Emerging trend in nano-engineered polyelectrolyte-based surrogate carriers for delivery of bioactives.
BACKGROUND
In recent decades a new colloidal drug delivery system based on layer-by-layer (LbL) technology has emerged, which offers promising means of delivering bioactive agents, specifically biological macromolecules including peptides and DNA. Nano-engineered capsules specifically fabricated from biocompatible and biodegradable polyelectrolytes (PEs) can provide a better option for encapsulation of cells thereby protecting cells from immunological molecules in the body, and their selective permeability can ensure the survival of encapsulated cells.


METHODS
This review encompasses a strategic approach to fabricate nano-engineered microcapsules through meticulous selection of polyelectrolytes and core materials based on LbL technology. The content of the article provides evidence for its wide array of applications in medical therapeutics, as indicated by the quantity of research and patents in this area. Recent developments and approaches for tuning drug release, biocompatibility and cellular interaction are discussed thoroughly.


RESULTS
This review aims to provide an overview on the development of LbL capsules with specific orientation towards drug and macromolecular delivery and its integration with other drug delivery systems, such as liposomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Selection of PEs for the fabrication of LbL microcapsules has a profound effect on stability, drug release, biocompatibility and encapsulation efficacy. The release can be easily modulated by varying different physicochemical as well as physiological conditions. Scale-up approaches for the fabrication of LbL microcapsules by means of automation must be considered to improve the possibility of application of LbL microcapsules on a large scale.
Shukla
Prashant
P
Central Drug Research Institute, Pharmaceutis Division, Chattar Manzil Palace, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Gupta
Girish
G
Singodia
Deepak
D
Shukla
Rahul
R
Verma
Ashwni Kumar
AK
Dwivedi
Pankaj
P
Kansal
Shaswat
S
Mishra
Prabhat Ranjan
PR
D000818:Animals; D002214:Capsules; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015195:Drug Design; D004355:Drug Stability; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D010539:Permeability
D002214:Capsules; D004337:Drug Carriers; D004573:Electrolytes