Targeted Delivery of Protein Drugs by Nanocarriers

Abstract

Recent advances in biotechnology demonstrate that peptides and proteins are the basis of a new generation of drugs. However, the transportation of protein drugs in the body is limited by their high molecular weight, which prevents the crossing of tissue barriers, and by their short lifetime due to immuno response and enzymatic degradation. Moreover, the ability to selectively deliver drugs to target organs, tissues or cells is a major challenge in the treatment of several human diseases, including cancer. Indeed, targeted delivery can be much more efficient than systemic application, while improving bioavailability and limiting undesirable side effects. This review describes how the use of targeted nanocarriers such as nanoparticles and liposomes can improve the pharmacokinetic properties of protein drugs, thus increasing their safety and maximizing the therapeutic effect.

Nanoemulsion-templated polylelectrolyte multifunctional nanocapsules for DNA entrapment and bioimaging

“…Therefore the optimal drug delivery system 100-200 nm are in the desired nanocarriers size range for tumor delivery, that is larger than the renal filtration cutoff and small enough for tumor penetration [32]. bilayers [14,19].…”

Preparation of photoreactive phospholipid polymer nanoparticles to immobilize and release protein by photoirradiation

“…The problem with proteins, which limits its application in controlling cell functions, is the transportation of proteins into cells and the maintenance of their activity during the transportation. High molecular weight, hydrophilicity and easy degradation by enzymatic reactions can all inhibit this transportation [1][2][3]. Novel carriers for protein transportation are in development, and have been effective in maintaining protein activity, controlling the release rate, and reducing biological side effects [4][5][6].…”

A biodegradable polymeric system for peptide–protein delivery assembled with porous microspheres and nanoparticles, using an adsorption/infiltration process

“…8 Previous studies have shown that the use of nanocarriers, such as polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes, provides in vivo stability, prolonged circulation time, improved solubility, targeted release, and fewer side effects to peptide-protein drugs compared with conventional formulations. 3,6,9,10 Microspheres manufactured with natural and synthetic polymers have been studied as carriers for peptide-protein drugs because they protect the molecule during administration, regulate the blood levels, and exhibit a modified release that reduces repeated dosing. 5,[11][12][13] Finally, large, porous, biodegradable microspheres have been used as implant scaffolds in tissue engineering.…”

“…This means that the parenteral route (muscular or intravenous injection) is the most suitable one for administration. 5,6 In addition, the formulation techniques proposed, based on microencapsulation or freeze-drying, involve the use of organic solvents and interfaces that can provoke protein denaturation during microcarrier preparation. 7 For these reasons, routes that present a minimum of biological and technological drawbacks for these molecules have been suggested.…”