Abstract
Current therapeutic strategies used in many types of cancer are confronted with the major problem of multidrug resistance (MDR) that can be acquired through several mechanisms. To overcome this limitation, new therapeutic options are being explored involving state-of-the-art technologies. In this respect, small- interfering RNA (siRNA) technology offers the possibility to block the expression of genes that are involved in the MDR development, improving the therapeutic index of anticancer drugs. Nanocarriers are promising delivery systems for small molecule drugs as well as for nucleic acids aiming to target specifically the cancer cells and to counteract MDR. Several types of organic and inorganic nanocarriers will be discussed in this review, together with their advantages and limitations in delivery of targeted siRNAs and cytotoxic drugs, using in vivo and in vitro experiments. Although siRNA-anticancer drug co-delivery employing nanocarriers seems to be associated with a higher antitumor activity than single drug or nucleic acid administration, more studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and the toxicity of various nanoparticle delivery systems.
Keywords: Multidrug resistance (MDR), nanocarriers, siRNA, drug delivery systems, co-delivery, liposomes, micelleplexes, inorganic nanoparticles.
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances of Heterocyclic Chemistry with Pesticide Activity
Global food safety and security will continue to be a global concern for the next 50 years and beyond. Plant diseases have had a significant impact on food safety and security throughout the entire food chain, from primary production to consumption. While conventional chemical pesticides have been traditionally used for ...read more
Calculation design of covalent/metal organic framework based catalysts
This research area combines theoretical computation and screening with machine learning for the design of covalent/metal organic framework-based catalysts, bridging the disciplines of organic chemistry, physical chemistry, computational chemistry, materials science, and machine learning. It covers several critical aspects: designing and synthesizing organic catalysts for improved performance, applying computational methods ...read more
Carbohydrates conversion in biofuels and bioproducts
Biomass pretreatment, hydrolysis, and saccharification of carbohydrates, and sugars bioconversion in biofuels and bioproducts within a biorefinery framework. Carbohydrates derived from woody biomass, agricultural wastes, algae, sewage sludge, or any other lignocellulosic feedstock are included in this issue. Simulation, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle analysis of a biorefinery process are ...read more
Catalytic C-H bond activation as a tool for functionalization of heterocycles
The major topic is the functionalization of heterocycles through catalyzed C-H bond activation. The strategies based on C-H activation not only provide straightforward formation of C-C or C-X bonds but, more importantly, allow for the avoidance of pre-functionalization of one or two of the cross-coupling partners. The beneficial impact of ...read more
Related Books
Advances in Organic Synthesis
The Synthetic Methods, Structures, and Properties of the Ca-C σ Bond Organocalcium Containing Compounds
Advances in Organic Synthesis
Chemistry of Bipyrazoles: Synthesis and Applications
Advances in Organic Synthesis
Advanced Nanocatalysis for Organic Synthesis and Electroanalysis
Advances in Organic Synthesis
Advances in Organic Synthesis
68
1
1
1