Nanofibers for paclitaxel delivery: A promising avenue for cancer therapy

Paclitaxel (PTX), a potent anticancer agent, is hindered by its poor water solubility, systemic toxicity, and non-targeted delivery, limiting its clinical efficacy in treating various types of cancer. To overcome these challenges, researchers have developed numerous nanoformulations, including inorganic nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and liposomes, for PTX delivery. However, the potential of nanofibers as PTX carriers remains underexplored. This review aims to bridge this knowledge gap by providing a comprehensive overview of nanofiber-based systems for PTX delivery. By highlighting the unique advantages of nanofibers; such as their superior drug loading capacity, enhanced stability, and ease of manipulation and implantation; this review underscores their promise as effective carriers for PTX. We examine the materials used in nanofiber fabrication, the interactions between PTX and nanofibers that influence drug release, and the key factors governing release mechanisms. Additionally, we discuss the therapeutic efficacy of PTX-loaded nanofibers in treating various cancers, highlighting innovative strategies to enhance PTX's anticancer effects. Special attention is given to the integration of nanofibers with complementary therapies, such as radiotherapy and hyperthermia, to achieve synergistic outcomes. Finally, we outline future directions for research, including the development of multifunctional systems that eliminate residual cancer cells while promoting tissue healing post-surgery, and the scale-up of production using novel methods like electro-centrifugal spinning to enable clinical translation. This article aims to provide valuable insights into the current state of nanofiber-based PTX delivery, inspire further advancements in the field, and pave the way for their clinical application.