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Manufacture and Drug Delivery Applications of Silk Nanoparticles
Published on: October 8, 2016
Excipient nanoparticles as cancer therapeutics: Mechanistic actions, delivery and manufacturing perspectives
1Non-Destructive Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Centre, Smart Manufacturing Research Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor, Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia; Particle Design Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor, Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Excipients, conventionally defined as inactive additives, are potential anti-cancer therapeutics at nanoscale against various cancers. This mini-review highlighted nano-excipient potential as anti-cancer therapeutic based on recent literature (2022-2025). Metal/metal oxide nanoparticles stimulate reactive oxygen species production that promotes oxidative damage of cancer cells. Excipient nanoparticles formulating with chitosan/guar gum/arabic gum/pectin/kaolin/peptide additive trigger apoptosis and regulate metastasis. Delivery specificity of excipient nanoparticles can be promoted using targeting ligand (folic acid/hyaluronic acid) or via adaptation of cancer cell membrane that retains the targeting capabilities towards homotypic cancer cells with reduced immune surveillance. Light irradiation/ultrasound/magnetic field could be employed to activate metal-based excipient nanoparticles to initiate hyperthermia, localized electric field, Fenton-like reaction or mechanical forces that directly negate cancer growth with membrane disruption or through intracellular accumulation of cytotoxic excipient nanoparticles acting on malignant tumors. Excipient nanoparticles are expected to have milder therapeutic effects and require a prolonged treatment with higher dosages in comparison to drugs. Being drug-free, they are met with reduced manufacturing challenges such as premature drug leaching, drug instability, uncontrolled drug release, toxic metabolite formation and severe systemic adverse effects due to poor drug targeting.
Insights
Nano-excipients show promise as drug-free anti-cancer therapeutics. These nanoscale additives can target cancer cells, induce cell death, and reduce metastasis with fewer side effects than traditional drugs.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Oncology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Excipients, typically inactive pharmaceutical additives, are emerging as potential nanoscale anti-cancer therapeutics.
- Recent literature (2022-2025) indicates significant potential for nano-excipients against various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anti-cancer therapeutic potential of nano-excipients.
- To highlight recent advancements in utilizing excipient nanoparticles for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature focusing on nano-excipient applications in oncology.
- Analysis of mechanisms including reactive oxygen species generation, apoptosis induction, and metastasis regulation.
- Exploration of targeting strategies using ligands or cell membrane adaptation.
- Investigation of external stimuli (light, ultrasound, magnetic fields) for nano-excipient activation.
Main Results:
- Metal/metal oxide nanoparticles induce oxidative damage in cancer cells.
- Formulations with natural polymers (chitosan, guar gum, etc.) and peptides trigger apoptosis and regulate metastasis.
- Targeting ligands enhance delivery specificity and reduce immune surveillance.
- External stimuli activate nano-excipients for hyperthermia, localized electric fields, or Fenton-like reactions, directly inhibiting cancer growth.
Conclusions:
- Nano-excipients offer a drug-free approach to cancer therapy with reduced manufacturing challenges and systemic side effects.
- They present milder therapeutic effects, potentially requiring prolonged treatment and higher dosages compared to conventional drugs.
- Further research into nano-excipient formulations and activation methods can optimize their anti-cancer efficacy.
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