Polymeric Nanocarriers with pH-Dependent Release for Tumor-Specific Delivery.

Abstract

The acidic nature of tumor microenvironments presents a unique opportunity for the targeted delivery of therapeutics using pH-responsive polymeric nanocarriers. These smart nanocarriers are designed to release their payload specifically in response to the low pH found in tumor tissues, thereby enhancing drug accumulation at the tumor site while minimizing systemic side effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the design principles, fabrication methods, and applications of pH-responsive polymeric nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery in tumor microenvironments. Key topics include the mechanisms of pH-responsive drug release, engineering strategies for developing pH-sensitive polymers, and recent advancements in exploiting tumor acidity for improved therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, the review discusses the clinical potential and the challenges associated with the translation of these nanocarriers from bench to bedside.