Hybrid ZnPc@TiO 2 nanostructures for targeted photodynamic therapy, bioimaging and doxorubicin delivery

Targeted delivery of temozolomide by nanocarriers based on folic acid-hollow TiO2 -nanospheres for the treatment of glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant brain tumor. Its standard treatment includes a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The last involves the oral delivery of free drug molecules to GBM such as Temozolomide (TMZ). However, this treatment has limited effectiveness owing to the drugs premature degradation, lack of cell selectivity, and poor control of pharmacokinetics. In this work, the development of a nanocarrier based on hollow titanium dioxide (HT) nanospheres functionalized with folic acid (HT-FA) for the targeted delivery of temozolomide (HT-TMZ-FA) is reported. This approach has the potential benefits of prolonging TMZ degradation, targeting GBM cells, and increasing TMZ circulation time. The HT surface properties were studied, and the nanocarrier surface was functionalized with folic acid as a potential targeting agent against GBM. The loading capacity, protection from degradation, and drug retention time were investigated. Cell viability was performed to assess the cytotoxicity of HT against LN18, U87, U251, and M059K GBM cell lines. The cell internalization of HT configurations (HT, HT-FA, HT-TMZ-FA) was evaluated to study targeting capabilities against GBM cancer. Results show that HT nanocarriers have a high loading capacity, retain and protect TMZ for at least 48 h. Folic acid-functionalized HT nanocarriers successfully delivered and internalized TMZ to glioblastoma cancer cells with high cytotoxicity through autophagic and apoptotic cellular mechanisms. Thus, HT-FA nanocarriers could be a promising targeted delivery platform for chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of GBM cancer.

Current Challenges and Opportunities of Photodynamic Therapy against Cancer

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an established, minimally invasive treatment for specific types of cancer. During PDT, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated that ultimately induce cell death and disruption of the tumor area. Moreover, PDT can result in damage to the tumor vasculature and induce the release and/or exposure of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that may initiate an antitumor immune response. However, there are currently several challenges of PDT that limit its widespread application for certain indications in the clinic.

METHODS

A literature study was conducted to comprehensively discuss these challenges and to identify opportunities for improvement.

RESULTS

The most notable challenges of PDT and opportunities to improve them have been identified and discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

The recent efforts to improve the current challenges of PDT are promising, most notably those that focus on enhancing immune responses initiated by the treatment. The application of these improvements has the potential to enhance the antitumor efficacy of PDT, thereby broadening its potential application in the clinic.

Targeted drug delivery in cervical cancer: Current perspectives

Cervical cancer is preventable yet one of the most prevalent cancers among women around the globe. Though regular screening has resulted in the decline in incidence, the disease claims a high number of lives every year, especially in the developing countries. Owing to rather aggressive and non-specific nature of the conventional chemotherapeutics, there is a growing need for newer treatment modalities. The advent of nanotechnology has assisted in this through the use of nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. A number of nanocarriers are continuously being developed and studied for their application in drug delivery. The present review summarises the different drug delivery approaches and nanocarriers that can be useful, their advantages and limitation.

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) as a promising alternative to current pharmaceuticals for the treatment of resistant microorganisms

Although the whole world is currently observing the global battle against COVID-19, it should not be underestimated that in the next 30 years, approximately 10 million people per year could be exposed to infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria. As new antibiotics come under pressure from unpredictable resistance patterns and relegation to last-line therapy, immediate action is needed to establish a radically different approach to countering resistant microorganisms. Among the most widely explored alternative methods for combating bacterial infections are metal complexes and nanoparticles, often in combination with light, but strategies using monoclonal antibodies and bacteriophages are increasingly gaining acceptance. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) uses light and a dye termed a photosensitizer (PS) in the presence of oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the field of illumination that eventually kill microorganisms. Over the past few years, hundreds of photomaterials have been investigated, seeking ideal strategies based either on single molecules (e.g., tetrapyrroles, metal complexes) or in combination with various delivery systems. The present work describes some of the most recent advances of PDI, focusing on the design of suitable photosensitizers, their formulations, and their potential to inactivate bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Particular attention is focused on the compounds and materials developed in our laboratories that are capable of killing in the exponential growth phase (up to seven logarithmic units) of bacteria without loss of efficacy or resistance, while being completely safe for human cells. Prospectively, PDI using these photomaterials could potentially cure infected wounds and oral infections caused by various multidrug-resistant bacteria. It is also possible to treat the surfaces of medical equipment with the materials described, in order to disinfect them with light, and reduce the risk of nosocomial infections.

