Doxorubicin-loaded micelles in tumor cell-specific chemotherapy


Almajidi Y. Q., Kadhim M. M., Alsaikhan F., Turki Jalil A., Hassan Sayyid N., Alexis Ramírez-Coronel A., ...More

Environmental Research, vol.227, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 227
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115722
  • Journal Name: Environmental Research
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Artic & Antarctic Regions, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Communication Abstracts, Computer & Applied Sciences, EMBASE, Environment Index, Geobase, Greenfile, MEDLINE, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: Micellar nanostructures, Chemoresistance, Doxorubicin chemotherapy, Phototherapy, Targeted delivery
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Nanomedicine is a field that combines biology and engineering to improve disease treatment, particularly in cancer therapy. One of the promising techniques utilized in this area is the use of micelles, which are nanoscale delivery systems that are known for their simple preparation, high biocompatibility, small particle size, and the ability to be functionalized. A commonly employed chemotherapy drug, Doxorubicin (DOX), is an effective inhibitor of topoisomerase II that prevents DNA replication in cancer cells. However, its efficacy is frequently limited by resistance resulting from various factors, including increased activity of drug efflux transporters, heightened oncogenic factors, and lack of targeted delivery. This review aims to highlight the potential of micelles as new nanocarriers for delivering DOX and to examine the challenges involved with employing chemotherapy to treat cancer. Micelles that respond to changes in pH, redox, and light are known as stimuli-responsive micelles, which can improve the targeted delivery of DOX and its cytotoxicity by facilitating its uptake in tumor cells. Additionally, micelles can be utilized to administer a combination of DOX and other drugs and genes to overcome drug resistance mechanisms and improve tumor suppression. Furthermore, micelles can be used in phototherapy, both photodynamic and photothermal, to promote cell death and increase DOX sensitivity in human cancers. Finally, the alteration of micelle surfaces with ligands can further enhance their targeted delivery for cancer suppression.