Finding the perfect match between nanoparticles and microfluidics to respond to cancer challenges

Abstract

The clinical translation of new cancer theranostic has been delayed by inherent cancer's heterogeneity. Additionally, this delay has been enhanced by the lack of an appropriate in vitro model, capable to produce accurate data. Nanoparticles and microfluidic devices have been used to obtain new and more efficient strategies to tackle cancer challenges. On one hand, nanoparticles-based therapeutics can be modified to target specific cells, and/or molecules, and/or modified with drugs, releasing them over time. On the other hand, microfluidic devices allow the exhibition of physiologically complex systems, incorporation of controlled flow, and control of the chemical environment. Herein, we review the use of nanoparticles and microfluidic devices to address different cancer challenges, such as detection of CTCs and biomarkers, point-of-care devices for early diagnosis and improvement of therapies. The future perspectives of cancer challenges are also addressed herein.

Fabrication and Applications of Microfluidic Devices: A Review

“…Theranostics is especially useful for tackling cancer challenges. In this field, microfluidic systems contributed through their capability of multistep flow control to forming multifunctional nanoparticles bearing therapeutic and diagnostic agents with higher drug encapsulations in comparison to the classic methods [ 8 , 28 , 142 ]. An example of such particles is cancer cell membrane-coated nanoparticles, which consist of a nanoparticle core covered by a cancer cell plasma membrane coating that can carry tumor-specific receptors and antigens for cancer targeting.…”

Circular RNA in cancer development and immune regulation

“…However, this approach can only be applied to exonic circular RNAs, because nanoparticles have no ability to enter the nucleus. A recent study of combination of nanoparticles and microfluidics may provide an exciting strategy to increase nuclear entry for resolving this limitation 84 . Hence, it is expected that circular RNAs will become a new therapy target or tool to treat diverse cancers as the field continues to grow and delivery problems are resolved.…”

Recent Advances in Nanomaterials Development for Nanomedicine and Cancer

“…97,181,182 Design and development of smart theranostic NPs with specific targeting and labeling of cancer cells, efficient and controlled delivery of therapeutic agents into the specific sites, and following up the treatment progress over time are fields of interest. 183 This approach is very beneficial for improved cancer therapy and decreasing the common side effects of conventional methods. The advent of theranostic NPs has opened a new avenue toward personalized medicine, including early detection and monitoring of the disease progression, selecting efficient therapeutic agents, monitoring the therapy response, and assessing the side effects.…”

“…Different NPs, including magnetic, , gold, , polymer, , and silica , NPs, and fluorescent QDs and CDs have been used for the development of theranostic NPs . Recently, some advanced nanomaterials with simultaneous optical, magnetic, and therapeutic activities have also been reported and used to develop multifunctional nanostructures. ,, Design and development of smart theranostic NPs with specific targeting and labeling of cancer cells, efficient and controlled delivery of therapeutic agents into the specific sites, and following up the treatment progress over time are fields of interest . This approach is very beneficial for improved cancer therapy and decreasing the common side effects of conventional methods.…”