Microtumor Models as a Preclinical Investigational Platform for Photodynamic Therapy

Classic preclinical investigations on the mechanisms and effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) are typically performed in two-dimensional cell cultures that have some, albeit limited, relevance to cancer biology. Bioengineered three-dimensional (3D) culture models of cancer are gaining traction in translational oncology as microtumors recapitulate the tumor architectures and cellular heterogeneity more faithfully than conventional 2D cultures. These 3D models bridge a gap between highly relevant but low-throughput in vivo animal models and high-throughput two-dimensional cultures with low clinical relevance, and thus hold promise as preclinical testing platforms in PDT research. Here, we discuss the potential applications of organotypic cancer models for PDT research and provide two well-established methodologies for generating 3D cultures of cancer: a liquid-suspended spheroid model and an adherent microtumor culture model grown on extracellular matrix scaffolds. Particular emphasis is given to harvesting the cultures for the purpose of immunoblotting and flow cytometry.

Titanium and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy: Surface Chemistry and Biological Implications

Currently, cancer is among the most challenging diseases due to its ability to continuously evolve into a more complex muldimentional system, in addition to its high capability to spread to other organs and tissues. In this context, the relevance of nanobiomaterials (NBMs) for the development of new more effective and less harmful treatments is increasing. NBMs provide the possibility of combining several functionalities on a single system, expectedly in a synergic way, to better perform the treatment and cure. However, the control of properties such as colloidal stability, circulation time, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution, assuring the concentration in specific target tissues and organs, while keeping all desired properties, tends to be dependent on subtle changes in surface chemistry. Hence, the behavior of such materials in different media/environments is of uttermost relevance and concern since it can compromise their efficiency and safety on application. Given the bright perspectives, many efforts have been focused on the development of nanomaterials fulfilling the requirements for real application. These include robust and reproducible preparation methods to avoid aggregation while preserving the interaction properties. The possible impact of nanomaterials in different forms of diagnosis and therapy has been demonstrated in the past few years, given the perspectives on how revolutionary they can be in medicine and health. Considering the high biocompatibility and suitability, this review is focused on titanium dioxide– and iron oxide–based nanoagents highlighting the current trends and main advancements in the research for cancer therapies. The effects of phenomena, such as aggregation and agglomeration, the formation of the corona layer, and how they can compromise relevant properties of nanomaterials and their potential applicability, are also addressed. In short, this review summarizes the current understanding and perspectives on such smart nanobiomaterials for diagnostics, treatment, and theranostics of diseases.

Controlled killing of human cervical cancer cells by combined action of blue light and C-doped TiO2 nanoparticles

In this study, C-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (C-TiO2) were prepared and tested as a photosensitizer for visible-light-driven photodynamic therapy against cervical cancer cells (HeLa). X-ray diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy confirmed the anatase form of nanoparticles, spherical shape, and size distribution from 5 to 15 nm. Ultraviolet-visible light spectroscopy showed that C doping of TiO2 enhances the optical absorption in the visible light range caused by a bandgap narrowing. The photo-cytotoxic activity of C-TiO2 was investigated in vitro against HeLa cells. The lack of dark cytotoxicity indicates good biocompatibility of C-TiO2. In contrast, a combination with blue light significantly reduced the survival of HeLa cells: illumination only decreased cell viability by 30% (15 min of illumination, 120 µW power), and 60% when HeLa cells were preincubated with C-TiO2. We have also confirmed blue light-induced C-TiO2-catalyzed generation of reactive oxygen species in vitro and intracellularly. Oxidative stress triggered by C-TiO2/blue light was the leading cause of HeLa cell death. Fluorescent labeling of treated HeLa cells showed distinct morphological changes after the C-TiO2/blue light treatment. Unlike blue light illumination, which caused the appearance of large necrotic cells with deformed nuclei, cytoplasm swelling, and membrane blebbing, a combination of C-TiO2/blue light leads to controlled cell death, thus providing a better outcome of local anticancer therapy.

