Cancer therapy is increasingly shaped by the need for agents that are both mechanistically precise and clinically tolerable. Sulforaphane (SFN), a dietary isothiocyanate enriched in cabbage-family vegetables such as cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, has emerged as a pleiotropic modulator of tumor biology. This review synthesizes current evidence that SFN regulates diverse cancer-relevant processes, including redox homeostasis, cell-cycle progression, apoptosis, autophagy and epigenetic remodeling, largely through coordinated effects on transcriptional (for example, Nrf2, MAPK, NF-κB and AP-1), post-transcriptional (microRNAs and messenger RNAs) and epigenetic (DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases) networks. We then examine how functional nucleic acids, including aptamers, small interfering RNAs, microRNAs and tetrahedral DNA nanostructures, can be engineered to guide SFN to tumor cells, amplify pathway-specific effects and overcome resistance. Particular emphasis is placed on nanotechnology-enabled delivery platforms that enhance SFN stability, bioavailability and tumor selectivity. Finally, we outline key challenges, such as context-dependent Nrf2 activity, inter-individual variability in metabolism and incomplete clinical validation, and propose priorities for translating SFN-based functional nucleic acid systems into rational, combination-ready strategies for precision oncology.

Sulforaphane (SFN), a bioactive compound sourced from cruciferous vegetables, offers significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits yet its stability in animal feed is a challenge. Nanotechnology-based encapsulation, specifically ionic gelation, has demonstrated efficacy in improving the stability and bioavailability of SFN. This review examines the application of natural polymers such as chitosan and alginate in ionic gelation for the encapsulation of SFN. It also discusses how these polymers can prevent SFN from degrading while traversing the digestive tract. Encapsulation strategies for SFN have been associated with improved bioavailability, with absorption reported in experimental modules, to modulate immune-related and oxidative-stress pathways. However, challenges persist in identifying optimal methods for encapsulating various species, including enhancing encapsulation effectiveness, particle size, and controlled release mechanisms. Additionally, regulatory concerns regarding the safety and environmental impacts of nanoparticles in feed must be addressed. Future research should focus on improving encapsulation techniques and ensuring the safe application of SFN-loaded nanocarriers in livestock feed.