title: Polyelectrolyte complexes as prospective carriers for the oral delivery of protein therapeutics.
abstract: The oral administration of protein therapeutics is hindered by the multitude of barriers confronted by these molecules along the gastrointestinal tract (i.e., acidic environment, proteolytic degradation, mucosal barrier, etc.). Their unique properties (e.g., high molecular weight, hydrophilicity, charge, etc.) and labile structure are mainly responsible for their instability in the harsh conditions along the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and dictate the employment of alternative routes for their administration (e.g., parenteral). The association of proteins with colloidal carriers represents an interesting approach to overcome the aforementioned issues. However, certain requirements, such as stability in the GIT, stimuli-responsiveness, protection of the encapsulated biomolecule from enzymatic degradation and permeability of the mucosa, have to be met in order to efficiently deliver the sensitive payload to the intended site of action, thus resulting in enhanced bioavailability. The formation of colloidal polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) seems to be a promising strategy towards this direction, and the present review aims to provide an insight into PECs (e.g., preparation methods, characteristics) along with their advantages and drawbacks as drug delivery vehicles for the oral administration of protein-based therapeutics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 472, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Vassilis
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bourganis
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 472, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Theodora
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Karamanidou
authors.affiliation: Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, P.O. Box 60361, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Olga
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kammona
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 472, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, P.O. Box 60361, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece. Electronic address: costas.kiparissides@cperi.certh.gr.
authors.forename: Costas
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kiparissides
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D001682:Biological Availability; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000737:chemistry; D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry*; D004058:Diffusion; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry*; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D010455:Peptides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D010539:Permeability; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D011506:Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D003102:Colloids; D004337:Drug Carriers; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D010455:Peptides; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes; D011108:Polymers; D011506:Proteins
keywords: Colloidal nanocarriers; Drug delivery systems; Mucosa; Oral delivery; Polyelectrolyte complexes; Polyelectrolytes; Proteins