Nanotechnology-Based Approach to Combat Pandemic COVID 19: A Review

The emergence of a novel Corona virus (COVID 19) originated on December 19 from China. The city of Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province, China, is responsible for an outbreak of respiratory illness known as COVID 19 and it has been rapidly spread across the world claiming millions of lives. The sudden outbreak of novel Coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 or 2019-nCoV), is a big concern for their speedy mitigation using the predictable treatment and creating its approach around the world. Researchers and doctors are in search of rapid diagnosis kit, drugs, and viral-resistant personal protective equipment (PPE) to clinical diagnosis, medication, and prevent the spread of COVID 19. A rational approach with adaptability and broad viewpoint to challenge the growing pain could be overcome by the application of appropriate technology. The nanotechnology-based approach can significantly serve the purpose of the current pandemic situation of COVID 19. But same time implementation of innovative and creative nanotech approach, there is a decisive need for the full knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. Moreover, to defeat COVID 19, particularly nanotech-based system with their viral inhibitory properties to increase the effective nanotech approach is essential. In this scenario, this review aims to summarize the past, present, and future of nanotech-based systems that can be used to treat COVID 19, highlighting Nano-based compounds. Lastly, the potential application of the different category of Inorganic Nanomaterials/Inorganic organic conjugate /hybrid system and their practical applicability as suitable means for inspiring against COVID 19 has also been discussed.

Phthalocyanine-Grafted Titania Nanoparticles for Photodegradation of Ibuprofen

The natural environment is constantly under threat from man-made pollution. More and more pharmaceuticals are recognized as emerging pollutants due to their growing concentration in the environment. One such chemical is ibuprofen which has been detected in processed sewage. The ineffectiveness of water methods treatment currently used raises the need for new remediation techniques, one of such is photodegradation of pollutants. In the present study, zinc(II) and copper(II) phthalocyanines were grafted onto pure anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (5 and 15 nm) to form photocatalysts for photodecomposition of ibuprofen in water. The nanoparticles were subjected to physicochemical characterization, including: thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis and particle size measurements. In addition, they were assessed by means of electron spin resonance spectroscopy to evaluate the free radical generation. The materials were also tested for their photocatalytic activity under either UV (365 nm) or visible light (665 nm) irradiation. After 6 h of irradiation, almost complete removal of ibuprofen under UV light was observed, as assessed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The reaction kinetics calculations revealed that the copper(II) phthalocyanine-containing nanoparticles were acting at a faster rate than those with zinc(II) derivative. The solutions after the photoremediation experiments were subjected to Microtox® acute toxicity analysis.

Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles: Prospects and Applications in Medicine

Metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs), including titanium dioxide NPs, among polymeric NPs, liposomes, micelles, quantum dots, dendrimers, or fullerenes, are becoming more and more important due to their potential use in novel medical therapies. Titanium dioxide (titanium(IV) oxide, titania, TiO₂) is an inorganic compound that owes its recent rise in scientific interest to photoactivity. After the illumination in aqueous media with UV light, TiO₂ produces an array of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The capability to produce ROS and thus induce cell death has found application in the photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of a wide range of maladies, from psoriasis to cancer. Titanium dioxide NPs were studied as photosensitizing agents in the treatment of malignant tumors as well as in photodynamic inactivation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Both TiO₂ NPs themselves, as well as their composites and combinations with other molecules or biomolecules, can be successfully used as photosensitizers in PDT. Moreover, various organic compounds can be grafted on TiO₂ nanoparticles, leading to hybrid materials. These nanostructures can reveal increased light absorption, allowing their further use in targeted therapy in medicine. In order to improve efficient anticancer and antimicrobial therapies, many approaches utilizing titanium dioxide were tested. Results of selected studies presenting the scope of potential uses are discussed in this review.

