Cell membrane-based nanoparticles: a new biomimetic platform for tumor diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Taking inspiration from nature, the biomimetic concept has been integrated into drug delivery systems in cancer therapy. Disguised with cell membranes, the nanoparticles can acquire various functions of natural cells. The cell membrane-coating technology has pushed the limits of common nano-systems (fast elimination in circulation) to more effectively navigate within the body. Moreover, because of the various functional molecules on the surface, cell membrane-based nanoparticles (CMBNPs) are capable of interacting with the complex biological microenvironment of the tumor. Various sources of cell membranes have been explored to camouflage CMBNPs and different tumor-targeting strategies have been developed to enhance the anti-tumor drug delivery therapy. In this review article we highlight the most recent advances in CMBNP-based cancer targeting systems and address the challenges and opportunities in this field.

Keywords: Biomimetic nanoparticle; CC, cancer cell; CMBNPS, cell membrane-based nanoparticles; CTC, circulating tumor cell; Cancer targeting; Cell membrane; Circulation; DOX, doxorubicin; DSPE, distearoyl phosphoethanolamine; Drug delivery; EPR, enhanced permeability and retention; ICG, indocyanine green; Molecular recognition; NIR, near infrared; NPs, nanoparticles; PLGA, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid); PM-NV, platelet membrane-coated nanovehicle; PTX, paclitaxel; RBC, red blood cell; TDDS, targeting drug delivery system; TRAIL, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand; VCAM1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1.

Graphical abstract

Figure 1

The NIR‐driven drug release of the RBC‐mimetic NPs (PTX-PN@DiR-RV). Adapted with permission from Ref. . Copyright Wiley Online Library, 2016.

Figure 2

Schematic illustration of macrophage membrane-coated nanovectors for photothermal therapy in subcutaneous tumor or targeting lung metastasis of breast cancer. Adapted with permission from Refs. , Copyright American Chemical Society, 2016.

Figure 3

Illustration of cancer cell membrane-biomimetic nanoparticles for targeting recognition of source cancer cell, dual-modal imaging, and photothermal therapy. Adapted with permission from Ref. . Copyright American Chemical Society, 2016.

Figure 4

Schematic design of drug-loaded PM-NV for targeting and sequential drug delivery. Adapted with permission from Ref. . Copyright Wiley Online Library, 2015.