Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026
Modeling Brain Metastasis by Internal Carotid Artery Injection of Cancer Cells
Published on: August 2, 2022
Biomimetic nanocarriers for targeted therapy of colorectal cancer
Shivam Pathak1, Rupam Bera1, Anjana Sharma2
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India.
Introduction:
Colorectal cancer remains one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies worldwide, with treatment often hampered by poor drug bioavailability, systemic toxicity, and resistance to conventional therapies. Biomimetic nanocarriers have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations by combining nanotechnology with the biological functions of cell-derived membranes.
Areas Covered:
This review critically examines the design, fabrication, and application of biomimetic nanocarriers specifically for colorectal cancer. Focusing on various membrane coatings, including red blood cells, platelets, and cancer cells, and their role in enhancing drug delivery efficacy. It further explores the application of these nanocarriers in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, photothermal therapy, and cancer theranostics, while also discussing advances in targeting the unique tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer.Literature was retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases covering publications from 2012 to May 2025.
Expert Opinion:
Despite encouraging preclinical results, the clinical translation of biomimetic nanocarriers faces challenges including scalability, membrane heterogeneity, immunogenicity, and regulatory hurdles. Furthermore, existing studies often overlook the unique features of the colorectal cancer tumor microenvironment. Future research should focus on precision nanomedicine tailored to colorectal cancer, addressing current limitations to enable safer, more effective, and targeted cancer management.
Insights
Biomimetic nanocarriers show promise for colorectal cancer treatment by improving drug delivery. Challenges in clinical translation and targeting the tumor microenvironment require further research for effective cancer management.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death globally.
- Conventional therapies for CRC face limitations like poor drug bioavailability, toxicity, and resistance.
- Biomimetic nanocarriers offer a novel approach by integrating nanotechnology with cell-derived membranes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the design, fabrication, and application of biomimetic nanocarriers for colorectal cancer.
- To explore the use of various membrane coatings (e.g., red blood cells, platelets, cancer cells) for enhanced drug delivery.
- To discuss the application of these nanocarriers in diverse therapeutic strategies and targeting the CRC tumor microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (2012-May 2025).
- Critical examination of studies on biomimetic nanocarrier design and fabrication for CRC.
- Analysis of nanocarrier applications in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, photothermal therapy, and theranostics.
Main Results:
- Biomimetic nanocarriers demonstrate potential in enhancing drug delivery efficacy for colorectal cancer.
- Various membrane coatings show promise for improving targeting and therapeutic outcomes.
- Applications span multiple treatment modalities, including theranostics and targeting the tumor microenvironment.
Conclusions:
- Biomimetic nanocarriers represent a promising strategy for overcoming CRC treatment limitations.
- Clinical translation faces hurdles such as scalability, immunogenicity, and regulatory issues.
- Future research must focus on precision nanomedicine tailored to CRC's unique tumor microenvironment for improved patient outcomes.