Partially disordered TiO2 nanotube photonic crystal: randomness characterization and tuning of reflected scattering light

Introducing disorder into a periodic nanostructure can lead to specific optical behaviors. We present a method of anodic oxidation by adjusting the applied voltage and process time to introduce disorder to TiO₂ nanotubes. The surface morphology of TiO₂ was numerically investigated according to the morphologies measured with a scanning electron microscope by imaging processing and a statistical method. TiO₂ nanotubes obtained under different fabrication conditions have various tube radii ranging from 20-40 nm and wall thicknesses ranging from 20-70 nm. We also evaluated the degree of disorder of the tube radius of the TiO₂ nanotubes. The reflected scattering light distributions of laser sources were optically measured at different observing distances, which indicate that the presence of nanotubes enhances the scattering effect, reducing the scattered light intensity by more than 75%, and provide the relationship between the scattering effect and surface morphology of nanotubes. This discovery offers TiO₂ nanotubes important application prospects in optical limiting and light confinement, such as stealth coating.

Zn capped Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoporous arrays as pH sensitive drug delivery systems: a combined experimental and simulation study

pH sensitive nanotube arrays based on Zn capped Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ were reported for the release of vitamin C in an experimental/theoretical study using MD simulations.

Porphyrinoid-based photosensitizers for diagnostic and therapeutic applications: An update

Porphyrin-based molecules are actively studied as dual function theranostics: fluorescence-based imaging for diagnostics and fluorescence-guided therapeutic treatment of cancers. The intrinsic fluorescent and photodynamic properties of the bimodal molecules allows for these theranostic approaches. Several porphyrinoids bearing both hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic units at their periphery have been developed for the aforementioned applications, but better tumor selectivity and high efficacy to destroy tumor cells is always a key setback for their use. Another issue related to their effective clinical use is that, most of these chromophores form aggregates under physiological conditions. Nanomaterials that are known to possess incredible properties that cannot be achieved from their bulk systems can serve as carriers for these chromophores. Porphyrinoids, when conjugated with nanomaterials, can be enabled to perform as multifunctional nanomedicine devices. The integrated properties of these porphyrinoid-nanomaterial conjugated systems make them useful for selective drug delivery, theranostic capabilities, and multimodal bioimaging. This review highlights the use of porphyrins, chlorins, bacteriochlorins, phthalocyanines and naphthalocyanines as well as their multifunctional nanodevices in various biomedical theranostic platforms.

Zinc(II) phthalocyanines as photosensitizers for antitumor photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a highly specific and clinically approved method for cancer treatment in which a nontoxic drug known as photosensitizer (PS) is administered to a patient. After selective tumor irradiation, an almost complete eradication of the tumor can be reached as a consequence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which not only damage tumor cells, but also lead to tumor-associated vasculature occlusion and the induction of an immune response. Despite exhaustive investigation and encouraging results, zinc(II) phthalocyanines (ZnPcs) have not been approved as PSs for clinical use yet. This review presents an overview on the physicochemical properties of ZnPcs and biological results obtained both in vitro and in more complex models, such as 3D cell cultures, chicken chorioallantoic membranes and tumor-bearing mice. Cell death pathways induced after PDT treatment with ZnPcs are discussed in each case. Finally, combined therapeutic strategies including ZnPcs and the currently available clinical trials are mentioned.

Nano-mediated delivery of double-stranded RNA for gene therapy of glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of malignant gliomas, characterized by genetic instability, intratumoral histopathological variability and unpredictable clinical behavior. Disappointing results in the treatment of gliomas with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy have fueled a search for new therapeutic targets and treatment modalities. Here we report new approach towards RNA interference therapy of glioblastoma multiforme based on the magnetic nanoparticles delivery of the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) with homological sequences to mRNA of tenascin-C (TN-C), named ATN-RNA. The obtained nanocomposite consisted of polyethyleneimine (PEI) coated magnetic nanoparticles conjugated to the dsRNA show high efficiency in ATN-RNA delivery, resulting not only in significant TN-C expression level suppressesion, but also impairing the tumor cells migration. Moreover, synthesized nanomaterials show high contrast properties in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and low cytotoxicity combining with lack of induction of interferon response. We believe that the present work is a successful combination of effective, functional, non-immunostimulatory dsRNA delivery system based on magnetic nanoparticles with high potential for further application in GBM therapy.

