Nanocellulose as a Multifunctional Platform for Targeted Cancer Therapy and Molecular Imaging

Abstract

The recent development of nanocellulose as a biomaterial platform to treat cancer is based on the excellent physicochemical characteristics, biocompatibility, and the ability to functionalize it in diverse ways. This review examines the current state of nanocellulose-based systems in oncological applications, focusing on three major areas: drug delivery, photothermal therapy, and theranostic approaches. Cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils, and bacterial nanocellulose are nanocellulose materials with high surface area, tunable surface chemistry, and biodegradability and therefore are excellent targets in targeted cancer therapeutics. We address the latest developments in strategies of nanocellulose modification, loading mechanisms for anticancer agents, and their efficacy in preclinical trials. Moreover, we emphasize the combination of nanocellulose with photothermal agents and image modalities to apply in therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Current challenges and future perspectives for clinical translation are discussed as well.