Surface-modified polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery to cancer cells

ABSTRACT

Introduction

The utilization of polymeric nanoparticles, as drug payloads, has been extensively prevailed in cancer therapy. However, the precise distribution of these nanocarriers is restrained by various physiological and cellular obstacles. Nanoparticles must avoid nonspecific interactions with healthy cells and in vivo compartments to circumvent these barriers. Since in vivo interactions of nanoparticles are mainly dependent on surface properties of nanoparticles, efficient control on surface constituents is necessary for the determination of nanoparticles’ fate in the body.

Areas covered

In this review, the surface-modified polymeric nanoparticles and their utilization in cancer treatment were elaborated. First, the interaction of nanoparticles with numerous in vivo barriers was highlighted. Second, different strategies to overcome these obstacles were described. Third, some inspiring examples of surface-modified nanoparticles were presented. Later, fabrication and characterization methods of surface-modified nanoparticles were discussed. Finally, the applications of these nanoparticles in different routes of treatments were explored.

Expert opinion

Surface modification of anticancer drug-loaded polymeric nanoparticles can enhance the efficacy, selective targeting, and biodistribution of the anticancer drug at the tumor site.

KEYWORDS:

• Anticancer
• biodistribution
• polymeric nanoparticles
• specific targeting
• surface modification

Article highlights

• Selective accumulation of drug-loaded polymeric nanoparticles in tumor is prevented by several in vivo barriers.

• nonspecific interactions of nanoparticles in body is responsible for less distribution of nanoparticles in cancer cells.

• Surface modification of nanoparticles could minimize nonspecific interactions of nanoparticles and overcome in vivo barriers

• Different methods have been developed to modify and characterize the surfaces of polymeric nanoparticles.

• Surface-modified nanoparticles can precisely target different therapeutic sites in anticancer therapy.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.