Starch Nanoparticles for Targeted Breast Cancer Therapy: Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide, necessitating the development of safer and more effective treatment modalities. Starch nanoparticles have emerged as a promising class of natural, biodegradable, and biocompatible carriers for targeted drug delivery in breast cancer therapy. This review explores the structural versatility of starch as a nanomaterial, detailing its synthesis via techniques such as acid hydrolysis, nanoprecipitation, and ultrasonication. Emphasis is placed on Starch nanoparticles physicochemical properties, functionalization strategies such as ligand conjugation, PEGylation, and stimuli‐responsive coatings and their role in enhancing tumor specificity while minimizing systemic toxicity. Starch nanoparticles demonstrate potent capabilities in encapsulating chemotherapeutics, genes, and immunomodulators, allowing co‐delivery systems to address multidrug resistance and tumor heterogeneity. Preclinical studies have shown enhanced cellular uptake, controlled drug release, and significant tumor suppression with minimal off‐target effects. However, translational challenges persist, including physicochemical instability, scale‐up limitations, and regulatory barriers. Future prospects highlight smart Starch nanoparticles, AI‐integrated imaging systems, and personalized nanomedicine as transformative directions. Starch nanoparticles offer a multifaceted approach to revolutionize breast cancer therapeutics through precision‐targeted delivery and reduced toxicity, bridging the gap between bench research and clinical application.