Research and Progress in the Application of Tumor Microenvironment-Responsive Biodegradable Molecularly Imprinted Nanoparticles

Ruoping XU; Yudan WANG; Gaoyuan ZUO; Ting LI; Yupeng LI; Yubo WEI

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Ruoping XU, Yudan WANG, Gaoyuan ZUO, Ting LI, Yupeng LI, Yubo WEI. Research and Progress in the Application of Tumor Microenvironment-Responsive Biodegradable Molecularly Imprinted Nanoparticles[J]. Journal of Kunming Medical University.

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Research and Progress in the Application of Tumor Microenvironment-Responsive Biodegradable Molecularly Imprinted Nanoparticles

School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products/Yunnan College of Modern Biomedical Industry，Kunming Medical University，Kunming Yunnan 650500，China

Received Date: 2026-01-14

Abstract

Abstract

Tumor treatment remains a core challenge in global medical research. Conventional therapeutic modalities such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy suffer from lack of selectivity, propensity for drug resistance, and severe adverse reactions, which limit their therapeutic efficacy. Molecularly imprinted polymers （MIPs）, as intelligent materials with customizable recognition cavities, can specifically bind tumor targets; however, their in vivo applications face limitations including poor stability and difficulties in metabolic clearance. To develop efficient, precise, and highly biocompatible novel delivery systems, biodegradable molecularly imprinted polymers （BD-MIPs） have emerged. This review systematically examines the targeted delivery mechanisms of BD-MIPs and their influencing factors, construction strategies, and design principles, with emphasis on their intelligent controlled-release mechanisms. It details endogenous strategies for drug release triggered by the unique characteristics of the tumor microenvironment （TME）, as well as integrated theranostic approaches based on external triggers such as light and heat. Finally, it discusses the limitations of BD-MIPs in drug release kinetics and biocompatibility, analyzes challenges and prospects for future development, and highlights the tremendous potential of BD-MIPs as an innovative platform for precision cancer therapy. Furthermore, it provides strategic guidance for overcoming current research limitations and advancing their translation toward broad clinical application.
- Molecularly imprinted polymers,
- Biodegradable,
- Nanoparticles,
- Cancer therapy,
- Drug delivery

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References(55)

References

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