Calcium carbonate nanoparticles as cancer drug delivery system

Abstract

Introduction: Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) has broad biomedical utilizations owing to its availability, low cost, safety, biocompatibility, pH-sensitivity and slow biodegradability. Recently, there has been widespread interest in their application as drug delivery systems for different groups of drugs. Among them, CaCO₃ nanoparticles have exhibited promising potential as drug carriers targeting cancer tissues and cells. The pH-dependent properties, alongside the potential to be functionalized with targeting agents give them the unique property that can be used in targeted delivery systems for anticancer drugs. Also, due to the slow degradation of CaCO₃ matrices, these nanoparticles can be used as sustained release systems to retain drugs in cancer tissues for longer times after administration.

Areas covered: Development of drug delivery carriers using CaCO₃ nanoparticles has been reviewed. The current state of CaCO₃ nanoparticles as cancer drug delivery systems with focus on their special properties like pH-sensitivity and biodegradability has also been evaluated.

Expert opinion: According to our review, CaCO₃ nanoparticles, owing to their special characteristics, will have a potential role in safe and efficient cancer treatment in future.

Keywords:

• CaCO3
• cancer
• drug delivery
• nanoparticle

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.

Notes

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