Title:Biomacromolecule-Functionalized Nanoparticle-Based Conjugates for Potentiation
of Anticancer Therapy
Volume: 22
Issue: 1
Author(s): Priyank Shah and Pravin Shende*
Affiliation:
- SVKM'S NMIMS,
V.L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
Keywords:
Bioconjugates, cancer, nanoconjugates, biotherapy, nanoparticles, nanocarriers, therapeutics.
Abstract: Cancer is a rapidly growing life-threatening disease that affected 18.1 million people
worldwide in 2018. Various conventional techniques like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are
considered as a mainstream treatment for patients but show some limitations like cytotoxicity due
to off-targeted action, poor intra-tumor localization, development of multi-drug resistance by tumor
cells, physical and psychological stresses, etc. Such limitations have motivated the scientists
to work towards more patient-centric and precision therapy using advanced drug delivery systems
like liposomes, nanoparticles, nanoconjugates, etc. However, these carriers also face limitations
like poor biocompatibility, lesser payload capacity, leakage of encapsulated drug, and short-term
stability. So, this review article explores the profound insights for the development of biomacromolecule-
functionalized nanoconjugates to potentiate the anticancer activity of therapeutic agents
for various cancers like lung, colorectal, ovarian, breast and liver cancer. Researchers have shown
interest in biofunctionalized nanoconjugates because of advantages like biocompatibility, site-specificity
with better localization, higher entrapment with long-term stability and lesser off-target toxicity.
The progressive trend of biomacromolecule nanoconjugates will encourage further research for
the development of effective transport of drugs, nutraceuticals and phytoconstituents for on-site effect
at cancer microenvironment and tumor cells with higher safety profile.
