Nanotechnology in oncology: advances in biosynthesis, drug delivery, and theranostics

Abstract

Nanotechnology has revolutionized oncology by offering innovative solutions to overcome the limitations of conventional cancer therapies. This review explores the transformative potential of nanotechnology in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and drug delivery, emphasizing the development of sustainable nanocomposites derived from natural sources such as plants and microbes. These eco-friendly nanocomposites enhance therapeutic efficacy, minimize environmental impact, and align with green chemistry principles. Nanoparticles (NPs) enable targeted drug delivery through mechanisms like the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and active targeting, reducing systemic toxicity and improving treatment outcomes. They also facilitate gene therapy, photothermal and photodynamic therapies, and immune modulation, including the development of cancer vaccines and theranostic platforms. Despite their promise, challenges such as nanoparticle toxicity, immune clearance, and long-term biocompatibility persist. Advances in biodegradable and stimuli-responsive NPs aim to address these issues, ensuring safer and more effective applications. The integration of nanotechnology with personalized medicine and combination therapies holds significant potential for improving cancer treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. However, further research is needed to optimize nanoparticle design, enhance tumor targeting, and ensure clinical translation. This review highlights the critical role of nanotechnology in advancing cancer therapy, underscoring its potential to redefine treatment paradigms while addressing current limitations and future prospects.

Fig. 1

Erbium iron oxide nanocrystalline powders synthesized via the sol‒gel-combustion method using sugar and sugar beet as combustion agents [51]

Fig. 2

Characterization of Green-mediated synthesized silver nanoparticles a Vibrational bands observed in the FTIR spectra of the Cyphostemma plant extract and green-synthesized CA-AgNPs. b The 0.2θ values shown in the XRD pattern of CA-AgNPs. c Scanning electron micrograph of green-mediated CA-AgNPs at 10 µm resolution. d Scanning electron micrograph of green-mediated CA-AgNfigurePs at 01 µm resolution. e. 50 nm magnification transmission electron microscopy images of green, synthetic CA-AgNPs. f 20 nm magnification transmission electron microscopy images of green, synthetic CA-AgNPs. AgNPs synthesized from Cyphostemma auriculatum extract act as inhibiting agents for the proliferation of cancer cells [8]

Fig. 3

a UV–visible spectrum of the AgNPs synthesized from Aloe vera leaf extract at 439 nm, b XRD spectrum of the AgNPs, c ATR-IR spectra of the AgNPs and d AFM image of the AgNPs [10]

Fig. 4

Mode of action of AgNPs against MCF7 cancer cell line [61]

Fig. 5

Self-assembled nanoparticles driven by Pd···Pd metallophilic interactions enable high tumor accumulation and type I photodynamic action under light activation, offering enhanced stability and therapeutic efficacy compared to conventional PDT [65]

Fig. 6

Anticancer activity of CA-AgNPs on MCF7 cells. a Control b Treatment shows the percent viability of silver nanoparticles (98, 88, 80, 72, 49, and 33%) at different concentrations (10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 µg/mL) [8]

Fig. 7

Examples of the production of Ag NPs followed by the capping of functional AgNPs with biopolymers [25]

Fig. 8

Growth of a tumor derived from a cancer cell

Fig. 9

Schematic diagram showing the disadvantages of using nanoparticles in cancer treatment