Research Progress on Stimulus-Responsive Polymer Nanocarriers for Cancer Treatment

Abstract

As drug carriers for cancer treatment, stimulus-responsive polymer nanomaterials are a major research focus. These nanocarriers respond to specific stimulus signals (e.g., pH, redox, hypoxia, enzymes, temperature, and light) to precisely control drug release, thereby improving drug uptake rates in cancer cells and reducing drug damage to normal cells. Therefore, we reviewed the research progress in the past 6 years and the mechanisms underpinning single and multiple stimulus-responsive polymer nanocarriers in tumour therapy. The advantages and disadvantages of various stimulus-responsive polymeric nanomaterials are summarised, and the future outlook is provided to provide a scientific and theoretical rationale for further research, development, and utilisation of stimulus-responsive nanocarriers.

Keywords: cancer; carrier; polymer nanomaterials; stimulus-responsive.

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Targeted delivery strategies and polymer micelle mechanisms. Reprinted with permission from [32]. Copyright 2019, Elsevier.

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HA-DOX/PHIS/R848 NP preparation (A) and functional mechanisms during breast cancer treatment (B). Reprinted with permission from [39]. Copyright 2018, Elsevier.

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Illustration diagram of the preparation of dual-responsive PCL-SS@DTX NPs and the DTX release triggered by ROS and GSH for orthotopic prostate cancer therapy in vivo. Reprinted with permission from [77]. Copyright 2021, Elsevier.

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Schematic diagram of the action of the enzyme-stimulated responsive nanocarrier carrier. Reprinted with permission from [82]. Copyright 2019, Elsevier.

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Nanoparticle (PAPNP) preparation and functional mechanisms in tumour hypoxic-specific drug release and anti-tumour activity. The number of bombs in the graph indicates the anti-tumour effect in vitro, the higher the number of bombs, the better the anti-tumour effect. Reprinted with permission from [98]. Copyright 2018, 2022 American Chemical Society.

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Preparation process of polymeric micelles (GA@PEG-TK-ICG PM) and some of the processes that occur in vivo in response to stimulation. Reprinted with permission from [150]. Copyright 2021, Elsevier.