Efficient Drug Research Articles

Biocompatible protein-based self-assembled nanocomposite as efficient drug nanocarrier and antibacterial agent

To fulfill diverse application-specific purposes, functional nanoparticles encapsulated into protein-based self-assemblies show promising advantages includes easy preparation, high biocompatibility and multiple properties. In this study, the model protein of BSA used for multi-component self-assembly, including hydrophobic Fe3O4 nanoparticles, nano-ZnO and curcumin, was constructed through hydrophobic interactions. The obtained composites of BSA-Fe3O4&ZnO and BSA-Fe3O4&ZnO&curcumin self-assemblies were tested for antibacterial and drug delivery, respectively. It was found that the multicomponents loaded into protein assembly confer a simple yet robust synthetic method resulting in the produced nanocomposites with high stability and desirable biocompatibility. Notably, the protein self-assemblies successfully increased the antibacterial efficacy of hydrophobic ZnO nanoparticles, and promote the intracellular delivery of poorly soluble curcumin to exert significant killing effects against cancer cells. Therefore, the constructed multi-component contained protein self-assembly that enables hydrophobic interactions of compositional nanoparticles holds promising potentials for the versatile uses in biomedical aspects.

A DFT study of eugenol adsorption onto pure and Si-doped Al12N12 and B12N12 fullerene-like nanocages

Density functional theory (DFT) methods have been employed in this work to study the adsorption behavior of eugenol (Eug) on the external surface of pure and Si-doped Al12N12 and B12N12 fullerene-like nanocages. All calculations were performed using the M062X-D3 functional combined with the 6-311 + G(d,p) basic sets. In order to probe the reliability of the DFT method, three other functionals (B3LYP-D3, CB3LYP-D3 and WB97XD) were employed and no significant difference was observed in the adsorption energy values of the most stable configurations (AEII and BEII). Also, the complexes are found to be stable in standard conditions in gas and aqueous phases, and the adsorption process is found to be exothermic and spontaneous. Interestingly, Si-doped nanomaterials (Si-AEII and Si-BEII) form the most stable adsorbent-adsorate molecular states (Eads = −90.07 and −61.42 kcal/mol respectively) in gas phase. Furthermore, Si-AEII and Si-BEII complexes exhibit the highest reactivity, characterized by the lowest values of the HOMO-LUMO energy gap (5.50 and 7.07 eV respectively). MEP map of the studied systems showed electron rich and electron deficient sites. Natural bond orbital analyses revealed that the interaction of Al12N12 with Eug is mainly due to the strong electron delocalization LP(2)O10 → LP*(2)Al47 (E(2) = 34 kcal/mol), whereas in Eug-B12N12 complex, it is mainly due to the electron delocalization LP(2)O10 → P*(4)B36 (E(2) = 96.53 kcal/mol). The QTAIM analysis revealed that Si–O and Al–C/B–C bonds linking eugenol to doped cages are attractive weak interactions and their nature have been confirmed via RDG/NCI analyses. Indeed, the present study revealed the suitability of Si-doped Al12N12 and B12N12 fullerene-like nanocages for the efficient drug delivery of eugenol.

Physicochemical analysis of chitosan oligosaccharide revealed its usefulness in effective delivery of drugs

Chitosan oligosaccharides are biopolymers with a wide range of potential applications in various fields. This biopolymer is diverse and promising, and current research is investigating its capabilities for improved drug delivery. As chitosan oligosaccharide has the potential to be used as a drug delivery option, the purpose of this study was to examine its physicochemical characteristics and its potential for drug delivery. In this study, the pharmacokinetic properties of chitosan oligosaccharide were studied through Insilco investigation, which revealed that it is an extremely soluble and effective drug delivery candidate because it does not inhibit CYP isoenzymes and has a log Kp of −12.10 cm/s. It belongs to toxicity class 6 for acute oral toxicity, with an average similarity of 87.5% and a prediction accuracy of 70.97%. Additionally, XRD peak analysis revealed that the material was amorphous, as the peak appeared at 2θ = 24.62°, indicating the absence of well-defined crystalline areas. This characteristic makes the material more suitable for customization in many applications such as drug delivery and tissue engineering. FTIR, SEM, and TGA analysis were performed to gain a better understanding. These findings also emphasize the distinctive qualities and benefits of the oligosaccharides in this domain. Application of chitosan oligosaccharides in the development of efficient drug delivery systems. In the future, it would be more effective, targeted, and safe, with potent therapeutic efficacy for drug delivery.

