Protein Delivery Strategies Using Nanotechnological Methods

Abstract

Therapeutics based on proteins have had a profound effect on the management of several major illnesses afflicting humans. However, poor physicochemical/ biological stability and immunogenicity may limit the benefits and, in some cases, the utility of therapeutic proteins like enzymes, growth factors, hormones, and cytokines due to their intrinsically vulnerable structure and susceptibility to enzymatic degradation. Furthermore, inadequate membrane permeability and/or endosomal escape may restrict protein therapies' internalisation and biological activity when designed targeting intracellular targets. Therefore, it is crucial to improve treatment outcomes through the development of efficient protein delivery systems to allow for widespread medical applications. This article summarises the most recent developments in nanotechnology platforms for the systemic administration of therapeutic proteins and addresses the benefits and drawbacks of currently available and experimental protein delivery techniques.