Advancement in Therapeutic Intervention of Prebiotic-Based Nanoparticles for Colonic Diseases

Abstract

Intestinal flora has become a therapeutic target for the intervention of colonic diseases (CDs) with better understanding of the interplay between microbiota and CDs. Depending on unique properties and prominent ability of regulating the intestinal flora, prebiotics can not only achieve a colon-specific drug delivery but also maintain the intestinal homeostasis, thus playing a positive role in the intervention of CDs. Currently, different studies on prebiotic-based nanoparticles have been contrived for colonic drug delivery and have shown great potential in curing various CDs, such as colitis and colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, there is a lack of systematic survey on the use of prebiotic nanoparticles for the treatment of CDs. This review aims to generalize the state-of-the-art of prebiotic nanomedicines specific for CDs. The species and function of intestinal flora and various kinds of prebiotics available as well as their regulating effects on intestinal flora were expounded. A variety of prebiotic nanoparticles pertinent to colon-targeted drug delivery systems were illustrated with particular emphasis on their curative activities on CDs. The efficacy and safety of prebiotic-based colonic drug delivery systems ( p -CDDs) were also analyzed. In conclusion, the synergy between prebiotic nanoparticles and their cargos may hold promise for the treatment and intervention of CDs.

Research Progress on the Mechanism of Nanoparticles Crossing the Intestinal Epithelial Cell Membrane

“…Their particle sizes are generally within the range of 10–100 nm, which can improve the physicochemical properties and enhance the solubility and permeability of drugs [ 2 , 3 ]. Compared with traditional oral administration, nanoparticle delivery systems have unique advantages [ 4 ]: (1) they improve the stability and solubility of the drug in the gastrointestinal tract [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]; (2) they promote the penetration and adhesion of the drug in the mucus layer of the gastrointestinal tract, which is beneficial for the drug to reach intestinal epithelial cells [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]; (3) the controllable release of the drug can be achieved to maintain a stable blood drug concentration [ 12 , 13 ]; (4) by carrying out the surface modification of the nanoparticles, the drug can be targeted for delivery and can be released at the treatment site [ 14 , 15 ]; (5) they can change the absorption mechanism of the gastrointestinal tract and promote drug absorption [ 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”