Synthesis, characterization, and DFT study of novel metallo phtalocyanines with four carboranyl clusters as photosensitisers for the photodynamic therapy of breast cancer cells

The synthesis and characterization of novel Zn(II) and Co(II) phthalocyanines 4 and 5, respectively containing four o-carboranyl units (40 boron atoms, 32.5% boron by weight) at the peripheral positions are described. The phthalocyanines (Pcs) were synthesized by cyclotetramerization of the previously prepared precursor 4‑(2‑thiol‑o‑carboranyl)thiolato‑phthalonitrile 3 with the presence of metal salt in boiling dry DMF under a dry nitrogen atmosphere. They were characterized by elemental analysis, UV-Vis, FT-IR, MALDI-TOF mass and ¹H NMR spectrometry. To elucidate the structural, spectroscopic and bonding properties of the obtained compounds, calculations with DFT/TD-DFT(Density Functional Theory/Time Dependent-Density Functional Theory) were performed. The cytotoxic effects of 4 and 5 on cancer cells and epithelial cells were determined. The targeted cytotoxicities of both compounds against cancer cells were analyzed with the cell viability test. Although, 4 caused less PDT (Photodynamic therapy) based decrease in cell viability of cancer cell line in comparison to 5, it showed comparatively high cytotoxicity against cancer cells but not epithelial cells. The IC₅₀ (half maximal inhibitory concentration) values indicate that 4 with PDT shows 17.3 fold more cytotoxicity to breast cancer cells than epithelial cells. The selectivity in cytotoxicity of 4 makes it a good candidate for cancer treatment. Interestingly, 5 was found to be highly cytotoxic for both cancer and epithelial cell lines. Considerably, 5 might be used as a cancer drug when combined with targeting agents such as antibodies and aptamers.

Bio-compatible fluorescent nano TiO materials prepared from titanium-oxo-cluster precursors

Using a fluorescent dye pre-coordinated titanium-oxo-cluster (TOC) as a molecular precursor, a biocompatible and fluorescent nano TiO material was prepared, which opens the door for most non-water-soluble TOCs for the applications in biosystems.

Exogenous Physical Irradiation on Titania Semiconductors: Materials Chemistry and Tumor-Specific Nanomedicine

Titania semiconductors can be activated by external physical triggers to produce electrons (e-) and holes (h+) pairs from the energy-band structure and subsequently induce the generation of reactive oxygen species for killing cancer cells, but the traditional ultraviolet light with potential phototoxicity and low-tissue-penetrating depth as the irradiation source significantly hinders the further in vivo broad biomedical applications. Here, the very-recent development of novel exogenous physical irradiation of titania semiconductors for tumor-specific therapies based on their unique physiochemical properties, including near infrared (NIR)-triggered photothermal hyperthermia and photodynamic therapy, X-ray/Cerenkov radiation-activated deep-seated photodynamic therapy, ultrasound-triggered sonodynamic therapy, and the intriguing synergistic therapeutic paradigms by combined exogenous physical irradiations are in focus. Most of these promising therapeutic modalities are based on the semiconductor nature of titania nanoplatforms, together with their defect modulation for photothermal hyperthermia. The biocompatibility and biosafety of these titania semiconductors are also highlighted for guaranteeing their further clinical translation. Challenges and future developments of titania-based therapeutic nanoplatforms and the corresponding developed therapeutic modalities for potential clinical translation of tumor-specific therapy are also discussed and outlooked.

Controlled and sustained drug release performance of calcium sulfate cement porous TiO2 microsphere composites

Background

Calcium sulphate cement (CSC) is widely used as an osteoconductive biomaterial in bone repair and regeneration.

