Peptide-Mucin Binding and Biosimilar Mucus-Permeating Properties.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Mucosal Immunology

Background:

• The mucus layer acts as a biological hydrogel barrier, influencing the transport of therapeutic peptides.
• Understanding peptide interactions with mucus is crucial for developing effective oral or mucosal drug delivery strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of the mucus layer in peptide transport mechanisms.
• To determine the mucin-binding activity and mucus-permeating properties of various peptides.

Main Methods:

• Utilized established in vitro models to assess peptide-mucin interactions.
• Quantified mucin-binding activity based on peptide characteristics like charge and hydrophobicity.
• Measured mucus-permeating properties using biosimilar models.

Main Results:

• Uncharged hydrophilic (MANT, TNGQ, PASL) and cationic peptides (KIPAVF, KMPV) exhibited strong mucin-binding.
• Highly hydrophobic peptides (YMSV, QIGLF) showed weak mucin-binding.
• TNGQ demonstrated high biosimilar mucus permeability (96 ± 30% in 60 min) due to its high Boman index and hydrophilicity.

Conclusions:

• Peptide hydrophilicity and charge significantly influence mucin-binding affinity.
• TNGQ possesses favorable characteristics for mucus penetration and shows potential for enhanced bioavailability.
• This study provides insights into designing peptides for improved mucosal drug delivery.