Mucus-Penetrating PEGylated Nanoshuttle for Enhanced Drug Delivery and Healthcare Applications.

Abstract

The delivery of therapeutic agents across mucosal barriers represents a significant challenge in drug delivery due to the protective nature of mucus layers that line various human body cavities. These barriers are challenging in treating ailments where targeted delivery could substantially improve therapeutic outcomes. Conventional drug delivery systems often face limitations in penetrating the mucus layer, leading to reduced efficacy, lower bioavailability, and increased need for higher dosages, which can cause adverse side effects. This manuscript introduces Mucus-penetrating PEGylated Nanoshuttles (MPNS) as a pioneering strategy designed to overcome these challenges. MPPNSs are engineered with specific surface properties and sizes that allow them to traverse the mucus barrier efficiently without becoming trapped, providing a promising solution for enhanced drug delivery to mucosal tissue.