Frontiers in Pharmacology (Oct 2021)

Tumor Microenvironment–Responsive Polypeptide Nanogels for Controlled Antitumor Drug Delivery

  • Yanhong Liu,
  • Linjiao Chen,
  • Qingyang Shi,
  • Qing Zhao,
  • Hongshuang Ma

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.748102
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

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Tumor microenvironment–responsive polypeptide nanogels belong to a biomaterial with excellent biocompatibility, easily adjustable performance, biodegradability, and non-toxic properties. They are developed for selective delivery of antitumor drugs into target organs to promote tumor cell uptake, which has become an effective measure of tumor treatment. Endogenous (such as reduction, reactive oxygen species, pH, and enzyme) and exogenous (such as light and temperature) responsive nanogels can release drugs in response to tumor tissues or cells to improve drug distribution and reduce drug side effects. This article systematically introduces the research progress in tumor microenvironment–responsive polypeptide nanogels to deliver antitumor drugs and provides a reference for the development of antitumor nanoformulations.

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