Recent advances in PLGA-based nanofibers as anticancer drug delivery systems

Polymeric nanofibers (NFs) as biocompatible and biodegradable scaffolds have been investigated in numerous biomedical fields such as cancer treatment and drug delivery systems. Electrospun nanofibers illustrate unique characteristics such as ease of fabrication, low cost, simple surface functionalization, high surface-to-volume ratio, and a high potential for drug encapsulation, hence attracting great interest in their development as efficient drug delivery systems (DDS). Nanofibers mats can be used to incorporate antitumor drugs for spatiotemporal controlled release of chemotherapeutic agents at a localized site over a period of time to reduce the toxicity and side effects to the healthy cells. This makes polymeric NFs as promising implantable patches in localized drug delivery systems for cancer treatment with empowered on-site delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs in a sustainable release manner after surgical resection. In this regard, Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as one of the most widely used biocompatible and biodegradable polymers has attracted more attention in the fabrication of polymeric NFs. In the present review, we focus on the fabrication of PLGA-based nanofibers and the incorporation of chemotherapeutic agents into polymeric NFs for several biomedical applications covering controlled/implantable drug delivery systems, cancer detection, and local cancer treatment. We also discuss the current approaches, future perspectives, advantages, and limitations related to nanofibers in DDS and cancer treatment.