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Recent advances in glucose oxidase-based nanocarriers for tumor targeting therapy
Su Li1, Qinghua Wang2, Zhen Jia3
1Research Institute for Reproductive Health and Genetic Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214002, China.
Abstract:
Glucose oxidase (GOx) can specifically catalyze the conversion of β-d-glucose into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the presence of oxygen, making it promising for tumor starvation therapy and oxidative therapy. However, GOx's immunogenicity, poor in vivo stability, short half-life, and potential systemic toxicity, limit its application in cancer therapy. Nanocarriers are capable of improving the pharmacological properties of therapeutic drugs (e.g. stability, circulating half-life, and tumor accumulation) and lower toxicity, hence resolving GOx issues and enhancing its efficacy. Although the application of targeted nanocarriers based on GOx has recently flourished, this field has not yet been reviewed and evaluated. Herein, we initially examined the mechanism of GOx-based nanocarriers for enhanced tumor therapy. Also, we present a comprehensive and up-to-date review that highlights GOx-based nanocarriers for tumor targeting therapy. This review expands on GOx-based nano-targeted combination therapies from both passive and active targeting perspectives, meanwhile, active targeting is further classified into ligand-mediated targeting and physical-mediated targeting. Furthermore, this review also emphasizes the present challenges and promising advancements.
Insights
Glucose oxidase (GOx) nanocarriers show promise for cancer therapy by overcoming GOx limitations. This review details GOx nanocarrier mechanisms, targeting strategies, and future directions for enhanced tumor treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Glucose oxidase (GOx) catalyzes glucose conversion, producing H2O2, useful for tumor starvation and oxidative therapies.
- GOx faces challenges in cancer therapy, including immunogenicity, poor in vivo stability, short half-life, and systemic toxicity.
- Nanocarriers can improve drug delivery by enhancing stability, circulation time, tumor accumulation, and reducing toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate the application of targeted nanocarriers based on glucose oxidase (GOx) for enhanced tumor therapy.
- To examine the mechanisms of GOx-based nanocarriers in improving cancer treatment efficacy.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of GOx-based nanocarriers for tumor targeting therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on GOx-based nanocarriers for cancer therapy.
- Analysis of GOx nanocarrier mechanisms, including passive and active targeting strategies (ligand-mediated and physical-mediated).
- Discussion of current challenges and future advancements in the field.
Main Results:
- GOx-based nanocarriers effectively address the limitations of free GOx, improving its therapeutic properties.
- Nanocarriers enhance GOx efficacy through improved stability, circulation, and tumor-specific accumulation.
- Both passive and active targeting strategies are employed to optimize GOx delivery to tumors.
Conclusions:
- GOx-based nanocarriers represent a promising strategy for overcoming the limitations of GOx in cancer therapy.
- Targeted delivery systems are crucial for maximizing the therapeutic potential of GOx in tumor treatment.
- Further research into GOx nanocarrier design and application holds significant potential for advancing cancer therapy.

