Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
10:12
Construction of Cyclic Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Enhanced Penetration of Biological Barriers
Published on: September 19, 2022
Peptide-Based Delivery Systems: Selected Insights into Cell-Penetrating Peptides
Hussan Adam1, Sara Abdollahi1, Othman Al Musaimi1,2,3,4
1School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K.
ACS Chemical Neuroscience
|June 3, 2026
Summary
Peptide vectors offer a promising solution for drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Their unique properties facilitate therapeutic cargo transport, overcoming limitations of current methods for central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the central nervous system (CNS) but hinders therapeutic drug delivery.
- Existing strategies for enhancing CNS drug delivery face challenges like low efficacy and immunogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review peptide vectors as a novel approach for overcoming BBB limitations.
- To discuss the characteristics, mechanisms, and clinical potential of peptide-based drug delivery systems for CNS disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of peptide vector properties, including structure, charge, and amphiphilicity.
- Analysis of peptide internalization mechanisms and translocation across biological barriers.
- Evaluation of current clinical applications, advantages, and limitations of peptide vectors.
Main Results:
- Peptides exhibit high biocompatibility, ease of synthesis, and structural versatility for therapeutic delivery.
- Cationic charge and amphiphilic nature of peptides promote cellular uptake and membrane permeability.
- Peptide vectors show potential for transporting diverse therapeutic cargoes across the BBB.
Conclusions:
- Peptide vectors represent a promising strategy for improving drug delivery to the CNS.
- Further research and optimization are needed to fully realize the clinical potential of peptide-mediated BBB transport.
- Emerging strategies focus on enhancing the efficacy and specificity of peptide delivery systems.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
01:18Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems
Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) enable the controlled release of drugs across the skin into systemic circulation. They are particularly advantageous for drugs with short half-lives or narrow therapeutic indices, as they maintain consistent plasma concentrations and reduce the risk of subtherapeutic or toxic levels.TDDS are categorized into monolithic, reservoir, and mixed systems. Monolithic systems embed the drug in a polymer matrix, where diffusion governs release. Reservoir systems...
01:27Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
After oral administration, poor permeability often limits the rate at which drugs are absorbed through the intestinal epithelium. Enhancing drug permeability is crucial for effective therapy, and several strategies have been developed to overcome this challenge.One effective strategy involves the use of lipid-based formulations. These formulations enhance dissolution and solubility, targeting physiological mechanisms to increase drug absorption. This includes stimulating bile salt secretion,...
01:24Cellular Membranes and Drug Transport
Drugs must traverse multiple biological barriers, such as multi-layered skin, single-layered intestinal epithelium, and the plasma membrane, to reach their target sites within the body. The plasma membrane, a highly structured composite of phospholipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, is the cell's protective boundary, facilitating selective substance exchange.
Phospholipids arrange themselves into a bilayer, with hydrophilic heads oriented outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.
Phospholipids arrange themselves into a bilayer, with hydrophilic heads oriented outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.
01:30Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated
Stimuli-activated drug delivery systems are designed to release drugs in response to specific physical, chemical, or biological stimuli. These systems often utilize hydrogels—three-dimensional, hydrophilic polymer networks capable of swelling in aqueous environments and retaining significant fluid volumes. Upon exposure to particular stimuli, these hydrogels undergo structural transitions that allow the embedded drug to be released. Due to this adaptive behavior, such systems are also called...