Innovative applications of electrospun nanofibers in cancer research

Abstract

Cancer, a leading cause of global mortality, has ignited substantial interest in the advancement of chemotherapy drugs. Nonetheless, challenges such as limited blood circulation time, drug instability, and severe side effects have curtailed the effectiveness of conventional treatments. In recent times, the groundbreaking electrospinning technique has ushered in the era of nanofibers imbued with a diverse array of chemotherapeutic agents. This innovation harnesses the potential of natural, synthetic polymers, and composite materials. The resulting nanofibers exhibit a customizable interplay of mechanical, physical, and chemical attributes, thereby facilitating controlled drug release and targeted drug delivery. This, in turn, augments the therapeutic efficacy. This article undertakes a comprehensive journey through the recent strides achieved in the domain of cancer therapy, specifically concerning the utilisation of electrospinning. It delves into a myriad of electrospinning techniques, delving into the materials employed in the creation of nanofibers and the multifaceted properties they exhibit. Furthermore, this review encompasses an expansive exploration of the manifold applications of these nanofibers as potent drug delivery systems within the realm of cancer therapy. These applications span a wide spectrum, ranging from localized chemotherapy to the integration of multiple anticancer drugs, facilitating combinatorial therapies. Additionally, these nanofibers play an instrumental role in cancer cell detection, capture, and isolation, as well as the nuanced manipulation of cancer cell behavior. Furthermore, they are instrumental in constructing intricate cancer models, enabling in-depth studies of metastasis.