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Natural polysaccharides in colloidal drug delivery systems for brain glioma therapy: Mechanisms and advancements

Chun Li1, Weining Ma2, Haitao Shen3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.

Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|August 23, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Natural polysaccharides offer promising solutions for brain glioma treatment by enhancing drug delivery and reducing toxicity. These biocompatible polymers show potential in overcoming challenges like drug resistance and the blood-brain barrier.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Oncology
  • Nanotechnology

Background:

  • Brain gliomas, including glioblastoma (GBM), present significant treatment challenges due to drug resistance, tumor heterogeneity, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
  • Existing therapies have limited efficacy, necessitating novel approaches for improved patient outcomes and survival rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the advancements in utilizing natural polysaccharides for brain glioma treatment.
  • To evaluate the role of polysaccharides in drug delivery systems and their anti-tumor effects.
  • To analyze how colloidal properties influence nanocarrier stability and BBB penetration.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of natural polysaccharides (hyaluronic acid, chitosan, cellulose, alginate, starch) in GBM therapy.
  • Analysis of polysaccharide mechanisms: tumor microenvironment modulation, targeted delivery, immune regulation, and controlled release.
  • Examination of colloidal parameters (particle size, surface charge, etc.) and biointerface interactions impacting nanocarrier performance.

Main Results:

  • Natural polysaccharides demonstrate biocompatibility and potential for targeted drug delivery to brain tumors.
  • These polymers facilitate multi-mechanistic anti-tumor effects and can be integrated into controlled drug release systems.
  • Understanding colloidal parameters is crucial for optimizing nanocarrier stability and BBB penetration for enhanced efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Natural polysaccharides represent a promising class of materials for developing advanced drug delivery platforms for brain gliomas.
  • Their application can overcome key therapeutic challenges, reduce systemic toxicity, and potentially improve patient survival.
  • Further research into polysaccharide-based nanocarriers holds significant potential for innovative GBM treatments.
Keywords:
Biointerface phenomenaBrain gliomaColloidal stabilityDrug deliveryPolysaccharide

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