Phytochemical nanoliposomes: next-generation therapeutics in precision oncology

Abstract

Phytochemical-loaded nanoliposomes have become a versatile drug-delivery platformtoovercome the limitations of conventional cancer therapies, such as systemic toxicity, poor solubility, rapid clearance, and multidrug resistance. This review provides details on the molecular diversity and anticancer mechanismsof the major phytochemicals (e.g., curcumin, quercetin, and EGCG), underscoring their roles in antioxidant defense, apoptosis induction, cell-cycle arrest, and modulationofinfammatory and angiogenic pathways. The structural designof nanoliposomes, phospholipid bilayers, PEGylation, size, and charge tuning, and comparisonof formulation methods such as thin-flm hydration, microfuidics, and supercritical fuid techniques are described. Passive targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect is contrasted with active strategies employing antibodies, peptides, and folate ligands, while stimuli-responsive systems make use of pH, temperature, enzymes, and magnetic triggers for on-demand drug release. Manufacturing considerations, scale-up challenges, continuous fow systems, and green solvent-free processes are evaluated alongside regulatory pathways under the FDA and EMA frameworks. This review further examines the synergistic potential of co-delivering phytochemicals with chemotherapeutics, highlighting the enhanced apoptosis, effux-pump inhibition, and epigenetic modulation that collectively overcome chemoresistance. Finally, it addresses biological barriers, immune clearance, formulation stability, and patient variability as critical hurdles. By integrating nanotechnology innovations with plant-derived bioactive compounds, this review providesaroadmap for advancing phytochemical-loaded nanoliposomes for personalized, minimally toxic, and highly effective cancer therapies.