Particle uptake and translocation across epithelial membranes

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceutics
• Immunology

Background:

• Oral drug and vaccine delivery offers advantages like mucosal immune response induction.
• Challenges include gastrointestinal degradation, poor absorption of macromolecules, and weak immune responses to soluble antigens.
• Biodegradable microparticles are investigated to protect labile molecules and enhance absorption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review particle uptake across the gastrointestinal tract.
• To determine if biodegradable poly(DL lactide-coglycolide) microparticles can elicit a humoral immune response.
• To explore lipid delivery vehicles and M cell transport for enhanced microparticle uptake.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of molecules into biodegradable microparticles.
• Review of particle uptake mechanisms across the gastrointestinal tract.
• Studies on antigen association with poly(DL lactide-coglycolide) microparticles and evaluation of humoral response.
• Investigation of lipid delivery vehicles and microsphere transport across M cells.

Main Results:

• Biodegradable microparticles can reduce the effect of gut secretions and enable absorption of bioactive agents.
• Particle uptake across the gut wall is a biological phenomenon, though mechanisms and routes are not fully established.
• Studies indicate potential for eliciting a humoral response with antigen-associated microparticles.
• Lipid delivery vehicles may enhance microparticle uptake and selective transport across M cells.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable microparticles represent a viable strategy for improving oral drug and vaccine delivery.
• Further research into uptake mechanisms and enhancement strategies like lipid vehicles is crucial.
• Targeting M cells may improve the efficacy of oral delivery systems.