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Updated: Jun 18, 2025
Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
Biopolymer-Based Nanomedicine for Cancer Therapy: Opportunities and Challenges
Xixi Wu1, Yuan Xin1, Hengtong Zhang1
1NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Control of Tissue Regenerative Biomaterial, & Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Device, & National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Cancer, as the foremost challenge among human diseases, has plagued medical professionals for many years. While there have been numerous treatment approaches in clinical practice, they often cause additional harm to patients. The emergence of nanotechnology has brought new directions for cancer treatment, which can deliver anticancer drugs specifically to tumor areas. This article first introduces the application scenarios of nanotherapies and treatment strategies of nanomedicine. Then, the noteworthy characteristics exhibited by biopolymer materials were described, which make biopolymers stand out in polymeric nanomedicine delivery. Next, we focus on summarizing the state-of-art studies of five categories of proteins (Albumin, Gelatin, Silk fibroin, Zein, Ferritin), nine varieties of polysaccharides (Chitosan, Starch, Hyaluronic acid, Dextran, cellulose, Fucoidan, Carrageenan, Lignin, Pectin) and liposomes in the field of anticancer drug delivery. Finally, we also provide a summary of the advantages and limitations of these biopolymers, discuss the prevailing impediments to their application, and discuss in detail the prospective research directions. This review not only helps readers understand the current development status of nano anticancer drug delivery systems based on biopolymers, but also is helpful for readers to understand the properties of various biopolymers and find suitable solutions in this field through comparative reading.
Insights
Biopolymers are emerging as promising materials for targeted cancer nanomedicine delivery, offering improved drug efficacy and reduced patient harm. This review details their advantages, limitations, and future directions in anticancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global health challenge with conventional treatments causing significant side effects.
- Nanotechnology offers targeted drug delivery to tumor sites, minimizing harm to healthy tissues.
- Biopolymers possess unique characteristics making them suitable for advanced nanomedicine delivery systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of nanotherapies and nanomedicine strategies in cancer treatment.
- To highlight the properties of biopolymers that enhance polymeric nanomedicine delivery.
- To comprehensively summarize current research on protein, polysaccharide, and liposome-based nanodrug delivery systems for cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of state-of-the-art studies on biopolymer-based nanomedicine.
- Analysis of five protein categories, nine polysaccharide varieties, and liposomes for anticancer drug delivery.
- Evaluation of biopolymer advantages, limitations, and impediments to clinical application.
Main Results:
- Detailed summary of albumin, gelatin, silk fibroin, zein, and ferritin in nanodrug delivery.
- Comprehensive overview of chitosan, starch, hyaluronic acid, dextran, cellulose, fucoidan, carrageenan, lignin, and pectin applications.
- Discussion of liposomes as a key component in nanomedicine delivery systems.
Conclusions:
- Biopolymers offer significant potential for developing effective and safer nano-anticancer drug delivery systems.
- Understanding biopolymer properties is crucial for optimizing nanomedicine design and application.
- Further research is needed to overcome current limitations and advance biopolymer-based nanotherapies.
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