Sericin nanoparticles: Future nanocarrier for target-specific delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs

Sericin, a by-product of silk, has been recognized as an economical glycoprotein extracted during the silk degumming process in the textile industry. It has potent biocompatibility and biodegradability attributes, giving sericin-based nanoparticles prominence in cancer drug delivery processes. It has the capability to enhance drug efficacy, bioavailability, solubility, and bio-diffusion by enriching their stability, cellular uptake, and endosomal release. It also reduces the cytotoxic effect and improves the shelf-life of encapsulated drug molecules. Several synthesis techniques have been utilized to develop these nanosize sericin structures. Various sericin blended nanocarriers have been designed to enhance target-specific delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs at targeted tumor areas. In this review, we have comprehensively summarized the current status of scientific research in sericin nanoparticles for chemotherapeutic drug delivery and its efficacy in cancer mitigation. Furthermore, we have also represented the significant qualities of this drug delivery vector, including their biological and physical attributes, as well as providing insight for readers into the synthesis techniques of sericin nanoparticles for chemotherapeutic drug delivery. This valuable data could guide researchers to formulate more novel blends and synthesis methodologies for sericin nanocarriers in the future for the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs.