Challenges in delivering therapeutic peptides and proteins: A silk-based solution

• Published in: Journal of controlled release Vol. 345; pp. 176 - 189
• Main Authors: Wu, Junqi, Sahoo, Jugal Kishore, Li, Yamin, Xu, Qiaobing, Kaplan, David L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.05.2022
• Subjects: Biomaterials; denaturation; Drug delivery; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug release; drugs; Hydrogels; Peptide/protein drugs; Peptides; Polymers; Silk; therapeutics; Drug release; Silk; Drug delivery; Peptide/protein drugs; Biomaterials
• ISSN: 0168-3659; 1873-4995; 1873-4995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.02.011

Peptide- and protein-based therapeutics have drawn significant attention over the past few decades for the treatment of infectious diseases, genetic disorders, oncology, and many other clinical needs. Yet, protecting peptide- and protein-based drugs from degradation and denaturation during processing, storage and delivery remain significant challenges. In this review, we introduce the properties of peptide- and protein-based drugs and the challenges associated with their stability and delivery. Then, we discuss delivery strategies using synthetic polymers and their advantages and limitations. This is followed by a focus on silk protein-based materials for peptide/protein drug processing, storage, and delivery, as a path to overcome stability and delivery challenges with current systems. [Display omitted] •The challenges of delivering peptide and protein-based drugs are discussed•The advantages and limitations of synthetic polymer delivery system is introduced for protein and peptide-based drugs•Silk based delivery system is highlighted for deliverying and stabilizing protein and peptide-based drugs