pH-responsive carbohydrate polymer-based nanoparticles in cancer therapy

Using the specific features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) for the development and design of novel nanomaterials can improve the capacity in tumor suppression. One of the prominent features of the TME is the mild acidic pH. Therefore, the development of pH-responsive nanoparticles can lead to the release of cargo and therapeutics at the tumor site, improving the selectivity and specificity. The materials used for the development of nanoparticles should possess a number of unique features including biocompatibility and anti-cancer activity. Hence, a special attention has been directed towards the use of carbohydrate polymers in the development of nanoparticles. The carbohydrate polymers can develop smart nanoparticles respond to the pH in TME to increase targeting ability and provide controlled drug release. Such approach is also beneficial in decreasing the side effects of systemic chemotherapy. The pH-responsive nanoparticles developed from carbohydrate polymers can be also used for the combination chemotherapy/immunotherapy/phototherapy of cancer. Furthermore, these nanoparticles demonstrate theranostic application capable of cancer diagnosis and therapy. Further attention to the large-scale production, biocompatibility and long-term safety of carbohydrate polymer-based pH-responsive nanoparticles should be directed to improve the clinical translation in the treatment of cancer patients.