Next-Generation 3D Scaffolds for Nano-Based Chemotherapeutics Delivery and Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Cancer is the leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease. Despite significant advances in cancer research over the past few decades, it is almost impossible to cure end-stage cancer patients and bring them to remission. Adverse effects of chemotherapy are mainly caused by the accumulation of chemotherapeutic agents in normal tissues, and drug resistance hinders the potential therapeutic effects and curing of this disease. New drug formulations need to be developed to overcome these problems and increase the therapeutic index of chemotherapeutics. As a chemotherapeutic delivery platform, nano-drug delivery or three-dimensional (3D) scaffold-based nano-delivery systems are an up-and-coming option because they can respond to biological factors, modify their properties accordingly, and promote site-specific chemotherapeutic deliveries in a sustainable and controlled release manner. This review paper focuses on the features and applications of the variety of 3D scaffold-based nano-delivery systems that could be used to improve local cancer therapy by selectively delivering chemotherapeutics to the target sites in future.

Biomaterial-Based Sustained-Release Drug Formulations for Localized Cancer Immunotherapy

“…118 The stability of sensitive therapeutics such as small proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and nucleic acids within the scaffolds should also be studied. 119 3.2. Hydrogels.…”

“…Furthermore, natural and synthetic hydrogels have their own characteristic properties; natural hydrogels can inherit the original bioactivity that can potentiate the drug actions, and synthetic hydrogels can be better tailored to desired mechanical properties, biodegradability, and toxicity profiles by the synthetic modification of polymers. 119 Microneedle patches are ideal for precisely controlled drug delivery in a small area of skin layers, whereas inorganic scaffolds and hydrogels can only be administered in bulk quantity to large areas of deeper tissues. In addition, microneedles can avoid the injury and pain caused by needle-stick injections.…”

“…Overall, the fabrication of inorganic scaffolds should thoroughly investigate and optimize the parameters of inorganic materials potentially implicated in the in vivo toxicity and drug release profiles . The stability of sensitive therapeutics such as small proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and nucleic acids within the scaffolds should also be studied …”

“…Their soft nature and high water content are also well suited for the manufacturing of injectable drug formulations with enhanced biodegradability and biocompatibility compared with those of inorganic scaffolds. Furthermore, natural and synthetic hydrogels have their own characteristic properties; natural hydrogels can inherit the original bioactivity that can potentiate the drug actions, and synthetic hydrogels can be better tailored to desired mechanical properties, biodegradability, and toxicity profiles by the synthetic modification of polymers . Microneedle patches are ideal for precisely controlled drug delivery in a small area of skin layers, whereas inorganic scaffolds and hydrogels can only be administered in bulk quantity to large areas of deeper tissues.…”

Composite magnetic 3D-printing filament fabrication protocol opens new perspectives in magnetic hyperthermia

“…Until now, AM was associated with various biological uses, which inspired novel printing techniques to emerge and had been constantly improved upon to suit different unmet clinical needs [19]. This cost-efficient technique exploits biocompatible materials and is used to develop novel model implants to provide a greater understanding of human anatomy and diseases, and can be used for organ transplants, surgical planning, and the manufacturing of advanced drug delivery systems [20,21]. In addition, nowadays, 3D-printed medical devices and implants can be designed and customized for each patient to provide a more tailored treatment approach.…”