cRGD functionalised nanocarriers for targeted delivery of bioactives

The integrins αvβ3 play a very imperative role in angiogenesis and are overexpressed in endothelial cells of the tumour. Recent years have witnessed huge exploration in the field of αvβ3 integrin-mediated bioactive targeting for treatment of cancer. In these studies, the cRGD peptide has been employed extensively owing to their binding capacity to the αvβ3 integrin. Principally, RGD-based approaches comprise of antagonist molecules of the RGD sequence, drug–RGD conjugates, and most importantly tethering of the nanocarrier surface with the RGD peptide as targeting ligand. Targeting tumour vasculature or cells via cRGD conjugated nanocarriers have emerged as a promising technique for delivering chemotherapeutic drugs and imaging agents for cancer theranostics. In this review, primary emphasis has been given on the application of cRGD-anchored nanocarriers for targeted delivery of drugs, imaging agents, etc. for tumour therapy.