Microgels and microcapsules in peptide and protein drug delivery

The present review focuses on the interaction of microgels and microcapsules with biological macromolecules, particularly peptides and proteins, as well as drug delivery applications of such systems. Results from recent studies on factors affecting peptide/protein binding to, and release from, microgels and related systems are discussed, including effects of network properties, as well as protein aggregation, peptide length, hydrophobicity and charge (distributions), secondary structure, and cyclization. Effects of ambient conditions (pH, ionic strength, temperature, etc.) are also discussed, all with focus on factors of importance for the performance of microgel and microcapsule delivery systems for biomacromolecular drugs.

Graphical abstractMicrogels and microcapsules offer opportunities for peptide and protein delivery. Loading and release of such drugs (gray in figure) depend sensitively on a number of parameters, including microcapsule shell (left) or microgel network (right) properties, but also on ambient conditions, as well as peptide/protein characteristics, including size, charge (distribution), hydrophobicity (distribution), self-assembly properties, and secondary structure.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (325 K)Download as PowerPoint slide