Purpose

In this study, porous TiO₂ microspheres were added to CSC to achieve a controlled and sustained drug (gentamicin) release.

Methods

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis were conducted to analyse the morphology, phase composition, and surface area of the TiO₂ micro-spheres and composite cements. In addition, the injection time, compressive strength, degradation behaviour, and antibacterial ability of the composite cements were examined during in vitro degradation. Gentamicin release profile was recorded using an ultraviolet spectrophotometer.

Results

The results revealed the excellent drug loading ability of the TiO₂ microspheres. The addition of TiO₂ microspheres improved the injectability and compressive strength of the composite cements, the maximum value of which was achieved at a TiO₂ loading of 5 wt.%. When immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF), the composite cements doped with TiO₂ microspheres were observed to release gentamicin in a stable and sustained manner, especially in the latter stages of in vitro degradation. During degradation, CSC doped with TiO₂ microspheres exhibited a typical apatite-like behaviour. Further, antibacterial analysis showed that CSC doped with TiO₂ microspheres exhibited long-term antibiotic activity.

Conclusion

Thus, as an effective sustained-release formulation material, TiO₂ microspheres show a great potential for application in bone cements.

Gel with silver and ultrasmall iron oxide nanoparticles produced with Amanita muscaria extract: physicochemical characterization, microstructure analysis and anticancer properties

Combination therapy remains one of the most promising and intensively developed direction in cancer treatment. This study is aimed to combine and investigate the anticancer properties of silver nanoparticles (NPs) and Amanita muscaria mushroom in gel formulation. For this, hyaluronic acid was used as gel-forming agent, whereas Amanita muscaria extract was used as capping agent during silver and ultrasmall iron oxide (MAg) NPs synthesis. Amanita muscaria compounds formed NP's surface layer and contributed anticancer properties, whereas silver NPs contributed anticancer, fluorescence and photoactive properties to the gel. Physicochemical characterization included X-ray diffraction (XRD), microscopies (SEM, cryo-SEM, TEM, confocal fluorescence), spectrofluorometric method, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques, energy dispersive (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopies, zeta-potential and rheological measurements. Microstructure analysis of hyaluronic acid/MAg NPs gel was performed by cryo-SEM technique. We showed that hyaluronic acid is a perfect gel-forming agent from both biomedical and technological points of view. It is well-mixed with MAg NPs forming stable gel formulation; high homogeneity of hyaluronic acid/MAg NPs gel was shown by SEM EDS elemental mapping. Microstructure of the gel was found to be highly ordered and consisted of domains from perforated parallel tubular structures. This finding expanded our understanding of gels and broke the stereotype of gel structure as chaotic network of fibers. Cytotoxicity studies performed on 2D and 3D HeLa cell cultures pointed to a high potential of hyaluronic acid/MAg NPs gel for local treatment of cancer. Cell response was found to be significantly different for 2D and 3D cell cultures that was related to their different cytoarhitecture and gene expression. Thus, the results of the cellular spheroids viability showed that they were significantly more resistant to the cytotoxic action of MAg NPs and their gel formulation than 2D cell culture. Hyaluronic acid used as gelling agent in gel formulation was found to increase an effectiveness of active components (MAg NPs, Amanita muscaria extract) probably improving their transport inside HeLa spheroids.

Recent Advances in Nanoparticle-Based Cancer Drug and Gene Delivery

Effective and safe delivery of anticancer agents is among the major challenges in cancer therapy. The majority of anticancer agents are toxic to normal cells, have poor bioavailability, and lack in vivo stability. Recent advancements in nanotechnology provide safe and efficient drug delivery systems for successful delivery of anticancer agents via nanoparticles. The physicochemical and functional properties of the nanoparticle vary for each of these anticancer agents, including chemotherapeutics, nucleic acid-based therapeutics, small molecule inhibitors, and photodynamic agents. The characteristics of the anticancer agents influence the design and development of nanoparticle carriers. This review focuses on strategies of nanoparticle-based drug delivery for various anticancer agents. Recent advancements in the field are also highlighted, with suitable examples from our own research efforts and from the literature.