Targeted theranostics against solid cancer using metal bond milk protein and aptamers

Targeted therapeutics is a new generation therapy that can increase the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs, by facilitating site-specific delivery with minimum off-target effects. Amongst the targeted therapy, nucleic-acid based aptamers are increasingly gaining interest due to their small size, long shelf-life and ease in synthesis. Further, lactoferrin, a milk protein belonging to the transferrin family is now an established multi-functional iron-binding protein. Its applicability as an immunomodulator, antimicrobial and an anti-cancer agent has made this protein highly valuable. Recent research has been focusing towards increasing the efficacy of lactoferrin by encapsulating them in novel nanoparticles, that facilities in providing their controlled and sustained release. This review focuses on the application of aptamers against solid tumors, specifically colorectal cancer (CRC) indicating the different anti-cancer targeted strategies to target anti-angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor -A (VEGF-A) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling. Additionally, it highlights the synergistic approach of functionalising aptamers with drug loaded nanoparticles to facilitate enhanced uptake, stability and increase in the retention time. Special emphasis is given on lactoferrin loaded aptamer functionalised nanoparticles as anticancer drug delivery systems. Apart from highlighting the role of these aptamernanocarriers in tumor specific targeting and induction of apoptosis, there applicability in nanotheranostics, involving detection, diagnosis and treatment is also discussed here.