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Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
Advancement in Biopolymer Assisted Cancer Theranostics
Tanima Bhattacharya1,2, Subham Preetam3,4, Basab Ghosh5
1Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyunghee-daero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Applications of nanotechnology have increased the importance of research and nanocarriers, which have revolutionized the method of drug delivery to treat several diseases, including cancer, in the past few years. Cancer, one of the world's fatal diseases, has drawn scientists' attention for its multidrug resistance to various chemotherapeutic drugs. To minimize the side effects of chemotherapeutic agents on healthy cells and to develop technological advancement in drug delivery systems, scientists have developed an alternative approach to delivering chemotherapeutic drugs at the targeted site by integrating it inside the nanocarriers like synthetic polymers, nanotubes, micelles, dendrimers, magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots (QDs), lipid nanoparticles, nano-biopolymeric substances, etc., which has shown promising results in both preclinical and clinical trials of cancer management. Besides that, nanocarriers, especially biopolymeric nanoparticles, have received much attention from researchers due to their cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, treatment efficacy, and ability to target drug delivery by crossing the blood-brain barrier. This review emphasizes the fabrication processes, the therapeutic and theragnostic applications, and the importance of different biopolymeric nanocarriers in targeting cancer both in vitro and in vivo, which conclude with the challenges and opportunities of future exploration using biopolymeric nanocarriers in onco-therapy with improved availability and reduced toxicity.
Insights
Biopolymeric nanocarriers offer a promising, cost-effective, and biodegradable approach to cancer drug delivery, improving treatment efficacy and reducing toxicity. These advanced systems show potential for targeting cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Oncology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Nanotechnology has revolutionized drug delivery, particularly for cancer treatment, addressing challenges like multidrug resistance.
- Conventional chemotherapy exhibits significant side effects on healthy cells, necessitating targeted delivery systems.
- Nanocarriers, including synthetic polymers and biopolymeric nanoparticles, are emerging as advanced solutions for cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fabrication processes of biopolymeric nanocarriers for cancer therapy.
- To highlight the therapeutic and theragnostic applications of biopolymeric nanocarriers in vitro and in vivo.
- To discuss the importance, challenges, and future opportunities of biopolymeric nanocarriers in onco-therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on biopolymeric nanocarrier fabrication and applications in cancer treatment.
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical trial data for nanocarrier-based cancer therapies.
- Exploration of the properties of various nanocarriers, focusing on biopolymeric nanoparticles.
Main Results:
- Biopolymeric nanocarriers demonstrate cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, and enhanced treatment efficacy.
- These nanocarriers show potential for targeted drug delivery, including crossing the blood-brain barrier.
- Promising results have been observed in both preclinical and clinical trials for cancer management.
Conclusions:
- Biopolymeric nanocarriers represent a significant advancement in targeted cancer drug delivery, offering improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.
- Further research into fabrication, targeting capabilities, and overcoming challenges is crucial for optimizing their use in onco-therapy.
- These nanocarriers hold great potential for future cancer treatment strategies with enhanced availability and minimized side effects.
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