Nanoscale Functional Biomaterials for Cancer Theranostics

Nanomedicine is widely developed in recent years. In nanomedicine system, nanoscale and nanostructured functional materials are used to manipulate the human biology systems at the molecular level for cancer imaging and therapy. New nanostructure based functional materials consist of nanoscale liposomes, spheres, micelles, capsules, emulsion, suspension and phamacosomes. Several functional nanoparticles such as lipid-based and polymer-based materials are demonstrated to be drug delivery vehicles and imaging agents. These materials are biodegradable, biocompatible and have better bio-distribution, lower side effect and lower toxicity. In addition, hybrids with these materials coating provide uniquely electrical, optical and magnetic properties. This review discusses the research on the applications of functional materials, especially nanoparticles as imaging contrast agents, cancer therapeutic agents and multi-functional agents and this review focused on the theranostic integration treatments on liver cancer and brain cancer.