimulus-responsive release capabilities.
- Zein, a plant-derived protein, offers a unique self-assembly capability for encapsulating anticancer agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the preparation of zein-based nanocarriers for anticancer drug delivery.
- To discuss the challenges, solutions, and future trends in using zein nanocarriers for precise cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on zein nanocarrier preparation and application in cancer therapy.
- Analysis of zein's properties, including self-assembly, drug encapsulation, and surface functionalization.
- Discussion of targeting and stimulus-responsive release mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Zein nanocarriers can protect anticancer drugs from degradation in harsh environments.
- Surface functionalization of zein enables targeted delivery and stimulus-responsive drug release.
- Zein is identified as an ideal nanocarrier for precise anticancer drug delivery.
Conclusions:
- Zein-based nanocarriers represent a promising platform for developing advanced cancer therapies.
- Further research into zein nanocarriers can provide guidelines for future precise cancer treatment strategies.
- This review highlights the potential of zein in overcoming current limitations in chemotherapy.
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