PEGylation technology in nanomedicine

Abstract

PEGylation refers to the covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol to proteins to reduce immunogenicity and extend their time in blood circulation. PEGylation is recognized as a promising method for increasing the therapeutic efficacy of medicines in clinical settings. The main advantages of PEGylation are (1) an increase in the size of drug molecule, resulting in reduced filtration by kidneys, (2) an increase in solubility, and (3) protection from enzymatic digestion and recognition by antibodies. A variety of molecules, such as small molecules, peptides, proteins, enzymes, antibodies and their fragments, and nanoparticles have been modified with PEG. Several PEGylated drugs have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and several more are being tested in clinical settings. This review summarizes the methodologies and effects of PEGylation on drug delivery and highlights recent developments in PEGylated drugs. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.