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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
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Peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels for local drug delivery
Zhenghao Zhang1, Sifan Ai2, Zhimou Yang3
1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, PR China.
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|May 20, 2021
Summary
Peptide hydrogels offer biocompatible, injectable drug delivery systems. They self-assemble in response to biological cues, enabling precise, localized treatment for various diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels are promising drug delivery systems (DDSs) due to biocompatibility, biodegradability, and responsiveness.
- Self-assembling peptides can form specific nanoarchitectures triggered by environmental factors.
- Stimuli-responsive hydrogels offer spatiotemporal control for accurate therapeutic transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review triggers for peptide-based hydrogel formation and their use as DDSs.
- To describe advancements in peptide-based hydrogels for local drug delivery.
- To provide a perspective on future prospects and challenges in the field.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels as DDSs.
- Analysis of stimuli-responsive self-assembly mechanisms.
- Categorization of applications in local drug delivery.
Main Results:
- Peptide hydrogels leverage non-covalent interactions for injectable, shear-thinning properties.
- Biological microenvironment triggers (metal ions, enzymes, redox species) enable precise assembly.
- Successful applications demonstrated in intratumoral, subcutaneous, ischemia-related, and ocular delivery.
Conclusions:
- Peptide-based hydrogels are versatile platforms for localized drug delivery.
- Stimuli-responsive design enhances therapeutic accuracy and efficacy.
- Further research is needed to address challenges and unlock full potential.
