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Published on: December 23, 2016
Zwitterion-Based Polymeric Carriers for Efficient Drug Delivery across Biological Barriers
Meng He1, Qiongya Huang1, Yuan Zhang1
1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, P. R. China.
Polymer Science & Technology (Washington, D.C.)
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Zwitterionic-rich polymers overcome physiological barriers in drug delivery due to their hydration and protein resistance. Understanding zwitterion structure enhances tissue targeting for advanced polymeric carriers.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Polymeric carriers are crucial for drug delivery, offering tunable properties.
- Enhancing therapeutic efficacy requires functionalization and exploring new administration routes.
- Polymeric carriers face physiological barriers regardless of administration method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review zwitterion-based polymeric carriers for drug delivery.
- To explore structure-activity relationships and barrier penetration mechanisms.
- To provide perspectives on artificial intelligence in designing these carriers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of zwitterion-based polymeric carrier design strategies.
- Analysis of structure-activity relationships for barrier penetration.
- Examination of mechanisms for overcoming physiological barriers via different routes.
Main Results:
- Zwitterionic-rich polymers show superior barrier penetration due to hydration and anti-protein adsorption.
- Zwitterion structure significantly influences tissue targeting capabilities.
- Different administration routes necessitate specific design considerations for barrier crossing.
Conclusions:
- Understanding zwitterion structure-property relationships is key for effective drug delivery.
- Zwitterionic carriers offer a promising platform for enhanced tissue targeting.
- Artificial intelligence can accelerate the development and clinical translation of these advanced drug delivery systems.
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