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Review
. 2018 Aug 23:22:22.
doi: 10.1186/s40824-018-0132-z. eCollection 2018.

Tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles for cancer theragnostic applications

Saji Uthaman  1 , Kang Moo Huh  1 , In-Kyu Park  2
Affiliations
Review

Tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles for cancer theragnostic applications

Saji Uthaman et al. Biomater Res. .

Abstract

Background: Cancer is one of the deadliest threats to human health. Abnormal physiochemical conditions and dysregulated biosynthetic intermediates in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a significant role in modulating cancer cells to evade or defend conventional anti-cancer therapy such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. One of the most important challenges in the development of anti-tumor therapy is the successful delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents specifically to solid tumors.

Main body: The recent progresses in development of TME responsive nanoparticles offers promising strategies for combating cancer by making use of the common attributes of tumor such as acidic and hypoxic microenvironments. In this review, we discussed the prominent strategies utilized in the development of tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles and mode of release of therapeutic cargo.

Conclusion: Tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles offers a universal approach for anti-cancer therapy.

Keywords: Cancer; Hypoxia; Nanoparticle; Redox; Tumor microenvironment; pH.

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Conflict of interest statement

Not applicable.Not applicable.The authors declare that they have no competing interests.Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Figures

Scheme 1
Scheme 1
Summary of unique characteristics of TME used to develop TME-responsive nanoparticles
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic illustration of pH activation of nanoparticle by tumor microenvironment
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Schematic illustration of hypoxia-responsive drug delivery. a Fabrication of DOX-loaded PEI-NI-based nanoparticle co-assembled with HA-Ce6, (b) CD 44-mediated endocytosis and release of DOX in response to hypoxia generated by laser irradiation. Reproduced with permission [65] of The Royal Society of Chemistry
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Schematic illustration of enzyme-responsive magnetic nanoprobe. Reproduced with permission [48] Copyright © 2017, American Chemical Society
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Schematic illustration of self-assembled micelle and GSH triggered release of DOX. Reproduced with permission [52] Copyright © 2018, Elsevier
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Schematic illustration of (a) synthesis of ROS–responsive prodrug mPEG-TK- DOX and (b) illustration of ROS–responsive prodrug micelle and DOX-loaded prodrug micelle for drug delivery. Reproduced with permission [1] Copyright © 2018, Royal Society of Chemistry
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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