Polylactic-co-glycolic acid-based nanoparticles modified with peptides and other linkers cross the blood-brain barrier for targeted drug delivery

Nanomedicine (Lond). 2023 Jan;18(2):125-143. doi: 10.2217/nnm-2022-0287. Epub 2023 Mar 14.

Abstract

Because of the blood-brain barrier, only a limited fraction of drugs can penetrate the brain. As a result, there is a need to take larger doses of the drug, which may result in numerous undesirable side effects. Over the past few decades, a plethora of research has been conducted to address this issue. In recent years, the field of nanomedicine research has reported promising findings. Currently, numerous types of polylactic-co-glycolic acid-based drug-delivery systems are being studied, and great progress has been made in the modification of their surfaces with a variety of ligands. In this review, the authors highlight the preparation of polylactic-co-glycolic acid-based nanoparticles and single- and dual-targeted peptide modifications for site-specific drug delivery into the brain.

Keywords: BBB; PLGA; linkers; modification strategies; peptides; targeted drug delivery.

Plain language summary

The blood–brain barrier prevents many drugs used to treat brain diseases from having clinical effects. To solve this issue, some promising findings have been reported in the field of nanomedicine research, which will be introduced in this article as possible effective methods for the treatment of brain diseases. This review will focus on the nature of the polylactic-co-glycolic acid polymers involved in the preparation of desired targeted nanocarriers, the synthesis methods for achieving the drug loaded system and the choice and preparation of the targeting agents.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood-Brain Barrier*
  • Drug Carriers / pharmacology
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Glycols / pharmacology
  • Lactic Acid
  • Nanoparticles* / therapeutic use
  • Peptides / pharmacology
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • Polyglycolic Acid
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer / pharmacology

Substances

  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • Glycols
  • glycolic acid
  • Polyglycolic Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • Peptides
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • Drug Carriers