Emerging natural polymer-based architectured nanotherapeutics for the treatment of cancer

The field of cancer therapy is advancing rapidly, placing a crucial emphasis on innovative drug delivery systems. The increasing global impact of cancer highlights the need for creative therapeutic strategies. Natural polymer-based nanotherapeutics have emerged as a captivating avenue in this pursuit, drawing substantial attention due to their inherent attributes. These attributes include biodegradability, biocompatibility, negligible toxicity, extended circulation time, and a wide range of therapeutic payloads. The unique size, shape, and morphological characteristics of these systems facilitate profound tissue penetration, complementing active and passive targeting strategies. Moreover, these nanotherapeutics exploit specific cellular and subcellular trafficking pathways, providing precise control over drug release kinetics. This comprehensive review emphasizes the utilization of naturally occurring polymers such as polysaccharides (e.g., chitosan, hyaluronic acid, alginates, dextran, and cyclodextrin) and protein-based polymers (e.g., ferritin, gelatin, albumin) as the foundation for nanoparticle development. The paper meticulously examines their in vitro characteristics alongside in vivo efficacy, particularly focusing on their pivotal role in ameliorating diverse types of solid tumors within cancer therapy. The amalgamation of material science ingenuity and biological insight has led to the formulation of these nanoparticles, showcasing their potential to reshape the landscape of cancer treatment.