Oral drug delivery with polymeric nanoparticles: the gastrointestinal mucus barriers

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2012 May 1;64(6):557-70. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2011.12.009. Epub 2011 Dec 24.

Abstract

Oral delivery is the most common method for drug administration. However, poor solubility, stability, and bioavailability of many drugs make achieving therapeutic levels via the gastrointestinal (GI) tract challenging. Drug delivery must overcome numerous hurdles, including the acidic gastric environment and the continuous secretion of mucus that protects the GI tract. Nanoparticle drug carriers that can shield drugs from degradation and deliver them to intended sites within the GI tract may enable more efficient and sustained drug delivery. However, the rapid secretion and shedding of GI tract mucus can significantly limit the effectiveness of nanoparticle drug delivery systems. Many types of nanoparticles are efficiently trapped in and rapidly removed by mucus, making controlled release in the GI tract difficult. This review addresses the protective barrier properties of mucus secretions, how mucus affects the fate of orally administered nanoparticles, and recent developments in nanoparticles engineered to penetrate the mucus barrier.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Biological Availability
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Drug Design
  • Drug Stability
  • Gastric Mucosa / metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Solubility

Substances

  • Polymers