Improving oral delivery of ciprofloxacin through in situ spray drying and acid counterions

This study explores the application of a novel three-fluid nozzle spray drying technique in formulating in situ ciprofloxacin (CFX) salts for improved oral drug delivery. The used key materials in the study include CFX combined with four different counterions: succinic acid (SA), glutaric acid (GA), adipic acid (AA), and pimelic acid (PA), alongside hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as a matrix agent. The process utilized a three-fluid nozzle spray drying technique to produce CFX salts directly with these acids during the process, creating three types of formulations: pure salts (SALT), solutions of drug and polymer (SOL), and nanoprecipitates of drug within a polymer matrix (SUS). Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed that the formulations predominantly exhibited an amorphous structure with varied particle shapes and sizes. The dissolution profiles of CFX salts show a marked burst release within the initial 5 min, with CFX-GA leading at nearly double the release rate of CFX-AA, after which all formulations rapidly achieve over 90 % dissolution and maintain a stable release up to 30 min. This pattern was attributed to the interactions between the drug salts and HPMC, resulting in a sustained release of CFX. In vivo experiments with rabbits revealed a higher plasma concentration of CFX for CGAH-sus compared to CGAH-sol, highlighting the enhanced bioavailability of the SUS formulation. The amorphous nature of CGAH-sus, with ionization confirmed through Raman spectroscopy, facilitated efficient drug release and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. This study illustrates the effectiveness of the three-fluid nozzle spray drying method in producing salts with varied physical properties and dissolution profiles, holding potential for advanced oral drug delivery systems.

Controlled release in sodium alendronate/halloysite/hydroxyapatite/gelatin nanocomposite scaffolds: A new insight into bone tissue engineering

The use of smart scaffolds with drug release capabilities is now widely recognized as a key approach in designing hard tissue substitutes. In this study, alendronate sodium (AL) was bound to halloysite nanotube (HNT) sheets through ionic and π-π interactions. Hydroxyapatite (HA) powder was synthesized using the co-precipitation method, and the drug/carrier complex was subsequently incorporated into a hydroxyapatite/gelatin (GEL) matrix. Composite scaffolds of GEL/HA/HNT/AL were then created using a freeze-drying technique. Different concentrations of HNT (0.5 %, 1 %, and 2 %) were tested to determine the optimal formulation. The scaffolds were subjected to extensive physical, chemical, and mechanical evaluations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), compressive stress tests, and measurements of density and porosity. The release profile of alendronate sodium, scaffold swelling behavior in water, bioactivity, and in vitro performance were thoroughly assessed. Cell viability was tested using the MTT assay, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and cell adhesion studies were performed to evaluate osteogenic potential. The results revealed that the GEL/HA/1 % HNT/AL nanocomposite scaffold exhibited excellent properties, including efficient drug release, optimal swelling rates, and enhanced bioactivity. The MTT assay confirmed high cell viability, and both ALP activity and cell adhesion studies indicated strong potential for bone cell differentiation and repair. Thus, the GEL/HA/1 % HNT/AL nanocomposite scaffold is a highly promising platform for bone tissue engineering.

Unlocking the potential of beta-glucans: a comprehensive review from synthesis to drug delivery carrier potency.

Modernization and lifestyle changes have resulted in a number of diseases, including cancer, that require complicated and thorough treatments. One of the most important therapies is the administration of antibiotics and medicines. This is known as chemotherapy for cancer, and it is a regularly utilised treatment plan in which the medications used have negative side effects. This has resulted in extensive research on materials capable of delivering pharmaceuticals to particular targets over an extended period of time. Biopolymers have often been preferred as effective drug delivery carriers. Of these, β-glucan, a natural polysaccharide, has not been extensively studied as a drug delivery carrier, despite its unique properties. This review discusses the sources, extraction techniques, structures, and characteristics of β-glucan to provide an overview. Furthermore, the different methods employed to encapsulate drugs into β-glucan and its role as an efficient drug, SiRNA and Plasmid DNA carrier have been elaborated in this article. The capacity of β-glucan-based to specifically target and alter tumour-associated macrophages, inducing an immune response ultimately resulting in tumour suppression has been elaborated. Finally, this study aims to stimulate further research on β-glucan by thoroughly describing its many characteristics and demonstrating its effectiveness as a drug delivery vehicle.

