The application progress of peptides in drug delivery systems in the past decade

Peptides are compounds formed by linking 20 natural amino acids through amide bonds, which widely exist in organisms. Thanks to their excellent biological activity, biodegradability, biocompatibility and adjustable function, they have attracted broad attention over the past few decades. In recent years, peptides have become one of the most promising research hotspots in drug delivery systems. Peptides with special physiological functions can be used as gene or drug carriers, drug modifiers, or intracellular delivery vectors, which can improve the efficiency of gene transfer, enhance the effect of drug targeting therapy, reduce the toxicity and side effects of drugs, and improve the efficiency of internalization. In this review, we discuss the design strategies of peptide-based drug delivery, describe the important role of peptides as carriers, peptide-drug conjugates, targeting peptides and intracellular delivery carriers based on cell-penetrating peptides in drug delivery, summarize the mechanism and characteristics of some bioactive peptides. Then, we illustrate the progress of peptide-based carriers in the biomedical field in the past decade.

Automated summary

Peptides, as compounds formed by linking amino acids, have excellent biological activity and have become one of the most promising research hotspots in drug delivery systems. They can be used as carriers, drug modifiers, targeting peptides, and intracellular delivery carriers, improving drug efficiency and reducing toxicity.