Recent developments aragonite-based calcium carbonate nanoparticles: Advances in synthesis, therapeutic mechanisms, and oncology
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ), particularly in its aragonite polymorph is a promising biomaterial for drug delivery systems owing to its low toxicity, pH-responsive behaviour, cost-effectiveness, and intrinsic biocompatibility. This review examines recent advances in the synthesis of CaCO₃ nanoparticles (CaCO₃-NPs), focusing on their role in modulating tumour microenvironments for cancer therapy. We explore various synthesis strategies, including chemical precipitation, gas diffusion, and microemulsion methods, highlighting their effects on nanoparticle size, shape and stability. The therapeutic mechanism of (CaCO₃-NPs), such as calcium ion-induced cytotoxicity, pH responsive drug release, and CO 2 production, are discussed in the context of their potential for targeted therapy, immune modulation, and multimodal diagnostics in oncology. Recent developments in CaCO 3 -based combinatorial nanomedicine are highlighted, including application in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and multimodal imaging, primarily within preclinical models. In addition, key challenges associated with scalability, reproducibility, regulatory challenges and clinical translation are discussed. This review highlights the translational potential of aragonite-based CaCO 3 nanocarriers and outline their potential and limitation as multifunctional platforms for precision oncology.
Source: Results in Chemistry
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,870
Funder: Universiti Putra Malaysia
OpenAlex ID: W7127886541