Polypeptide-Based Systems: From Synthesis to Application in Drug Delivery.

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Synthetic polypeptides are biocompatible and biodegradable macromolecules.
• Their composition, architecture, and amino acid diversity allow tunable physicochemical and biological properties.
• Polypeptides can form secondary structures and be modified for biofunctionalization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advances in synthetic polypeptide and copolymer synthesis.
• To summarize applications of polypeptide systems in drug delivery, focusing on nanoparticles and hydrogels.
• To discuss critical factors influencing the performance of polypeptide-based drug delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of synthetic polypeptide synthesis and applications.
• Analysis of various polypeptide-(nano)particle types, preparation methods, and drug loading strategies.
• Evaluation of physicochemical characteristics impacting stability, degradability, cellular interactions, and immunogenicity.

Main Results:

• Polypeptide-based nanoparticles and hydrogels show promise for diverse drug delivery applications.
• Physicochemical properties significantly influence nanoparticle stability, cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and immunogenicity.
• Successful nanoformulations exist for peptides, proteins, gene delivery, cancer therapy, and antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory systems.

Conclusions:

• Synthetic polypeptides are highly adaptable for creating advanced drug delivery vehicles.
• Understanding structure-property relationships is crucial for optimizing polypeptide-based nanomedicines.
• Further research in polypeptide synthesis and nanoformulation will drive innovation in targeted therapies.