Colloidal Chitosan-Integrated Functional Nanoparticles for Combination Cancer Therapy: Synergistic Strategies in Oncology Via Step-Delivery of Genes/Proteins and Small Drugs Publisher



Khorasani MA ; Naghib SM ; Takdehghan G ; Jafari T
Source: Colloids and Interface Science Communications Published:2026

Abstract

Colloidal chitosan-integrated functional nanoparticles (CCIFN)-based multi-delivery carriers have considered as effective materials and biostructures for targeted drug delivery that offer improved therapeutic outcomes, controlled release mechanisms and reduced systemic toxicity. These nano-based carriers exhibit remarkable properties like biocompatibility, biodegradability, mucoadhesion ability and tunable surface chemistry that make them highly adjustable for various biomedical applications. By applying functional nanoparticles, micelles, hydrogels and composite structures, multimodal CCIFNs assist the step-delivery of multiple therapeutic agents that enhance drug bioavailability and site-specific targeting while they can minimize off-target effects. In spite of the advantages these nanoplatforms, several challenges hinder the clinical translation of multimodal CCIFN-based drug delivery systems including solubility limitations, molecular weight (MW) variability and large-scale production difficulties. More research works is required to refine their physicochemical properties, to optimize manufacturing processes and to address regulatory concerns for broader clinical adoption. Affirmation of these systems in precision medicine is being boosted by developments in stimuli-responsive formulations, chemical alterations and nanotechnology-based methodologies. Effectiveness and selectivity of CCIFN-based carriers are further enriched by the incorporation of functionalized bioactive compounds, ligands and externally driven release mechanisms. © 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/