Biomimetic Nanotechnology: A Natural Path Forward for Tumor-Selective and Tumor-Specific NIR Activable Photonanomedicines

Abstract

The emergence of biomimetic nanotechnology has seen an exponential rise over the past decade with applications in regenerative medicine, immunotherapy and drug delivery. In the context of nanomedicines activated by near infrared (NIR) photodynamic processes (photonanomedicines; PNMs), biomimetic nanotechnology is pushing the boundaries of activatable tumor targeted nanoscale drug delivery systems. This review discusses how, by harnessing a unique collective of biological processes critical to targeting of solid tumors, biomimetic PNMs (bPNMs) can impart tumor cell specific and tumor selective photodynamic therapy-based combination regimens. Through molecular immune evasion and self-recognition, bPNMs can confer both tumor selectivity (preferential bulk tumor accumulation) and tumor specificity (discrete molecular affinity for cancer cells), respectively. They do so in a manner that is akin, yet arguably superior, to synthetic molecular-targeted PNMs. A particular emphasis is made on how bPNMs can be engineered to circumvent tumor cell heterogeneity, which is considered the Achilles’ heel of molecular targeted therapeutics. Forward-looking propositions are also presented on how patient tumor heterogeneity can ultimately be recapitulated to fabricate patient-specific, heterogeneity-targeting bPNMs.

Revolutionizing anti-tumor therapy: unleashing the potential of B cell-derived exosomes

“…In comparison to synthetic nanovesicles (polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles), exosomes possess more membrane proteins, stronger biocompatibility, and a longer circulation half-life naturally ( 87 ). They can easily pass through the plasma membrane, blood, and blood-brain barrier ( 88 ) to infiltrate tumor tissues ( 89 ), which allows for precise and targeted therapeutic interventions ( 90 ). Consequently, emerging research is focused on the development and design of bioengineered exosomes.…”

Bio-Inspired Nanocarriers Derived from Stem Cells and Their Extracellular Vesicles for Targeted Drug Delivery

“…In order to overcome these issues, the use of nanotechnology is growing in current research, and stem-cell-related nanotechnology has also received extensive attention. Using nanotechnology to modify the membrane of stem cells can significantly enhance their targeting delivery and achieve a better therapeutic outcome for treatment [ 29 , 30 ].…”

Emerging Nano-Carrier Strategies for Brain Tumor Drug Delivery and Considerations for Clinical Translation

“…In another form of biomimicry, cell membranes can be used to coat the surface of nanocarriers as a form of camouflage, thus allowing them to mimic key interactions of the original cell, such as avoidance of immune clearance, tissue specific targeting, and the ability to cross biological barriers [ 96 ]. The most common applications in basic research are coating nanocarriers with erythrocyte membranes, stem cell membranes and tumor cell membranes.…”