Recent progresses in the development of hyaluronic acid-based nanosystems for tumor-targeted drug delivery and cancer imaging

초록

Background Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been widely used as one of major components of nanocarriers for cancer imaging and therapy. HA possesses hydrophilic and anionic properties at physiological pH and its molecular weight can affect the physicochemical and mechanical behaviors. HA or HA derivatives can be processed into the nanocarriers with other functional materials, drug cargos, and imaging agents by several preparation methods. Moreover, its biocompatibility and biodegradability can increase its feasibility for clinical application. Area covered Physicochemical and biological properties of HA are summarized in this review. Based on those properties, various types of HA nanosystems can be designed for CD44 receptor-positive cancer imaging and therapy. Recent progresses in HA-drug conjugates, HA-based nanoparticles (NPs), and HA-decorated NPs for cancer imaging and therapy are provided. Expert opinion Together with well-known biocompatibility/biodegradability and CD44 receptor-positive tumor targetability, expandability in chemical modification of HA and fabrication of HA-based nanosystems may elevate their possibility of clinical application.

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