Polymeric nanoparticle drug delivery technologies for oral delivery applications

Abstract

Introduction: Many therapeutics are limited to parenteral administration. Oral administration is a desirable alternative because of the convenience and increased compliance by patients, especially for chronic diseases that require frequent administration. Polymeric nanoparticles are one technology being developed to enable clinically feasible oral delivery.

Areas Covered: This review discusses the challenges associated with oral delivery. Strategies used to overcome gastrointestinal barriers using polymeric nanoparticles will be considered, including mucoadhesive biomaterials and targeting of nanoparticles to transcytosis pathways associated with M cells and enterocytes. Applications of oral delivery technologies will also be discussed, such as oral chemotherapies, oral insulin, treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, and mucosal vaccinations.

Expert Opinion: There have been many approaches used to overcome the transport barriers presented by the gastrointestinal tract, but most have been limited by low bioavailability. Recent strategies targeting nanoparticles to transcytosis pathways present in the intestines have demonstrated that it is feasible to efficiently transport both therapeutics and nanoparticles across the intestines and into systemic circulation after oral administration. Further understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the intestines could lead to additional improvements in oral polymeric nanoparticle technologies and enable the translation of these technologies to clinical practice.