A Comparative and Translational Review of Liposomes, Polymeric Micelles, and Exosomes for Hydrophobic Anticancer Drug Delivery

Many anticancer drugs are hydrophobic in nature. This affects the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of a drug to a large extent as the solubility of the drug in the biological system is reduced, resulting in its fast clearance from the body. Moreover, such drugs readily cross cell membranes and can accumulate in fatty tissues and organs. Nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery has attracted considerable attention to enhance the delivery of such hydrophobic, as well as hydrophilic, drugs. Among the various nanocarriers studied so far, liposomes, polymeric micelles, and exosomes are three of the most promising ones. This review provides a comparative account of different types of drug carriers with respect to the parameters affecting the delivery of hydrophobic drugs. In addition, the biological interactions of the nanocarriers have also been summarized. The performance trade-offs for the various carrier systems and the differences in structural and biological characteristics have been discussed. This review highlights the use of polymeric micelles for drug loading and tumor penetration, the value of liposomes for clinical applications and pharmacokinetic control, the potential of aptamer-functionalized nanocarriers for targeted delivery, and the promise of exosomes as biologically derived carriers for personalized medicine.