Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles: An Emerging Versatile Platform for Cancer Therapy

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are artificially synthesized affinity materials with tailor-made binding cavities complementary to the template molecules in shape, size and functionality. Recently, engineering MIP-based nanomedicines to improve cancer therapy has become a rapidly growing field and future research direction. Because of the unique properties and functions of MIPs, MIP-based nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) are not only alternative to current nanomaterials for cancer therapy, but also hold the potential to fill some gaps associated with biological ligand-based nanomedicines, such as immunogenicity, stability, applicability and economic rationality. In this mini-review, we survey recent advances in the design and fabrication of nanoMIPs for cancer therapy, and highlight their distinct features. In addition, using the features of MIPs to rationally design and construct cancer nanomedicines with desired performance, including extended circulation, active targeting, controlled drug release and anti-tumor efficacy are summarized and discussed. It is expected that this mini-review will inspire more advanced studies in MIP-based nanomedicines for cancer therapy.