Targeted cancer treatment using folic acid-functionalized carbohydrate polymers: A new era in nanomedicine

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field, providing tailored medication delivery methods that improve treatment efficacy and reduce off-target consequences. Folic acid (FA)-functionalized carbohydrate polymers have garnered considerable interest due to their capacity to selectively target folate receptors (FRs), which are overexpressed in several cancer cells. This article examines the effect of FA-functionalized carbohydrate polymers in modifying the tumor microenvironment and improving cancer treatment. These polymers enhance active targeting via receptor-mediated endocytosis, enhancing tumor-specific delivery with reduced off-target effects. Chitosan-based nanoparticles have shown improved cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in FR-positive cancer cells. In contrast, hyaluronic acid-based systems provide locoregional drug delivery with extended exposure and minimized adverse effects. Cellulose and alginate derivatives, functionalized with folic acid, facilitate pH-responsive drug release and enhance tumor targeting. Starch- and dextran-based carriers enhance the chemical stability of encapsulated drugs by preventing premature degradation and improve physical stability by maintaining structural integrity during circulation, thereby facilitating targeted distribution. The study emphasizes current progress in FA-functionalized nanocarriers, their operational processes, and their potential to surmount multidrug resistance. Leveraging FA-targeted carbohydrate carriers for precise drug delivery, these nanocarriers provide significant potential for advancing more effective and less invasive cancer treatments. Future investigations should concentrate on refining these systems for practical use, tackling tumor heterogeneity, and guaranteeing biocompatibility. • Folic acid-linked carbohydrate nanocarriers enable tumor targeting via folate receptors. • Chitosan-based nanocarriers exhibit ∼80 % uptake and over 60 % tumor reduction in vivo. • Hyaluronic acid, cellulose, alginate, starch, and dextran enable redox-triggered delivery. • Dual-targeting platforms integrate folate recognition with stimuli-triggered drug release. • Comparative evaluation guides polymer choice by receptor expression and drug profile.