Advanced functionalized chitosan nanocomposites for hyperthermia-based cancer therapy.

Abstract

Chitosan-based nanocomposites have emerged as promising platforms in hyperthermia-mediated cancer therapy due to their unique physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and functional versatility. This review highlights recent advances in the design and application of chitosan-functionalized nanoparticles (NPs), focusing on their role in enhancing targeted hyperthermic treatment. The integration of chitosan with various nanomaterials-including magnetic nanoparticles, carbon-based structures such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, and gold nanoparticles-offers distinct advantages in thermal conversion efficiency, tumor specificity, and drug delivery potential. Magnetic nanoparticles allow precise thermal ablation of cancer cells under an external magnetic field, while carbon-based materials provide superior thermal conductivity for efficient heat generation. Gold nanoparticles, when conjugated with chitosan, improve biocompatibility and enable surface modification for targeted therapy. Despite promising preclinical outcomes, challenges remain in terms of toxicity, long-term stability, regulatory approval, and scalable synthesis. This review critically examines these aspects and outlines future directions for optimizing chitosan-based nanocomposites toward clinical translation and commercial viability in cancer hyperthermia therapy.