Abstract
Introduction:
Red blood cells (RBCs) and lipid-based carriers on the one hand and polymeric capsules on the other hand represent two of the most widely used carriers in drug delivery. Each class of these carriers has its own set of properties, specificity and advantages. Thorough comparative studies of such systems are reported here for the first time.
Areas covered:
In this review, RBCs are described in comparison with synthetic polymeric drug delivery vehicles using polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules as an example. