Recent Advancements in Mitochondria-Targeted Nanoparticle Drug Delivery for Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Mitochondria are critical subcellular organelles that produce most of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as the energy source for most eukaryotic cells. Moreover, recent findings show that mitochondria are not only the “powerhouse” inside cells, but also excellent targets for inducing cell death via apoptosis that is mitochondria-centered. For several decades, cancer nanotherapeutics have been designed to specifically target mitochondria with several targeting moieties, and cause mitochondrial dysfunction via photodynamic, photothermal, or/and chemo therapies. These strategies have been shown to augment the killing of cancer cells in a tumor while reducing damage to its surrounding healthy tissues. Furthermore, mitochondria-targeting nanotechnologies have been demonstrated to be highly efficacious compared to non-mitochondria-targeting platforms both in vitro and in vivo for cancer therapies. Moreover, mitochondria-targeting nanotechnologies have been intelligently designed and tailored to the hypoxic and slightly acidic tumor microenvironment for improved cancer therapies. Collectively, mitochondria-targeting may be a promising strategy for the engineering of nanoparticles for drug delivery to combat cancer.

Manganese-based hollow nanoplatforms for MR imaging-guided cancer therapies

“…Notably, the fabrication of organelle-targeted nanoplatforms has been regarded as one of the hottest topics in recent years [ 146 – 149 ]. Triphenyl phosphonium (TPP), a typical mitochondrial targeting molecule, favours ROS/gas-mediated therapies [ 150 – 152 ]. For instance, a multifunctional nanotheranostic based on TPP-modified hollow CuS was reported to integrate hypoxia-activated chemotherapy, PDT and PTT for synergistically treating cancer and maximizing the therapeutic biowindow [ 153 ].…”

Enhancing Skin Cancer Immunotheranostics and Precision Medicine through Functionalized Nanomodulators and Nanosensors: Recent Development and Prospects

“…Owing to the pivotal role of mitochondria in metabolism, oxidative and nitrosative stress management, bioenergetics, and modulation of apoptosis targeted nanotherapies to reverse program TME, and immune evasion can potentiate effective cancer management and therapy. Targeting mitochondrial functions through drug and biomolecule-encapsulated nanomaterials has the potential to initiate a ripple effect in the tumor microenvironments, promoting a therapeutic response [ 77 , 78 , 79 ].…”

2D Hetero-Nanoconstructs of Black Phosphorus for Breast Cancer Theragnosis: Technological Advancements

“…When it comes to the targeting of cellular organelles, the most explored organelle is mitochondria, which play a prominent role in the life and death of cells. In addition to mediating apoptosis and being referred to as the “powerhouse of the cell”, mitochondria are also in charge of cellular respiration and have been found to be a valuable target for the effective destruction of cancer cells [ 85 ]. When compared with other organelles, mitochondria are found to be more sensitive to heat and exhibit an increased transmembrane potential in cancer cells, forming an effective target for photothermal therapy.…”