Aptamer-conjugated nanomaterials for specific cancer cell recognition and targeted cancer therapy

Based on their unique advantages, increasing interest has been shown in the use of aptamers as target ligands for specific cancer cell recognition and targeted cancer therapy. Recently, the development of aptamer-conjugated nanomaterials has offered new therapeutic opportunities for cancer treatment with better efficacy and lower toxicity. We highlight some of the promising classes of aptamer-conjugated nanomaterials for the specific recognition of cancer cells and targeted cancer therapy. Recent developments in the use of novel strategies that enable sensitive and selective cancer cell recognition are introduced. In addition to targeted drug delivery for chemotherapy, we also review how aptamer-conjugated nanomaterials are being incorporated into emerging technologies with significant improvement in efficiency and selectivity in cancer treatment. New methods of integrating aptamers with various types of nanomaterials are summarized, highlighting promising classes of aptamer-conjugated nanoparticles for efficient cancer cell recognition and the targeted delivery of drugs. In addition, emerging technologies for cancer treatment using nanomaterials as therapeutic drugs are discussed. These aptamer-conjugated nanomaterials will benefit cancer treatment through increased specificity and efficacy as well as reduced toxicity. A major challenge in cancer therapy is the selective targeting of cancerous cells to enhance treatment efficiency and reduce the side effects for patients. A variety of nanostructured materials have recently been developed that, when combined with ligands, are able to recognize the target cells through antigens or receptors. Qiaoling Liu from Hunan University and colleagues in China and the United States review the use of DNA aptamers as ligands. These short, synthetic oligonucleotide strands are cost-effective, exhibit low toxicity and can be attached to a range of nanomaterials - from liposomes and hydrogels to inorganic nanoparticles - to endow them with sensitive and selective cell-recognition abilities. Furthermore, the resulting hybrid nanomaterials can be used in conjunction with conventional treatments, such as photodynamic and photothermal therapies. Although hurdles in their toxicity and efficiency remain to be overcome before they are suitable for real-life cancer treatments, aptamer-conjugated nanomaterials have emerged as a promising theranostic platform.