Lipid-conjugated amphiphilic chitosan: Review on synthesis, properties and application as potential anticancer...

Nanocarriers based on chitosan have become effective and biocompatible delivery systems for anticancer drugs that are poorly soluble. Recent developments in the design of amphiphilic chitosan derivatives modified with hydrophobic moieties, including fatty acids, cholesterol, bile acids, and functional ligands, are systematically compiled in this study. Such modifications allow for spontaneous self-assembly into micelles or nanoparticles that can encapsulate various hydrophobic drugs, including doxorubicin, paclitaxel, derivatives of camptothecin, and natural bioactives. The links between structure and properties that control drug loading, release kinetics, cellular uptake, and targeting efficiency are highlighted. In the context of tumor-specific microenvironments, pH-responsive behavior, ligand-mediated active targeting, and improved intracellular delivery are examined. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo data are used to critically assess strategies for enhancing bioavailability, overcoming multidrug resistance, and lowering systemic toxicity. To offer a comprehensive comparative overview of carrier design concepts, this paper schematically illustrates the synthesis methods and architectural diversity of several lipid-conjugated amphiphilic chitosan-based systems. All things considered, chitosan-derived amphiphilic nanocarriers are a promising and versatile family of drug delivery vehicles for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs.