Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: Biopolymer-Based Aerogels as Smart Platforms for Targeted Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Cancer is a leading cause of death globally, with chemotherapy as a primary treatment.
• Conventional chemotherapy has limitations, including side effects and lack of specificity.
• There is a need for innovative therapies for targeted cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of biopolymer-based aerogels in anticancer drug delivery.
• To highlight the smart properties of these aerogels for controlled drug release.
• To discuss their potential in gene delivery applications.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of biopolymer-based aerogels for drug delivery.
• Analysis of aerogel properties, including stimuli-responsive behavior (temperature, pH, magnetic, redox).
• Evaluation of applications in delivering various anticancer drugs and gene therapy.

Main Results:

• Biopolymer-based aerogels exhibit unique, stimuli-responsive properties for controlled drug release.
• These aerogels offer enhanced efficacy, biocompatibility, and high drug payload for targeted cancer therapy.
• Demonstrated potential for delivering diverse anticancer agents and in gene delivery.

Conclusions:

• Biopolymer-based aerogels represent a promising platform for advanced anticancer drug delivery.
• Their smart, stimuli-responsive nature allows for precise therapeutic control.
• Future applications may extend to gene therapy, offering new avenues in cancer treatment.