A Review on Modular Peptide Anchoring Strategies for Functionalizing Liposomal Nanocarriers: Advancing Non-covalent Design Toward Targeted Cancer Therapy

1. AAPS PharmSciTech. 2026 Jul 7;27(5):253. doi: 10.1208/s12249-026-03488-2. A Review on Modular Peptide Anchoring Strategies for Functionalizing Liposomal Nanocarriers: Advancing Non-covalent Design Toward Targeted Cancer Therapy. Maikifi AS(1), Boonkanokwong V(2). Author information: (1)Graduate Program of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand. (2)Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand. veerakiet.b@pharm.chula.ac.th. Targeted drug delivery systems play a crucial role in improving the effectiveness and precision of cancer treatments. Liposomes have been widely investigated as drug carriers due to their versatility. Traditional methods for functionalizing liposomes involve covalent bonding of targeting ligands, which, while effective, can be complex and may affect the activity of the ligands. In contrast, non-covalent peptide insertion offers a simpler, more adaptable approach for incorporating targeting peptides into liposomal membranes using mechanisms such as hydrophobic interactions and electrostatic forces. This review examines non-covalent peptide-liposome interactions as the primary focus. We analyze mechanisms, incorporation techniques, and therapeutic applications with emphasis on formulation-relevant criteria including stability, manufacturability, and clinical translation. Critical evaluation of comparative advantages and limitations of each strategy provides decision frameworks for formulation scientists. We also address manufacturing challenges, quality control strategies, and regulatory considerations that influence clinical translation. © 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. DOI: 10.1208/s12249-026-03488-2 PMID: 42414738 [Indexed for MEDLINE] Conflict of interest statement: Declarations. Conflict of interest: V.B. is an editorial board member of Discover Pharmaceutical Sciences, which has no influence on the results and/or discussion reported in or the consideration of publication of this paper. The other author declares no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this article. AI Disclosure Statement: AI technology was used to correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure errors.

{
  "language": "lang-en",
  "diagnosis": [
    "ra"
  ],
  "specialty": "rheumatology",
  "study_type": "meta-analysis",
  "evidence_level": "level-3",
  "v6_autopublish": true,
  "clinical_impact": "moderate-impact",
  "practice_recommendation": "monitoring"
}