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Anionic polysaccharides as delivery carriers for cancer therapy and theranostics: An overview of significance
Ponnurengam Malliappan Sivakumar1, Atefeh Zarepour2, Sohail Akhter3
1Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam.
Abstract:
Recently, cancer therapy has witnessed remarkable advancements with a growing focus on precision medicine and targeted drug delivery strategies. The application of anionic polysaccharides has gained traction in various drug delivery systems. Anionic polysaccharides have emerged as promising delivery carriers in cancer therapy and theranostics, offering numerous advantages such as biocompatibility, low toxicity, and the ability to encapsulate and deliver therapeutic agents to tumor sites with high specificity. This review underscores the significance of anionic polysaccharides as essential components of the evolving landscape of cancer therapy and theranostics. These polymers can be tailored to carry a wide range of therapeutic cargo, including chemotherapeutic agents, nucleic acids, and imaging agents. Their negative charge enables electrostatic interactions with positively charged drugs and facilitates the formation of stable nanoparticles, liposomes, or hydrogels for controlled drug release. Additionally, their hydrophilic nature aids in prolonging circulation time, reducing drug degradation, and minimizing off-target effects. Besides, some of them could act as targeting agents or therapeutic compounds that lead to improved therapeutic performance. This review offers valuable information for researchers, clinicians, and biomedical engineers. It provides insights into the recent progress in the applications of anionic polysaccharide-based delivery platforms in cancer theranostics to transform patient outcomes.
Insights
Anionic polysaccharides are advanced biomaterials for targeted cancer therapy and theranostics. They offer biocompatibility and controlled drug release, improving treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Precision medicine and targeted drug delivery are advancing cancer therapy.
- Anionic polysaccharides are increasingly utilized in drug delivery systems.
- These polymers offer biocompatibility, low toxicity, and specific delivery to tumor sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the significance of anionic polysaccharides in cancer therapy and theranostics.
- To highlight their role as versatile carriers for various therapeutic and imaging agents.
- To provide insights into recent progress in polysaccharide-based delivery platforms.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on anionic polysaccharides in cancer drug delivery.
- Analysis of their properties, including charge, hydrophilicity, and interaction capabilities.
- Examination of their application in forming nanoparticles, liposomes, and hydrogels.
Main Results:
- Anionic polysaccharides demonstrate high specificity in delivering therapeutic agents to tumors.
- Their negative charge facilitates stable nanoparticle formation and electrostatic drug complexation.
- Hydrophilic nature enhances circulation time and reduces off-target effects.
Conclusions:
- Anionic polysaccharides are crucial for next-generation cancer therapy and theranostics.
- Their tunable properties enable tailored delivery of diverse therapeutic payloads.
- These platforms hold significant potential for improving patient outcomes in oncology.
