A comprehensive review of cancer drug nanoparticles synthesis, processing technology and its effect in drug delivery

Abstract

The advent of nanotechnology has significantly advanced cancer treatment by introducing innovative approaches to targeted drug delivery and enhanced therapeutic efficiency. Nano drugs and nanocarriers, owing to their nanoscale dimensions, extensive surface area, and ability to modulate biodistribution, have proven effective in localizing tumor sites and enabling sustained drug release. These properties result in greater cytotoxicity and minimize systemic side effects compared to conventional therapies. Moreover, nanoparticles can be functionalized with molecular targeting agents, such as peptides, and combined with imaging dyes to improve the precision and monitoring of in-vivo treatments. A promising development in this domain is the utilization of biological carriers, particularly exosomes. These extracellular vesicles (30–150 ​nm in size) are secreted by various cells and possess a unique capacity to influence the tumor microenvironment through intercellular interactions and direct fusion with cell membranes. This review examines recent advancements in cancer drug delivery, with an emphasis on the design and processing of nano drugs and evaluates the potential of engineered exosomes as a transformative modality in cancer therapeutics.