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Polysaccharide nanoparticles for protein and Peptide delivery: exploring less-known materials
Marlise A dos Santos1, Ana Grenha2
1Joan-Vernikos Aerospace Pharmacy Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Microgravity Centre, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Advances in Protein Chemistry and Structural Biology
|March 31, 2015
Summary
This review explores less-common polysaccharides as nanoparticle carriers for therapeutic proteins and peptides. These natural materials offer biodegradability and biocompatibility for advanced drug delivery systems.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- The demand for effective protein and peptide drug delivery systems is increasing.
- Nanoparticles are promising carriers, with natural polysaccharides being particularly advantageous due to biodegradability, biocompatibility, and flexibility.
- Current research predominantly focuses on well-known polysaccharides like chitosan and hyaluronic acid.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and explore the potential of underutilized polysaccharides as nanoparticle matrix materials for drug delivery.
- To highlight the properties and applications of these less-common polysaccharide-based nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific databases.
- Analysis of properties (biodegradability, biocompatibility, structural flexibility) of various polysaccharides.
- Compilation of reported applications in nanoparticle formulation for drug delivery.
Main Results:
- Identified several under-explored polysaccharides with significant potential for nanoparticle development.
- Detailed the favorable characteristics of these materials for drug encapsulation and release.
- Summarized diverse applications, showcasing their versatility beyond common materials.
Conclusions:
- Less-explored polysaccharides represent a valuable resource for developing novel nanoparticle drug delivery systems.
- These materials offer unique advantages and can potentially overcome limitations associated with conventional polysaccharide carriers.
- Further research into these polysaccharides could lead to innovative therapeutic solutions.

