Organic Nanocarriers for Delivery and Targeting of Therapeutic Agents for Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Nanocarriers have the capability to deliver a variety of drugs to disease sites. Different biological barriers prevent the successful delivery of nanoformulations to target sites, thereby limiting effective therapeutic response. Although numerous efforts have been made to design novel nanocarriers by incorporating various functionalities to get better therapies, most strategies have failed to translate drug delivery systems to the clinic. Impediments such as the incapability to hold drugs stably in nanocarriers during circulation, non‐specific distribution, and inadequate delivery of therapeutic agents to target sites due to complex tumor microenvironment remain a challenge. Herein, different organic polymer and lipid‐based nanocarriers and their encouraging therapeutic effectiveness to treat cancer are discussed. Recent development in multifunctional and stimuli sensitive nanocarriers is also highlighted. Finally, the challenges and innovative strategies to overcome various obstacles and limitations for their successful translation into the clinic are discussed.

Design of Cyclodextrin-Based Functional Systems for Biomedical Applications

“…The drug molecules can be partially or entirely inserted into the hydrophobic CD cavity under the driving forces of hydrophobic, electrostatic, van der Waals, charge-transfer interactions, etc. New targeting strategies that introduce receptor groups to CDs’ surface further enhance the site-selective delivery capability of CDs ( Guo et al, 2020 ; Peng et al, 2020 ). For instance, the receptor peptides and lipophilic groups are typically modified to CDs for penetrating the blood-brain barrier to improve drug treatment.…”

Organic Nanocarriers for Bevacizumab Delivery: An Overview of Development, Characterization and Applications

“…Nevertheless, in some cases, covalent bonds are used to obtain drug-adjuvant conjugates, which are administered as a colloidal solution. Several types of systems have been developed in the past 50 years, such as lipid-based nanocarriers, polymeric nanoparticles, polysaccharide-based nanoparticles, albumin nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, and polymer-drug conjugates [ 34 , 76 ].…”

“…In this way, the development of controlled release systems for BCZ is an interesting strategy to overcome the limitations mentioned above. The use of nanoparticles as colloidal carriers can promote alterations in drug pharmacokinetics and, consequently, decrease the dose, toxicity, and cost due to improved efficacy [ 32 , 33 , 34 ]. Moreover, antibodies formulated in nanoparticles can present slower enzymatic degradation [ 32 ].…”

Advances in Nanomaterials-Based Carrier System for the Treatment of Breast Cancer

“…Breakthroughs in the mixture of biocompatible and biodegradable amphiphilic block polymer through constricted molecular weight distribution and well-distinct polymer block obligate allowed the preparation of polymer micellar nanocarriers through extents array from 10 to 200 nm via self-assembly processes. The hydrophobic block shape at the centre of the micelle and the shell of hydrophilic polymers stabilises the micelles in an aqueous solution and keeps the payload phase [58]. The hydrophobic core helps insoluble anticancer drugs for uniform absorption and smooth distribution.While the hydrophilic portion improves stability, reducing reticuloendothelial absorption of the medication and prolonging its circulation period [59].…”