Role of N-Glycolylneuraminic Acid and N-Acetylneuraminic AcidGlycans in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies

This review examines the function of N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) and N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) glycans in cancer diagnosis and treatment, specifically in their interaction with biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles. Glycans play a central role in cellular communication, immune response, and adhesion, with structural changes usually indicative of precancerous conditions, thus making them key to diagnostic and therapeutic innovations. Neu5Gc, a dietary non-human sialic acid found in red meat and other foods, becomes a part of cell membranes, evoking immune reactions through anti-Neu5Gc antibodies that promote chronic inflammation, tumour formation, and metastasis. In contrast, Neu5Ac is compatible with human physiology and holds promise in antiviral and genetic disease therapies. This review explores the uses of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles, including those from natural polymers such as chitosan and alginate, in Neu5Gc targeting for cancer diagnosis, immunotherapy, and drug delivery. It emphasizes their biocompatibility, controlled release, and improved targeting of Neu5Gc-containing tumour antigens. The review also addresses developments in electrochemical biosensors for Neu5Gc detection and computational glycan modeling, highlighting their potential in personalized oncology. By emphasizing biodegradable polymer-based approaches, this research highlights their promise as novel agents for cancer treatment, necessitating continued investigation into glycan-polymer interactions to further improve therapeutic outcomes.