Microfluidics-Based Polymeric Micro/Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery in Liver Cancer Treatment: Recent Advances, Outlooks, and Progress Publisher Pubmed



Varkiani ME ; Tavaf MJ ; Ebrahimiverkiani A ; Naghib SM
Source: Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Published:2025

Abstract

Microfluidics-based polymers are transforming drug delivery systems for liver cancer treatment as they enable precise synthesis of nano- and microparticles suitable for targeted therapy. The manufacture of programmable nanoparticles and tunable sizes is made possible by microfluidic platforms, which are essential for improving the effectiveness of medication administration. A wide range of therapeutic chemicals, including hydrophobic medications like doxorubicin, can be encapsulated in these systems to target liver cancers while reducing systemic toxicity effectively. It has also been demonstrated that combining natural hydrogels and droplet microfluidics can create multicellular tumor spheroids that resemble the tumor microenvironment more closely. This methodology improves screening and drug efficacy research and offers a strong foundation for assessing treatment outcomes. This research also explores novel uses of microfluidic technologies to develop intelligent drug delivery devices that respond to particular stimuli and release medication at the tumor site. It also investigated how artificial cell assemblies made with microfluidics can open new possibilities for individualized cancer treatment. To sum up, microfluidic-based polymers offer advanced tools for developing tailored and efficient drug delivery systems that can enhance patient outcomes, and represent a significant advancement in the treatment of liver cancer. The review paper discusses challenges in liver cancer treatment, including high drug clearance rates, low concentrations, and multidrug resistance. It suggests microfluidic technology can improve drug delivery systems by creating controlled particles and responding to tumor conditions. This could revolutionize liver cancer therapies, enabling better drug testing and treatment prediction, as well as designing tailored therapies. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.