Innovative nano-carriers in anticancer drug delivery-a comprehensive review

Bioorg Chem. 2019 Apr:85:325-336. doi: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.01.019. Epub 2019 Jan 10.

Abstract

In the scientific field, nanotechnology has offered multipurpose and designated functional nanoparticles (NPs) for the development of applications in nano-medicine. This present review focuses on cutting edge of nanotechnology in biomedical applications as drug carries in cancer treatment. The nanotechnology overcomes several limitations of drug delivery systems used in distinct therapeutic approaches of cancer treatment. The serious effect of conventional chemotherapeutics by nonspecific targeting, the lack of solubility, and the inability of chemotherapeutics entry to cancer cells which, offers a great opportunity for nanotechnology to play significant roles in cancer biology. The selective delivery of nano-drugs to the targeted cancer cells by the programmed way and avoiding nonspecific interactions to the healthy cells. The present review focuses on the methods of improving the size, shape and characteristics of nanomaterials which can be exploited for cancer therapy. The successful designing of nanocarriers can be tailored for cancer treatment for upcoming future as nano-medicines.

Keywords: Cancer; Drug delivery; Nanotechnology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Drug Liberation
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drug Carriers