The Role of hyaluronic acid in the design and functionalization of nanoparticles for the treatment of colorectal cancer

Hyaluronic acid (HA) nanoparticles (NPs) can effectively target CRC cells by attaching to hyaluronan-mediated motility (RHAMM) receptors and cluster-determinant-44 (CD44), combined with coherent biological properties of mucoadhesion. HA-based NPs induced greater apoptosis compared to the free drug in every concentration used, reaffirming their superior therapeutic potential [1]. Animals treated with the NPs have also reduced tumor size significantly with reduced damage in important organs and less unfavorable effects [1].

Targeted Biodegradable Near-Infrared Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Colorectal Cancer Imaging

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)- fluorescent silica nanoparticles (FSNs) (CEA-FSNs) have shown potential for early CRC diagnosis as a molecular imaging marker. CEA-FSNs have shown to be more attached to HT29 cells compared to HCT116 cells (CEA negative) (Chung, 2014) [2], have a greater signal in CEA-positive tumors in xenografted mice with a two-fold difference [2], and target polyps in the intestine in F344-PIRC rats [3] while playing as a potential marker. Overall, CEA-FSNs can specifically target CEA-expressing tissue with very strong precision.

1. Wang, K., & Zhang, T. (2016). Prognostic significance of CD168 overexpression in colorectal cancer. Oncol Lett, 12(4), 2555-2559. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2016.4974

2. Chung, S.-J. (2014, April 4). Targeted Biodegradable Near-Infrared Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Colorectal Cancer Imaging. ACS Publications. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsabm.4c00072#:~:text=Detection%20of%20CRC%20using%2 0fluorescent,e.g.%2C%20QDs%2C%20metal%20clusters%2C

3. Amersi, F. (2005). Colorectal Cancer: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Health Services. Thieme. https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-2005-916274

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