(Invited) Tuning Chirality of Graphene Quantum Dots to Empower Medical Imaging and Theranostic Applications

Chiral nanostructures from metals and semiconductor, including graphene-based materials, are increasingly recognized for their potential in polarization-sensitive optoelectronics. Particularly, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) modified with L/D amino acids exhibit unique chiral properties due to edge-specific interactions, offering new possibilities in biomedicine. Our study delves into the interaction of these chiral nanomaterials with biological systems, revealing significant implications for their application in biology and medicine. We discovered that attaching L/D amino acid moieties to GQDs induces nanoscale chirality by helical buckling, influenced by the chiral interactions at the graphene edges. The chirality of GQDs affects their interaction at the nanoscale with cells and tissues. Molecular dynamics simulations show that D-GQDs are more likely to accumulate within cellular membranes compared to L-GQDs. Additionally, experiments on chiral GQD permeation through lipid membranes of extracellular vesicles demonstrated that optimizing chirality via ligand tuning and GQD size can significantly enhance their permeation efficiency into lipid bilayers, exceeding 80%. Leveraging this enhanced transmembrane transport, chiral GQDs have been applied in imaging and efficient drug loading for therapeutic extracellular vesicles. Furthermore, we explored how GQD chirality affects transport in tumor-like cellular spheroids. The results indicate that L-GQDs exhibit a 1.7 times higher apparent diffusion coefficient than D-GQDs, enhancing their transport into these spheroids. In summary, our research underscores the importance of controlling and engineering GQD chirality. This approach not only enhances the transport of drug carriers through biological barriers but also opens new avenues for advanced imaging and theranostic applications.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of multitarget hybrid molecules containing NHC-Au(I) complexes and carbazole moieties

N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) represent suitable ligands for rapid and efficient drug design, because they offer the advantage of being easily chemically modified and can bind several substituents, including transition metals as, for instance, gold derivatives. Gold-NHC complexes possess various biological activities and were demonstrated good candidates as anticancer drugs. Besides, carbazole derivatives are characterized by various pharmacological properties, such as anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-psychotropic. Amongst the latter, N-thioalkyl carbazoles were proved to inhibit cancer cells damaging the nuclear DNA, through the inhibition of human topoisomerases. Herein, we report the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of nine new hybrid molecules in which NHC-Au(I) complexes and N-alkylthiolated carbazoles are linked together, in order to obtain novel biological multitarget agents. We demonstrated that the lead hybrid complexes possess anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, with a high potential as useful tools for treating distinct aspects of several diseases, amongst them cancer.

A perspective on bleb and empty LNP structures

Although lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been FDA-approved for mRNA delivery, there is still much to learn about these fascinating multi-component delivery systems. Here, I discuss the presence of “bleb” structures on LNPs and the co-existence of mRNA-empty LNPs in LNP-mRNA-based formulations. Specifically, I discuss key articles on these structural and compositional heterogeneities, whether these features present negative or positive LNP attributes, and how to deal with them in research and quality control settings. Additionally, I present current approaches and propose novel strategies on how to study and quantify bleb and empty LNP structures. With the conflicting views on these features in the literature and limited systematic studies on their impact on safety and efficacy, I hope this Perspective will support current and bring forward new thinking about these matters. I anticipate that novel studies and insights could emerge from these lines of thinking, which could potentially enhance the development of safe and efficient LNP-based drug products that will either embrace, leverage, or mitigate the presence of blebs and empty LNPs.

