Nanomaterials for Protein Delivery in Anticancer Applications

Abstract

Nanotechnology platforms, such as nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, and micelles have been studied extensively for various drug deliveries, to treat or prevent diseases by modulating physiological or pathological processes. The delivery drug molecules range from traditional small molecules to recently developed biologics, such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. Among them, proteins have shown a series of advantages and potential in various therapeutic applications, such as introducing therapeutic proteins due to genetic defects, or used as nanocarriers for anticancer agents to decelerate tumor growth or control metastasis. This review discusses the existing nanoparticle delivery systems, introducing design strategies, advantages of using each system, and possible limitations. Moreover, we will examine the intracellular delivery of different protein therapeutics, such as antibodies, antigens, and gene editing proteins into the host cells to achieve anticancer effects and cancer vaccines. Finally, we explore the current applications of protein delivery in anticancer treatments.

Comparison between Janus-Base Nanotubes and Carbon Nanotubes: A Review on Synthesis, Physicochemical Properties, and Applications

“…Functionalization of carbon nanotubes often is performed on CNTs, since the nanotubes do not have a chemical affinity to organic matrices, leading to difficulty dispersing CNTs into aqueous matrices [ 48 ] or creating a physical interaction between the nanotubes and the matrices due to the seamless surface of the CNTs [ 49 ]. Modifying the surface of CNTs makes it more desirable for a wider range of applications, specifically for biological applications, and the functionalization of them is almost as important as the synthesis of the nanotubes themselves [ 50 ]. Additionally, functionalization can help solve the already established problem of production methods synthesizing CNT with varying size and chirality and metallic impurities [ 51 ].…”

Nanomedicine for Immunotherapy Targeting Hematological Malignancies: Current Approaches and Perspective

“…The most widely experimented nanomedicine structures are lipid-based nanoparticles and polymeric nanoparticles, but other possible configurations include protein nanoparticles (albumin, gelatin, elastin), inorganic nanoparticles (gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, calcium phosphate, porous silicon, and mesoporous silica nanoparticles), dendrimer nanoparticles, exosomes nanoparticles, and biomimetic nanoparticles [53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60].…”

Investigating the Application of Liposomes as Drug Delivery Systems for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer

“…These challenges include the mononuclear-phagocyte system (MPS) and the surrounding hypoxic environment [ 9 ]. Therefore, it is imperative that improvements are made to the current delivery of anticancer drugs to combat their toxicity and amplify half-life and selectivity for target tissues whilst diminishing serious side effects and the duration of treatment [ 10 , 11 ]. Developments in the field of nanotechnology have been applied to medicine with the aim of overcoming the aforementioned obstacles in drug delivery.…”

“…The use of nanoparticles is advantageous for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer as they are long acting and have highly efficacious bioactivity and greater penetration within cells. In Addition, nanoparticles have modifiable release rates and cause fewer side effects to healthy organs [ 11 ]. Other nanotechnological developments include nanocarriers.…”