PEGylated Pharmaceutical Nanocarriers

Abstract

Surface coating of various pharmaceutical nanocarriers with polyethylene glycol (PEGylation) is the most popular and elaborated method to prepare drug delivery systems capable of prolonged circulation time in the blood. Prolonged circulation is often required to provide a sufficient time for effective accumulation of drug-loaded nanocarriers in target organs or tissues. This chapter considers key properties of PEG and some other polymers, which can be used to prepare longcirculating nanocarriers, and discusses the most important biological and pharmacological consequences of PEGylation and prolonged circulation. Special attention is paid to the preparation, properties, and application of long-circulating PEGylated liposomes, a popular and clinically approved drug delivery system. PEGylated polymeric nanoparticles, iron oxide nanoparticles, dendrimers, and other pharmaceutical nanocarriers are also described. The combination of longevity and specific targeting ability (attachment of both protecting polymer and targeting ligand to the surface of nanocarriers) is discussed as the next step in the development of effective drug delivery systems. © Controlled Release Society 2012.