An Interpretable Machine Learning Strategy for Antimalarial Drug Discovery with LightGBM and SHAP

Malaria continues to pose a significant global health threat, and the emergence of drug-resistant malaria exacerbates the challenge, underscoring the urgent need for new antimalarial drugs. While several machine learning algorithms have been applied to quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling for antimalarial compounds, there remains a need for more interpretable models that can provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of drug action, facilitating the rational design of new compounds. This study develops a QSAR model using Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM). The model is integrated with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to enhance interpretability. The LightGBM model demonstrated superior performance in predicting antimalarial activity, with an ac-curacy of 86%, precision of 85%, sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 89%, and an F1-score of 83%. SHAP analysis identified key molecular descriptors such as maxdO and GATS2m as significant contributors to antimalarial activity. The integration of LightGBM with SHAP not only enhances the predictive ac-curacy of the QSAR model but also provides valuable insights into the importance of features, aiding in the rational design of new antimalarial drugs. This approach bridges the gap between model accuracy and interpretability, offering a robust framework for efficient and effective drug discovery against drug-resistant malaria strains.

Biomembrane-Modified Biomimetic Nanodrug Delivery Systems: Frontier Platforms for Cardiovascular Disease Treatment.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Despite significant advances in current drug therapies, issues such as poor drug targeting and severe side effects persist. In recent years, nanomedicine has been extensively applied in the research and treatment of CVDs. Among these, biomembrane-modified biomimetic nanodrug delivery systems (BNDSs) have emerged as a research focus due to their unique biocompatibility and efficient drug delivery capabilities. By modifying with biological membranes, BNDSs can effectively reduce recognition and clearance by the immune system, enhance biocompatibility and circulation time in vivo, and improve drug targeting. This review first provides an overview of the classification and pathological mechanisms of CVDs, then systematically summarizes the research progress of BNDSs in the treatment of CVDs, discussing their design principles, functional characteristics, and clinical application potential. Finally, it highlights the issues and challenges faced in the clinical translation of BNDSs.

Vancomycin-Conjugated Polyethyleneimine-Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles Attenuate Germination and Show Potent Antifungal Activity against Aspergillus spp.

Antifungal drug resistance in filamentous fungi, particularly Aspergillus species, is increasing worldwide. Therefore, new antifungal drugs or combinations of drugs are urgently required to overcome this public health situation. In the present study, we examined the antifungal activity of vancomycin-functionalized AuNPs. These functionalized AuNPs were characterized, and their antifungal activity and associated killing mechanism were investigated using conventional methodologies against the conidia of A. fumigatus and A. flavus. The differential antifungal activity of vancomycin-functionalized Au-NPs against the conidia of Aspergillus species is dependent on structural differences in the conidial cell wall. The results demonstrated potent fungicidal activity against A. fumigatus, with a MIC value of 4.68 µg/mL, 93% germination inhibition, and 38.4% killing rate within 8 h of exposure. However, the activity against A. flavus was fungistatic; a MIC value of 18.7 µg/mL and 35% conidial germination inhibition, followed by 28.4% killing rate, were noted under similar conditions. Furthermore, endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was 37.4 and 23.1% in conidial populations of A. fumigatus and A. flavus, respectively. Raman spectroscopy analysis confirmed the possible (but not confirmed) binding of functionalized AuNPs with the chitin and galactomannan components of the cell wall. A potential strategy that involves the exploration of antibacterial drugs using AuNPs as efficient drug carriers may also be appropriate for countering emerging drug resistance in filamentous fungi.

Design, synthesis and biological activity of α-nitrile substituted guaiazulene-based chalcone derivatives

In present study, seventeen α-nitrile substituted guaiazulene-based chalcone derivatives including twelve new were designed, synthesized, and assayed for antiviral, cytotoxicity and signal pathway activities. All derivatives showed potential antiviral activity towards influenza virus or herpes simplex virus (HSV), 7 g with the substitution of nitro group showed strong effects towards H1N1 virus at 30 μM with inhibitory rate of 66.0%, 7o with thiophene exhibited potent anti HSV-1 activities with inhibitory rate of 65.8%. Moreover, several compounds exhibited inhibitory effects on tumor cells and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF1) signaling pathways. These results showed that α-nitrile substituted guaiazulene-based chalcones offered a promising framework for the further development of new highly efficient drugs.

