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Xi Luo,1,* Sudan Wu,2,* Meng Xiao,1 Huan Gu,1 Huan Zhang,1 Jianping Chen,3 Yang Liu,4 Chen Zhang,1 Jinming Zhang1 1State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, Peopleâs Republic of China; 2Blood Purification Center, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Peopleâs Republic of China; 3Lika Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, the University of Hong KOng, Hong Kong, Peopleâs Republic of China; 4Department of Vascular Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Peopleâs Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yang Liu, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 37, Shierqiao Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan, Peopleâs Republic of China, Email zjobliu@163.com Jinming Zhang, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1166, Liutai Avenue, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, Peopleâs Republic of China, Email cdutcmzjm@126.comAbstract: Zein is a type of prolamine protein that is derived from corn, and it has been recognized by the US FDA as one of the safest biological materials available. Zein possesses valuable characteristics that have made it a popular choice for the preparation of drug carriers, which can be administered through various routes to improve the therapeutic effect of antitumor drugs. Additionally, zein contains free hydroxyl and amino groups that offer numerous modification sites, enabling it to be hybridized with other materials to create functionalized drug delivery systems. However, despite its potential, the clinical translation of drug-loaded zein-based carriers remains challenging due to insufficient basic research and relatively strong hydrophobicity. In this paper, we aim to systematically introduce the main interactions between loaded drugs and zein, administration routes, and the functionalization of zein-based antitumor drug delivery systems, in order to demonstrate its development potential and promote their further application. We also provide perspectives and future directions for this promising area of research.Graphical Abstract: Keywords: zein, nanomedicine, drug delivery, antitumor |
