Chondroitin Sulfate-Based Nanoplatforms: Advances and Challenges for Cancer Therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Chondroitin sulfate (CS)-based nanoparticles are emerging as multifunctional platforms for cancer therapy.
• They leverage the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect for selective tumor accumulation.
• CS enhances targeting via CD44 receptor affinity and E-selectin interaction, offering dual-targeting capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances (2020-2025) in CS-based nanoplatforms for cancer therapy.
• To emphasize the role of CS in nanostructure functionalization for improved cancer treatment.
• To highlight the potential for bench-to-clinic translation of these nanotechnologies.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature (2020-2025) on CS-based nanoplatforms.
• Analysis of CS functionalization strategies for nanoparticle modification.
• Evaluation of various CS-derived nanostructures (micelles, nanogels, liposomes, conjugates).

Main Results:

• CS functionalization improves nanoparticle colloidal stability, pharmacokinetics, and receptor-mediated uptake.
• CS-based nanoplatforms demonstrate potential in drug delivery and advanced therapies (photodynamic, sonodynamic, immunotherapy).
• These platforms enable controlled, site-specific drug release and reduced off-target toxicity.

Conclusions:

• CS-based nanoparticles represent a powerful strategy for enhancing cancer therapy effectiveness.
• Advances in CS nanoplatforms offer new opportunities for cancer treatment.
• Integration with AI, organelle targeting, and immunotherapy can accelerate clinical translation.