Aptamer-functionalized nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy

Aptamers are single stranded DNA (ssDNA) or RNA molecules that can bind a wide range of targets with high affinity and specificity that can rival antibodies. When coupled to drug-loaded nanoparticles, it combines the high specificity of aptamers and the passive targeting effect from nanoparticles, as well as controlled release properties from delicate nanoparticle designs. Remarkable progress has been made in the development of aptamer-functionalized nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, especially for cancer therapy. In the current article, we first reviewed the aptamer generation and modification methods, and the aptamers selected for important targets with implication in cancer therapy. Then we reviewed the recent advances in aptamer-functionalized nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery as well as the aptamer-nanoparticle conjugation chemistry.