Application of nanogels as drug delivery systems in multicellular spheroid tumor model

Nanogels have piqued the interest of researchers as nanoscopic drug delivery systems, especially for site-specific or time-controlled delivery of therapeutic mediators. A wide range of polymer systems and the fundamental alteration of their physicochemical properties have resulted in multipurpose nanogel formulations. Nanogels have high longevity, drug-loading capability, biologic stability, high permeability, and react to external stimuli. Nanogels have shown great promise in various areas, including gene distribution, chemotherapeutic agents transmission, monitoring, and organ targeting, among others. Spheroids as in vitro tumor models were used to screen drug-loaded nanogels against in vitro cancer cells. Spheroids can represent in vivo tumor mass, reducing prices, time to results, and political/ethical considerations before clinical practice. This review focuses on different types of nanogels, preparation methods, and the main mechanisms of drug release from nanogels. Mainly, the recent applications of nanogels as drug delivery systems in multicellular spheroid tumor models are discussed.

Automated summary

Nanogels have emerged as promising drug delivery systems, offering site-specific and time-controlled release of therapeutic agents. They possess key advantages such as high stability, efficient drug loading, and responsiveness to external stimuli, making them highly versatile. Nanogels have shown great potential in various applications including gene delivery, chemotherapy, monitoring, and organ targeting. The use of spheroid tumor models allows for efficient screening of drug-loaded nanogels against cancer cells, reducing costs, time, and ethical concerns before clinical practice.