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Strategies for Crossing Biological Barriers in Drug Delivery

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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Overcoming biological barriers still remains challenging in drug delivery. Biological barriers are meant for protection against pathogens and detrimental substances which are located accordingly. Drugs can be categorized as hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Hydrophobic drugs are water insoluble or slightly soluble, while hydrophilic drugs are lipid insoluble. The nature of drugs is an important determinant of administration route, pharmacokinetics i.e., ADME and type of organ affected, of particular lead. Moreover, type of disease is another factor for determining the mode of delivery. Currently, implemented strategies to enhance the uptake of hydrophobic drugs across biological barriers include nanogels, micelles, nanoemulsion, dendrimers, liposomes, or metallic nanoparticles whereas dendrimers, nanogels, chitosan-based nanoparticles are employed for hydrophilic drugs. One of the most recent facet of drug development is use of nanotechnology to deliver the drug crossing different biological barriers either hydrophilic or hydrophobic. All described approaches perform precise role which include; enhance stability, effectiveness, deformability or entry via plasma membrane and cell injections. Researchers are working on treating cancer and microbial resistance via implementing these approaches. Still, immense research is required to develop effective treatments without facing these barriers. This study provides an overview of several biological barriers as well as various techniques for overcoming the problem of drug transport and ensuring efficient delivery of therapeutic substances to their targets.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Avenue 1, Khayaban-E-Jinnah Road, Johar Town, Lahore, 54782, Pakistan

    Muhammad Awais, Mahnoor Khan, Rabia Riaz & Rimsha Zafar

  2. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

    Salma Batool & Laiba Asim

Authors
  1. Muhammad Awais
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  2. Salma Batool
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  3. Mahnoor Khan
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  4. Laiba Asim
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  5. Rabia Riaz
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  6. Rimsha Zafar
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Contributions

MA, SB, RR, and RZ reviewed and proof read the article. LA create images. MK did write up. This study is completed under the supervision of MA and SB.

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Correspondence to Muhammad Awais.

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Prior permission and approval of contents have already been taken from all the authors and all have contributed to the work significantly.

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Significance Statement Certain barriers limit the efficacy of medications in the treatment of various diseases. These hurdles must be addressed by various strata, particularly in the field of nanotechnology, because nanoparticles have a higher efficacy. This is the most important issue in drug delivery that must be addressed.

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Awais, M., Batool, S., Khan, M. et al. Strategies for Crossing Biological Barriers in Drug Delivery. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., India, Sect. B Biol. Sci. 94, 235–243 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-023-01478-z

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