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Global Translational Medicine Phytonanotherapy in cancer and diabetes care

6.1.1. Targeted drug administration 7. Algae-derived green NPs

One of the most significant benefits of green NPs is their Algae-derived green NPs are gaining interest for their
capacity to assist targeted drug administration. NPs can potential use in the treatment of cancer and diabetes. Algae
be guided to specific areas in the body by functionalizing are abundant, sustainable, and rich in bioactive substances
them with certain ligands or antibodies, such as pancreatic that can be used to treat patients. In this section, we
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cells or insulin-sensitive tissues. This reduces off-target present an in-depth overview of research on algae-derived
effects while increasing therapeutic impact. green NPs for the treatment of medical conditions.
6.1.2. Biocompatibility and safety 7.1. Cancer treatment with algae-derived green NPs
Green NPs are frequently biocompatible and have lower 7.1.1. NP production
toxicity than synthetic counterparts. Because of this, they Algae, particularly microalgae and macroalgae (seaweed),
are acceptable for long-term usage in diabetes control contain polysaccharides, polyphenols, and pigments that
because they have a decreased risk of side effects. can act as reducing and stabilizing agents in the production
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Researchers are investigating the synergistic effects of of NPs. These algae-derived chemicals can be used to
mixing various antidiabetic phytochemicals within green synthesize green NPs, particularly gold and silver NPs. 45-48
NPs. 35,41 These combinations can target various pathways (Table 6).
involved in diabetes, providing comprehensive diabetic
therapy. 7.1.2. Photothermal therapy
Green NPs can be created to affect a variety of biological Photothermal therapy using gold NPs synthesized with
pathways relevant to diabetes. This includes increasing algae extracts has demonstrated promise for cancer
insulin sensitivity, decreasing inflammation, preserving treatment. When exposed to near-infrared (NIR) light,
pancreatic beta cells, and better regulating blood glucose these NPs produce heat, killing cancer cells while sparing
levels. 35,41 Because of the wide diversity of medicinal healthy tissue (Table 7).
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plants and their distinct phytochemical compositions,
personalized antidiabetic treatments are possible. Patients 7.1.3. Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
can receive therapy that is tailored to their individual needs Chlorophyll and other pigments generated from algae can
and responses. be utilized to make photosensitizing NPs. When activated
by precise wavelengths of light, these NPs release reactive
6.1.3. Eco-friendly approach
oxygen species (ROS), mainly singlet oxygen, which
Green NP synthesis adheres to eco-friendly principles, causes oxidative stress and damage to cancer cells in a
decreasing the environmental effect associated with process known as PDT. Photosensitizing NPs loaded with
standard chemical synthesis processes. This encourages these natural substances are selectively delivered to tumor
sustainability and green initiatives in health care. Green locations in this novel technique. 50-52
NPs may lower the possibility of drug resistance by mixing This localized and focused therapy has various
several phytochemicals, a concern commonly associated advantages, including the ability to treat superficial as
with certain synthetic antidiabetic drugs. 42 well as deeper tumors by light penetration and causing
6.1.4. Clinical trials minimum injury to surrounding healthy tissue. PDT using
algae-derived NPs holds great potential as a non-invasive
Ongoing pre-clinical and clinical research is being and precise treatment strategy for numerous forms of
conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of green NPs cancer, offering a viable alternative to conventional
for diabetes treatment. Some medicines have advanced therapies with fewer side effects. More research and clinical
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to human trials, raising the prospect of new therapeutic studies, however, are required to optimize this strategy and
choices for diabetes patients. Research is being conducted prove its efficacy in clinical practice. 53-57
to evaluate the biosafety and regulatory aspects of green
NPs. It is critical for their clinical usage in diabetes 7.1.4. Drug delivery
treatment to ensure compliance with safety and quality Green NPs generated from algae can be functionalized
criteria. to transport chemotherapeutic medicines or therapeutic

These advancements, summarized in Table 5, point to a substances. Due to their biocompatibility and controlled
promising move toward more effective, personalized, and drug release characteristics, they are well-suited for
ecologically responsible diabetes management utilizing targeted drug administration to malignant areas while
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green NPs. 43 minimizing systemic side effects. The NPs can be

Volume 4 Issue 1 (2025) 24 doi: 10.36922/gtm.5840