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Research on Polysaccharide-Protein Composite Hydrogels for Gastrointestinal Targeted Delivery: A Review
Jingjing Guo1, Yuxin Cai1, Ran Zou1
1Key Laboratory of Forest Resources Utilization of Heilongjiang Province, College of Food and Health, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 26, 2026
Summary
Polysaccharide-protein composite hydrogels offer smart gastrointestinal delivery solutions. These materials protect sensitive drugs and enable targeted release, overcoming current challenges for future clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Gastrointestinal Therapeutics
Background:
- Polysaccharide-protein composite hydrogels are promising for drug delivery due to biocompatibility and tunable properties.
- Their intelligent responsiveness to stimuli like pH and enzymes facilitates targeted gastrointestinal delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms and applications of polysaccharide-protein composite hydrogels for gastrointestinal targeted delivery.
- To highlight their role in protecting bioactive ingredients and achieving controlled release.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of polysaccharide-protein composite hydrogels in gastrointestinal delivery.
- Analysis of stimuli-responsive mechanisms (pH, enzymes, magnetic fields).
- Evaluation of encapsulation, controlled release, and targeting capabilities.
Main Results:
- These hydrogels demonstrate excellent biocompatibility and responsiveness for targeted delivery.
- They effectively protect sensitive compounds like curcumin, EGCG, and probiotics.
- High encapsulation efficiency and smart controlled release were observed.
Conclusions:
- Polysaccharide-protein composite hydrogels show significant potential as intelligent gastrointestinal delivery platforms.
- Challenges include material stability, targeting precision, and scalability.
- Future research should focus on multi-response systems, novel biomaterials, and AI optimization.
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