Recent progress in zein nanoparticles: A promising approach for advancing cancer therapy

A holistic approach is now necessary in cancer research to address the patients' discomfort and alleviate the shortcomings in chemotherapy treatment. Despite the existence of several chemotherapeutic medications in development and available for use in the market, their ability to improve cancer survival rates has diminished with time because they do not effectively target the desired site of action. Furthermore, these medications have had significant negative consequences and can harm both healthy and cancerous cells. Consequently, researchers have developed a technique that accurately directs nanoparticles (NPs) to transport medications. The Zein NPs are protein-based, hyperbranched, three-dimensional structures. These entities are much smaller in dimensions and possess a hydrophobic center capable of accommodating substantial quantities of chemotherapeutic medications, all the while ensuring a regulated discharge of the medication. With its beneficial characteristics, this research provides a brief overview of Zein-based nanocarriers and their many forms. Furthermore, it offers a comprehensive and in-depth elucidation of the functions and capacities of Zein-based nanocarriers in both cancer treatment and imaging. Additionally, it illuminates the possible future uses of these nanocarriers in cancer therapy.