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Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
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Polymeric Nanocarriers with pH-Dependent Release for Tumor-Specific Delivery.
Chintan Aundhia1, Ghanshyam Parmar1, Chitrali Talele1
1Department of Pharmacy, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Piparia, Waghodia, Vadodara-391760, Gujarat, India.
Recent Advances in Drug Delivery and Formulation
|August 24, 2025
Summary
pH-responsive polymeric nanocarriers exploit acidic tumor microenvironments for targeted drug delivery. These smart systems enhance therapeutic accumulation at tumor sites, minimizing side effects and improving treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Tumor microenvironments are characterized by acidic pH.
- This acidity presents an opportunity for targeted drug delivery.
- Conventional therapies often suffer from systemic side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of pH-responsive polymeric nanocarriers for tumor-targeted drug delivery.
- To discuss design principles, fabrication, and applications.
- To explore clinical potential and challenges.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pH-responsive nanocarriers.
- Analysis of mechanisms for pH-triggered drug release.
- Discussion of polymer engineering strategies for pH sensitivity.
Main Results:
- pH-responsive nanocarriers can be designed to release drugs selectively in acidic tumor environments.
- These systems enhance drug accumulation in tumors.
- Reduced systemic toxicity is a key benefit.
Conclusions:
- pH-responsive polymeric nanocarriers offer a promising strategy for improving cancer therapy.
- Further research and clinical translation are needed to overcome existing challenges.
- Exploiting tumor acidity is key to advancing targeted drug delivery.
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