Bioinspired micro- and nanostructured systems for cancer therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Nature provides models for biocompatible, tumor-targeting, and tissue-penetrating systems.
• Conventional cancer therapies face limitations in biocompatibility, tumor penetration, and specificity.
• Bioinspired micro- and nanostructured systems address these limitations for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically classify bioinspired micro- and nanostructured systems for cancer therapy.
• To elucidate their sources of inspiration and design principles.
• To discuss clinical translation, challenges, and future prospects in the field.

Main Methods:

• Bioengineering and bioconjugation techniques were employed to fabricate systems.
• Inspiration was drawn from natural organisms' biological properties.
• A systematic classification framework was developed for these systems.

Main Results:

• Bioinspired systems demonstrate enhanced biocompatibility and tumor targeting.
• These systems show potential for improved cancer treatment with reduced side effects.
• Progress has been made in preclinical and clinical stages for some applications.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive classification of bioinspired systems for cancer therapy is presented.
• The study provides a theoretical framework and reference for research and clinical application.
• Addressing current challenges is crucial for advancing the field and clinical translation.