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Review
. 2021 Mar 30;22(7):3571.
doi: 10.3390/ijms22073571.

Recent Advances in Nanotechnology with Nano-Phytochemicals: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications in Cancer Progression

Bonglee Kim  1   2 , Ji-Eon Park  1   2 , Eunji Im  1   2 , Yongmin Cho  1   2 , Jinjoo Lee  1 , Hyo-Jung Lee  1   2 , Deok-Yong Sim  1   2 , Woon-Yi Park  1   2 , Bum-Sang Shim  1 , Sung-Hoon Kim  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Recent Advances in Nanotechnology with Nano-Phytochemicals: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications in Cancer Progression

Bonglee Kim et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

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.

Keywords: cancer progression; clinical implications; nano-phytochemicals; nanoparticles; research milestones.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Research milestones of nanotechnology, anticancer nanodrugs, and nano-phytochemicals.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Morphology and size of nanostructured NPs. The physicochemical properties of these NPs include biocompatibility, biodegradability, and controlled/targeted drug release.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Graphical abstract on the molecular mechanism of nano-phytochemicals in cancers.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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