Fucoidan-based nanoparticles for colorectal cancer therapy: Mechanisms and preclinical insights.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. In 2020 alone, over 1.9 million new cases and 935,000 deaths were reported. Despite advancements in therapy, there remains a strong need for targeted and less toxic treatment approaches. Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide derived from brown seaweeds, exhibits notable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Researchers have explored fucoidan-based nanoparticles to improve its solubility, enhance tumor-targeting efficiency, and expand its therapeutic potential. This review highlights the dual functional role of fucoidan-functionalized nanoparticles in colorectal cancer therapy. Fucoidan acts both as a targeted delivery carrier for colon-specific drug release and as an intrinsic antineoplastic agent. It recognizes tumor cells through P-selectin-mediated and receptor-specific pathways, facilitating improved targeting. Additionally, fucoidan induces cancer cell apoptosis, suppresses angiogenesis, and modulates immune responses. When combined with chemotherapeutics, siRNA, or immunomodulators, fucoidan nanoparticles exhibit synergistic anticancer effects while minimizing systemic toxicity. However, translational progress remains limited due to variability in fucoidan composition, lack of standardized characterization methods, and regulatory challenges. Addressing these issues is essential to advance fucoidan-based nanotherapeutics toward clinical application.