Role of Liposomes-Based Stem Cell for Multimodal Cancer Therapy

Abstract

The utilization of stem cells as novel carriers to target tissues or organs of interest is a challenging task in delivery system. The composite cellular delivery with diverse signalling molecules as therapeutics increases stem cell capability and possesses the promising potential to augment, modify or commence localized or systemic restoration for vital applications in regenerative medicine. The inherent potential of stem cells to immigrate and reside at wounded site facilitates transportation of genes, polypeptides or nanosized molecules. Liposomes are micro- to nano-lipidic vesicles formed in aqueous solutions to encapsulate complex hydrophilic and lipophilic chemical substances. Moreover, these novel nanocarriers provide safer and efficient delivery of bioactives together with their potential applications in vaccine production, cosmeceuticals, imaging and diagnostic purpose. Tissue engineering promotes rejuvenation process and involves the synchronized utilization of cells with 3D bio-material scaffolds to fabricate living structures. This strategy requires regulated stimulus of cultured cells through combined mechanical signals and bioactive agents. This review highlights and summarizes the mechanism involved in stem cell migration, strategies to enhance homing, safety and efficacy studies of stem cells in various disease models and discusses the potential role of liposomes in prolonged and localized delivery of bioactives for regenerative medicines and tissue engineering techniques. Graphical Abstract Role of PEGylated liposomes in cancer stem cell therapy.

Keywords: Cancer; Liposomes; Osteoarthritis; Regenerative medicine; Scaffolds; Stem cells; Tissue engineering.