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Tumor Discovery Targeted drug delivery systems for the treatment of tumors

Aquasomes and phytosomes exhibit distinct facilitate their delivery across cell membranes. These
morphological and functional differences. Aquasomes systems typically have a size of approximately 40 kDa (100–
consist of a carbohydrate coating over a ceramic core (for 1200 nm). They are capable of encapsulating various plant
stability) and are often adorned with absorbed bioactives extracts (polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids)
or proteins. The cores of aquasomes are typically prepared within their core. In addition, they can be conjugated with
using methods such as self-precipitation, coprecipitation, targeted proteins at the outer periphery, enabling both
and sonication. In contrast, phytosomes are complex active and passive targeting [133,134] .
vesicular structures that contain phospholipids and herbal
extracts (curcumin and polyphenols). They are typically 4.2.4. Inorganic nanocarriers
prepared using the solvent evaporation method. Inorganic nanocarriers are primarily explored for their
roles in tumor imaging, facilitating the tracking of drug
Etoposide is used in the treatment of drug-resistant
testicular cancer, small-cell lung cancer, lymphoma, and location, release pattern, and the evaluation of therapeutic
effects. In addition, these nanocarriers are employed as
leukemia. Its utilization is hindered by limitations such as
poor bioavailability, lipophilicity, and adverse effects such theranostics to address issues related to drug resistance
as hematological toxicity, hypotension, and bronchospasm. in chemotherapy. Commonly used inorganic carriers
To overcome these pharmaceutical limitations, etoposide- include iron oxide nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon-
based nanoparticles, and mesoporous silica nanoparticles.
embedded aquasomes were designed using the These carriers are favored for their large surface area and
lyophilization technique. The formulated aquasomes were tunable size and structure. As depicted in Figure 7, various
smooth and stable and exhibited a preference for targeting inorganic nanocarriers are utilized for chemotherapy. They
lung cells, the liver, the spleen, and the kidney. When demonstrated stimuli-responsive behaviors (temperature,
compared to free drug administration, the embedded magnetic field, and light), enabling the targeted release
aquasomes showed a significantly higher accumulation of antitumor agents, including genes and DNA, in a
and localization within the targeted tumor cells [132] . manner often likened to a “Trojan horse” pattern of drug
Another class of vesicular systems is the phytosomes release [146] . Table 9 compiles a selection of inorganic-based
or phytophospholipid drug delivery system, designed nanocarriers and outlines their biomedical significance in
to encapsulate bioactive agents derived from plants and tumor management.

Figure 7. Various inorganic nanocarriers employed for tumor management.

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2023) 19 https://doi.org/10.36922/td.1356