Biomimetic Cell Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles for Precision Cancer Therapy: Recent Advances and Clinical Translation

Author

Pranjal C. Beldar, Dr. Amol U. Gayke , Vikas S. Shind


Abstract

 Biomimetic cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (CMNPs) have emerged as promising nanoplatforms for precision cancer therapy by combining the biological functions of natural cell membranes with the therapeutic advantages of nanoparticles. CMNPs consist of a nanoparticle core, cell membrane coating, and therapeutic or diagnostic cargo, providing immune evasion, prolonged circulation, biocompatibility, and enhanced tumor targeting. This review discusses different cell membranes and nanoparticle cores used in CMNPs, their preparation and fabrication strategies, membrane engineering approaches, and key characterization parameters. The mechanisms of precision tumor targeting, including passive and active targeting, homotypic targeting, immune-cell-mediated targeting, and tumor microenvironment targeting, are highlighted. Therapeutic applications including chemotherapy, gene therapy, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and combination therapies are reviewed. The potential of CMNPs for cancer theranostics, imaging-guided therapy, and applications against different cancer types is also discussed. Emerging approaches such as hybrid membranes, stimuli-responsive systems, AI/ML-assisted design, personalized nanomedicine, and multidrug-resistance targeting are highlighted. Finally, major challenges related to membrane standardization, reproducibility, toxicity, stability, scalability, GMP manufacturing, pharmacokinetics, and regulatory requirements are addressed. Overall, CMNPs represent a promising approach for targeted, multifunctional, and personalized cancer therapy with significant potential for clinical translation.



Keywords

Cell membrane-coated nanoparticles; Biomimetic nanoparticles; Precision cancer therapy; Nanomedicine; Tumor targeting; Theranostics; Clinical translation.



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