Multifunctional biomolecule nanostructures, including polysaccharides, nucleic acids, peptides and proteins, have attracted great attention in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, supramolecular programmability, targeting ability, stimuli-responsiveness, as well as a wide range of intrinsic biological activities.
The researchers firstly introduced major applications and potentials of the nanostructures against the current challenges facing anti-cancer nanomedicine. They summarized the advantages of each type of biomolecules in multifunctional nanomedicine design, elaborated their design principles and construction methods, and discussed the biological basis and mechanisms for such nanostructures. They reviewed the recent advances in the application of biomolecule nanostructures, and highlighted their potential in the development of smart anti-cancer nanotherapeutic.
Besides, the researchers discussed in detail the current limitations of these biomolecule nanostructures in terms of rational design, systematic characterization and accurate synthesis, providing a general summary of the main factors affecting the clinical translation of biomolecule-based anti-cancer nanostructures.
Finally, the researchers predicted the future development of technologies for rational design and construction of biomolecule nanostructures, systematic monitoring and assessment of their in vivo behavior, as well as their possible application in early detection and treatment of tumor metastasis.
This study is a comprehensive review on advances in multifunctional biomolecule nanostructures for cancer therapy, which helps to better understand the biological basis and mechanisms for such nanostructures to achieve multifunctional features.
