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

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.

Automated summary

Peptide- and protein-based therapeutics play a crucial role in treating various diseases, but their stability and delivery remain challenging. This review discusses the properties and challenges of these drugs, as well as delivery strategies using synthetic polymers and silk protein-based materials.