Light- and Redox-Responsive Block Copolymers of mPEG-SS-ONBMA as a Smart Drug Delivery Carrier for Cancer Therapy

Efficacy tumor therapeutic applications of stimuli-responsive block copolymer-based nano-assemblies

Block copolymers are composed of two or more blocks or segments with different chemical properties via various chemical bonds, which can assemble into nanoparticles with a "core-shell" structure. Due to the benefits of simple functionalization, superior drug-loading capacity, and good biocompatibility, various nano-assemblies based on block copolymers have become widely applied in the treatment of cancers in recent years. These nano-assemblies serve as carriers for anti-tumor bioactive, enhancing drug stability and prolonging their circulation time in vivo, which can reduce the toxic side effects of drugs and improve the therapeutic effect. However, the complex and heterogeneous tumor microenvironment poses challenges to the therapeutic efficacy of these nano-assemblies, having the result in the occurrence of drug resistance and the recurrence of tumors. Consequently, a diverse array of stimuli-responsive nano-assemblies has been devised in order to surmount these obstacles. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the utilization of stimuli-responsive nano-assemblies derived from block copolymers in the context of tumor treatment. The review summarizes block polymers responsive to internal stimuli (like ROS, redox, pH, and enzymes) and external stimuli (like light, and temperature), and discusses current challenges and prospects in this field, aiming to provide novel insights for clinical applications.

Amphibian-Derived Natural Anticancer Peptides and Proteins: Mechanism of Action, Application Strategies, and Prospects

Cancer is one of the major diseases that seriously threaten human life. Traditional anticancer therapies have achieved remarkable efficacy but have also some unavoidable side effects. Therefore, more and more research focuses on highly effective and less-toxic anticancer substances of natural origin. Amphibian skin is rich in active substances such as biogenic amines, alkaloids, alcohols, esters, peptides, and proteins, which play a role in various aspects such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticancer functions, and are one of the critical sources of anticancer substances. Currently, a range of natural anticancer substances are known from various amphibians. This paper aims to review the physicochemical properties, anticancer mechanisms, and potential applications of these peptides and proteins to advance the identification and therapeutic use of natural anticancer agents.

Polymeric Micellar Systems-A Special Emphasis on "Smart" Drug Delivery

Concurrent developments in anticancer nanotechnological treatments have been observed as the burden of cancer increases every year. The 21st century has seen a transformation in the study of medicine thanks to the advancement in the field of material science and nanomedicine. Improved drug delivery systems with proven efficacy and fewer side effects have been made possible. Nanoformulations with varied functions are being created using lipids, polymers, and inorganic and peptide-based nanomedicines. Therefore, thorough knowledge of these intelligent nanomedicines is crucial for developing very promising drug delivery systems. Polymeric micelles are often simple to make and have high solubilization characteristics; as a result, they seem to be a promising alternative to other nanosystems. Even though recent studies have provided an overview of polymeric micelles, here we included a discussion on the "intelligent" drug delivery from these systems. We also summarized the state-of-the-art and the most recent developments of polymeric micellar systems with respect to cancer treatments. Additionally, we gave significant attention to the clinical translation potential of polymeric micellar systems in the treatment of various cancers.