Green Synthesis of Smart Hydrogels via Radiation Crosslinking of Sodium Alginate and Citric Acid for pH-Sensitive Doxycycline Hyclate Release

Doxycycline hyclate (DH) is a second-generation tetracycline antibiotic with lower toxicity than its predecessors, used for bacterial infections and topically for mucosal and diabetic ulcers. Healthy skin's pH is mildly acidic (4.0-6.0), regulating bacterial flora and preventing infections. Wounds disrupt this pH, revealing the tissue's neutral pH of 7.4, necessitating pH-sensitive controlled drug release for effective chronic wound treatment. This study explores polysaccharide-based hydrogels synthesized by crosslinking sodium alginate/citric acid (NaAlg/CA) solutions using gamma radiation with varying citric acid concentrations for pH-sensitive DH release. The citric acid-modified polysaccharide hydrogels were created using a green method, free of additional chemicals. Citric acid significantly influenced swelling, critical for drug loading and release, with the highest swelling capacity (3500% mass) observed at a 5:1 NaAlg/CA ratio. Hydrogels were tested for pH-dependent swelling and DH drug release profiles at pH 5.5, 7.4, and 9.0. The results indicate that at pH 7.4, which replicates the pH of chronic wounds, the release of DH showed a prolonged profile up to 40 hours, distinct from the results at pH 5.5 and 9.0. These results highlight the capabilities of NaAlg/CA hydrogels created through gamma radiation, combining the biocompatibility and low toxicity of sodium alginate/citric acid, for efficient and sustainable drug delivery, especially valuable in acute wound care where pH-specific therapeutic effectiveness is essential.

PH-responsive IPN beads of carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as a controlled release carrier for ibuprofen

The convergence of polymer and pharmaceutical sciences has advanced drug delivery systems significantly. Carbohydrate polymers, especially carboxymethylated ones, offer versatile benefits for pharmaceuticals. Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) combine synthetic and natural polymers to enhance drug delivery. The study aims to develop IPN beads using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC) and carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan (CMKGM) for controlled release of ibuprofen (IB) after oral administration. Objectives include formulation optimization, characterization of physicochemical properties, evaluation of pH-dependent swelling and drug release behaviors to advance biocompatible and efficient oral drug delivery systems. The beads were analyzed using SEM, FTIR, DSC, and XRD techniques. Different ratio of polymers (CMKGM:SCMS) and crosslinker concentrations (2&4 %w/v) were used, significantly impacting bead size, swelling, drug encapsulation, and release characteristics. DSC results indicated higher thermal stability in IPN beads compared to native polymers. XRD revealed IB dispersion within the polymer matrix. IPN beads size ranged from 580 ± 0.56 to 324 ± 0.27 μm, with a nearly spherical shape. IPN beads exhibited continuous release in alkaline conditions (pH 7.4) and minimal release in acidic media (pH 1.2). These findings suggest that the formulated IPN beads can modulate drug release in both acidic and alkaline environments, potentially mitigating the gastric adverse effects often associated with oral administration of IB.

Biomimetic nanoparticle-driven strategies for targeted drug delivery in glioblastoma

AbstractGlioblastoma (GBM), the most prevalent primary brain tumor in adults, remains highly challenging due to its invasive nature, limited treatment effectiveness, and short median survival durations. Standard of care includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and tumor treating fields; however, there has been little improvement in survival rates. Biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs), coated with cell membranes and endogenous components, have immense potential for improving chemotherapy in GBM, by imitating cellular architecture and eluding immune clearance. With more individualized and efficient drug delivery, immunotherapeutic approaches and biomimetic NPs may increase patient survival rates. This article summarizes the main research on biomimetic NPs for GBM therapy, focusing on the classification, mechanisms, advantages, and challenges, along with the advancements in the development of GBM vaccines.

Mini-colons predict drug toxicity in vitro

Mitrofanova etal.1 engineer a human colonic invitro model capable of producing an intestinal mucus barrier, with potential applications for predicting drug-induced gastrointestinal toxicity. This improved system paves the way for more accurate and efficient drug development processes.

