A short appraisal of polylactic-co-glycolic acid based polymer nanotechnology for colon cancer: recent advances and literature evidences

Ther Deliv. 2023 Jul;14(7):459-472. doi: 10.4155/tde-2023-0027. Epub 2023 Aug 9.

Abstract

The currently available formulations provided non-targeted treatment of colon cancer, the deadliest cancer variant. Due to biopharmaceutical hindrances, the majority of the drugs are unable to reach the target site. Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) is one of the versatile polymers in cancer treatment, diagnostics and theranostics. The unique mechanism of surface modifications in PLGA properties in colon cancer has been a keen interest to be used in different nanoparticles for improving biopharmaceutical attributes. The ongoing use of these smart nano-carriers has allowed targeted delivery of several active components on a wide scale. The main goal of this review is to compile information on PLGA-based nanocarriers which possess several desirable properties for drug delivery applications, including biocompatibility, biodegradability and tunable drug-release kinetics.

Keywords: PLGA; colon cancer; nanotechnology; target delivery; theranostics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colonic Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Drug Carriers
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Glycols
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Nanotechnology
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polymers

Substances

  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Polymers
  • Glycols
  • glycolic acid
  • Drug Carriers