Cancer Cell International (Jun 2021)

Chitosan nanoparticles as a promising tool in nanomedicine with particular emphasis on oncological treatment

  • Javad Sharifi-Rad,
  • Cristina Quispe,
  • Monica Butnariu,
  • Lia Sanda Rotariu,
  • Oksana Sytar,
  • Simona Sestito,
  • Simona Rapposelli,
  • Muhammad Akram,
  • Mehwish Iqbal,
  • Akash Krishna,
  • Nanjangud Venkatesh Anil Kumar,
  • Susana S. Braga,
  • Susana M. Cardoso,
  • Karolina Jafernik,
  • Halina Ekiert,
  • Natália Cruz-Martins,
  • Agnieszka Szopa,
  • Marcelo Villagran,
  • Lorena Mardones,
  • Miquel Martorell,
  • Anca Oana Docea,
  • Daniela Calina

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12935-021-02025-4
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 21, no. 1
pp. 1 – 21

Abstract

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Abstract The study describes the current state of knowledge on nanotechnology and its utilization in medicine. The focus in this manuscript was on the properties, usage safety, and potentially valuable applications of chitosan-based nanomaterials. Chitosan nanoparticles have high importance in nanomedicine, biomedical engineering, discovery and development of new drugs. The manuscript reviewed the new studies regarding the use of chitosan-based nanoparticles for creating new release systems with improved bioavailability, increased specificity and sensitivity, and reduced pharmacological toxicity of drugs. Nowadays, effective cancer treatment is a global problem, and recent advances in nanomedicine are of great importance. Special attention was put on the application of chitosan nanoparticles in developing new system for anticancer drug delivery. Pre-clinical and clinical studies support the use of chitosan-based nanoparticles in nanomedicine. This manuscript overviews the last progresses regarding the utilization, stability, and bioavailability of drug nanoencapsulation with chitosan and their safety.

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