Optimizing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based stretchable microneedle arrays by vat photopolymerization for efficient drug loading

Advancements in vat photopolymerization printing technology have enabled the fabrication of components with varying mechanical properties within a single print job. Using a digital light projector to cure photopolymer resins layer by layer, it allows the fabrication of parts with both flexibility and rigidity, in different regions. It simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for multiple steps. Specifically, for applications such as microneedles, printing onto a stretchable substrate is crucial compared to a rigid substrate, as it conforms better to the contours of the skin, ensuring more effective and comfortable drug delivery. However, a notable limitation of vat photopolymerization printing is the current lack of biocompatible materials, which restricts its application for microneedle fabrication. The challenge lies in developing materials that meet biocompatibility standards, while also being compatible with the printing technique and capable to achieve precise microscale structures. Therefore, we have developed an ultraviolet (UV)-curable polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) suitable for the vat photopolymerization printing and the microneedles were designed to have a hollow side structure, enhancing drug loading efficiency. Comprehensive testing has been conducted, including durability test, drug loading efficiency, and skin penetration capability.

DeepB3P: A transformer-based model for identifying blood-brain barrier penetrating peptides with data augmentation using feedback GAN

IntroductionThe blood–brain barrier (BBB) serves as a critical structural barrier and impedes the entry of most neurotherapeutic drugs into the brain. This poses substantial challenges for central nervous system (CNS) drug development, as there is a lack of efficient drug delivery technologies to overcome this obstacle. BBB penetrating peptides (BBBPs) hold promise in overcoming the BBB and facilitating the delivery of drug molecules to the brain. Therefore, precise identification of BBBPs has become a crucial step in CNS drug development. However, most computational methods are designed based on conventional models that inadequately capture the intricate interaction between BBBPs and the BBB. Moreover, the performance of these methods was further hampered by unbalanced datasets. ObjectivesThis study addresses the problem of unbalanced datasets in BBBP prediction and proposes a powerful predictor for efficiently and accurately identifying BBBPs, as well as generating analogous BBBPs. MethodsA transformer-based deep learning model, DeepB3P, was proposed for predicting BBBP. The feedback generative adversarial network (FBGAN) model was employed to effectively generate analogous BBBPs, addressing data imbalance. ResultsThe FBGAN model possesses the ability to generate novel BBBP-like peptides, effectively mitigating the data imbalance in BBBP prediction. Extensive experiments on benchmarking datasets demonstrated that DeepB3P outperforms other BBBP prediction models by approximately 9.09%, 4.55% and 9.41% in terms of specificity, accuracy, and Matthew’s correlation coefficient, respectively. For accelerating the progress in BBBP identification and CNS drug design, the proposed DeepB3P was implemented as a webserver, which is accessible at http://cbcb.cdutcm.edu.cn/deepb3p/. ConclusionThe interpretable analyses provided by DeepB3P offer valuable insights and enhance downstream analyses for BBBP identification. Moreover, the BBBP-like peptides generated by FBGAN hold potential as candidates for CNS drug development.

Harnessing and Mimicking Bacterial Features to Combat Cancer: From Living Entities to Artificial Mimicking Systems.

Bacterial-derived micro-/nanomedicine has garnered considerable attention in anticancer therapy, owing to the unique natural features of bacteria, including specific targeting ability, immunogenic benefits, physicochemical modifiability, and biotechnological editability. Besides, bacterial components have also been explored as promising drug delivery vehicles. Harnessing these bacterial features, cutting-edge physicochemical and biotechnologies have been applied to attenuated tumor-targeting bacteria with unique properties or functions for potent and effective cancer treatment, including strategies of gene-editing and genetic circuits. Further, the advent of bacteria-inspired micro-/nanorobots and mimicking artificial systems has furnished fresh perspectives for formulating strategies for developing highly efficient drug delivery systems. Focusing on the unique natural features and advantages of bacteria, this review delves into advances in bacteria-derived drug delivery systems for anticancer treatment in recent years, which has experienced a process from living entities to artificial mimicking systems. Meanwhile, a summary of relative clinical trials is provided and primary challenges impeding their clinical application are discussed. Furthermore, future directions are suggested for bacteria-derived systems to combat cancer.