The development of innovative drug delivery systems is of paramount importance in modern medicine due to the ongoing need to enhance the efficacy and safety of treatments such as chemotherapy.
Traditional methods often result in severe side effects, as healthy cells are damaged along with cancerous ones. This has spurred researchers to explore new avenues to mitigate these adverse effects while maintaining or even improving therapeutic outcomes.
Recent research published in the journal Chem highlights a novel approach using proline, an amino acid found in chicken feathers and skin tissue, to create a new drug delivery system. This method has the potential to limit chemotherapy’s side effects and repair crucial enzymes in the body.
Researchers have engineered a molecular cage from biologically-compatible peptides—short amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins. These cages can encapsulate drugs of varying sizes, enabling precise delivery within the body. Such precision is crucial in chemotherapy, where “off-site toxicity” leads to hair loss, nerve damage, and other debilitating side effects. By using nano-sized cages to transport the drugs directly to the tumour, healthy cells can be spared, potentially reducing these adverse effects.
The ability to tune the cage to different sizes means it can carry a diverse range of drugs, including chemotherapy agents, antibiotics, and antivirals. Previously, constructing such cages was only feasible with hydrocarbon molecules found in tar, which pose toxicity risks to humans. The new method utilises safer, biologically compatible materials.
This breakthrough also promises advancements in enzyme replacement therapy. Enzymes, composed of proteins, are crucial for various bodily functions. Traditional treatments have focused on inhibiting enzyme activity, which can reduce inflammation but may also impair other body functions. The new peptide cages could replace malfunctioning enzymes, offering a novel treatment approach.
Dr Charlie McTernan, Lecturer in Chemistry at King’s College London and Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute, explained, “What we’ve created is essentially a biologically compatible molecular teabag. We can fill this teabag, or cage made from widely available proline and collagen, with several different medicines and deliver them in a much more targeted way than we could before.”
He added, “In time, we hope that this could mean that we can limit the hair loss, nausea, and other unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy. We might even be able to repair malfunctioning enzymes that have an influence on the development of cancer. The best part is we can do this sustainably and at scale.”
The unique properties of proline, being straight, rigid, and water-soluble, make it particularly suited for drug delivery in a body composed of approximately 60% water. By binding the peptide to small amounts of metals like palladium, the researchers have created a structure that can be rapidly adjusted in size.
Given that proline and collagen are widely available and do not depend on hydrocarbon chains, the research team is optimistic about sustainably scaling up their production process. This could lead to more accessible and environmentally friendly drug delivery systems in the future.
This innovative method using proline-based peptide cages marks a significant advancement in drug delivery technology. By enabling more precise drug targeting and reducing harmful side effects, this approach promises to improve the quality of life for chemotherapy patients and revolutionise treatments for enzyme-related conditions. The sustainability and scalability of this method further enhance its potential impact, representing a notable step forward in medical research.
Author
Isabella Sterling
Content Producer and Writer
Nano Magazine
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