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Published on: June 13, 2014
Surface-functionalised polymeric nanoparticles for breast cancer treatment: processes and advances
Aprameya Prasad1, Mohamed Mofreh Bakr2, Aliaa N ElMeshad3,4
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Abstract:
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that of all the non-communicable diseases, cancer is considered the second cause of death worldwide. This has driven the big pharma companies to prioritise anticancer products in their pipeline. In addition, research has focused on exploration of new anticancer molecules and design of suitable dosage forms to achieve effective drug delivery to the tumour site. Nanotechnology is a valuable tool to build nano delivery systems with controlled and targeted drug release properties. Nanoparticles can be fabricated by robust, scalable and economic techniques using various polymers. Moreover, specific functional groups can be introduced to the surface of nanoparticles enabling targeting to a specific tissue; besides, they exhibit versatile drug release patterns according to the rate of polymer degradation. This review outlines the processes and advances in surface functionalisation of nanoparticles employed for treatment of breast cancer. The therapeutic molecules, the polymers used to fabricate nanoparticles, the techniques used to prepare the nanoparticles have been reviewed with a focus on the processes employed to functionalise these nanoparticles with suitable ligands to target different types of breast cancer.
Insights
Nanoparticle technology offers advanced drug delivery for cancer treatment. Surface functionalization enables targeted delivery and controlled release, improving breast cancer therapy effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, driving pharmaceutical focus on anticancer products.
- Effective drug delivery to tumor sites is crucial for cancer treatment, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Nanotechnology provides tools for developing advanced nano delivery systems with controlled and targeted drug release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review processes and advances in surface functionalization of nanoparticles for breast cancer treatment.
- To explore therapeutic molecules, polymers, and preparation techniques for anticancer nanoparticles.
- To focus on nanoparticle functionalization strategies for targeting diverse breast cancer types.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on nanoparticle fabrication and functionalization techniques.
- Analysis of polymers used in nanoparticle formulation for drug delivery.
- Examination of surface modification methods for targeted nanoparticle delivery.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles can be fabricated using scalable and economic polymer-based techniques.
- Surface functionalization allows for specific tissue targeting and versatile drug release profiles.
- Various ligands can be introduced to functionalize nanoparticles for different breast cancer subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Surface-functionalized nanoparticles represent a promising approach for targeted breast cancer therapy.
- Nanotechnology enables the development of sophisticated drug delivery systems with enhanced therapeutic potential.
- Further research into nanoparticle functionalization can optimize breast cancer treatment outcomes.
