Smart nanogels for cancer treatment from the perspective of functional groups

作者：Jiachen Yu, Yuting Liu, Yingchun Zhang, Rong Ran, Zixiao Kong, Duoyi Zhao, Minda Liu, Wei Zhao, Yan Cui, Yingqi Hua, Lianbo Gao, Zhiyu Zhang, Yingxin Yang · 发表于：Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.3389/fbioe.2023.1329311 · 被引用次数：45 · 研究领域：Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery、Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics、Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications

Introduction: Cancer remains a significant health challenge, with chemotherapy being a critical treatment modality. However, traditional chemotherapy faces limitations due to non-specificity and toxicity. Nanogels, as advanced drug carriers, offer potential for targeted and controlled drug release, improving therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects. Methods: This review summarizes the latest developments in nanogel-based chemotherapy drug delivery systems, focusing on the role of functional groups in drug loading and the design of smart hydrogels with controlled release mechanisms. We discuss the preparation methods of various nanogels based on different functional groups and their application in cancer treatment. Results: Nanogels composed of natural and synthetic polymers, such as chitosan, alginate, and polyacrylic acid, have been developed for chemotherapy drug delivery. Functional groups like carboxyl, disulfide, and hydroxyl groups play crucial roles in drug encapsulation and release. Smart hydrogels have been engineered to respond to tumor microenvironmental cues, such as pH, redox potential, temperature, and external stimuli like light and ultrasound, enabling targeted drug release. Discussion: The use of functional groups in nanogel preparation allows for the creation of multifunctional nanogels with high drug loading capacity, controllable release, and good targeting. These nanogels have shown promising results in preclinical studies, with enhanced antitumor e...