Recent advances in nanotechnology with nano-phytochemicals: Molecular mechanisms and clinical implications in cancer progression

Bonglee Kim, Ji Eon Park, Eunji Im, Yongmin Cho, Jinjoo Lee, Hyo Jung Lee, Deok Yong Sim, Woon Yi Park, Bum Sang Shim, Sung Hoon Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

37 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Biocompatible nanoparticles (NPs) containing polymers, lipids (liposomes and micelles), dendrimers, ferritin, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, ceramic, magnetic materials, and gold/silver have contributed to imaging diagnosis and targeted cancer therapy. However, only some NP drugs, including Doxil® (liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin), Abraxane® (albumin-bound paclitaxel), and Oncaspar® (PEG-Asparaginase), have emerged on the pharmaceutical market to date. By contrast, several phytochemicals that were found to be effective in cultured cancer cells and animal studies have not shown significant efficacy in humans due to poor bioavailability and absorption, rapid clearance, resistance, and toxicity. Research to overcome these drawbacks by using phytochemical NPs remains in the early stages of clinical translation. Thus, in the current review, we discuss the progress in nanotechnology, research milestones, the molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals encapsulated in NPs, and clinical implications. Several challenges that must be overcome and future research perspectives are also described.

Original languageEnglish
Article number3571
JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences
Volume22
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Keywords

  • Cancer progression
  • Clinical implications
  • Nano-phytochemicals
  • Nanoparticles
  • Research milestones

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