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Smart Red Blood Cell Carriers: A Nanotechnological Approach to Cancer Drug Delivery
Ioannis Tsamesidis1, Georgios Dryllis2, Sotirios P Fortis2
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Sindos, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece.
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
|September 29, 2025
Summary
Red blood cell membrane-coated nanoparticles offer improved drug delivery by enhancing circulation time and reducing immune clearance. This nanotechnology approach shows promise for targeted therapies like chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Efficient and targeted pharmaceutical delivery is a critical challenge in therapeutics.
- Traditional drug delivery systems face limitations in bioavailability, clearance, and off-target effects.
- Red blood cells (erythrocytes) offer biocompatibility, long circulation, and immune evasion for drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in erythrocyte membrane-coated nanoparticles for drug delivery.
- To analyze their performance in various therapeutic applications.
- To identify current challenges and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of erythrocyte membrane-coated nanoparticles.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies.
- Focus on applications in chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and immunotherapy.
Main Results:
- Erythrocyte-based nanocarriers show extended circulation times and reduced immune clearance.
- Enhanced targeting capabilities compared to conventional nanoparticles.
- Encapsulation preserves carrier integrity and minimizes systemic toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Erythrocyte membrane-coated nanoparticles are a promising drug delivery strategy.
- They leverage the natural advantages of red blood cells with nanotechnology.
- Further research is needed on membrane stability, hemocompatibility, and hemoglobin effects.
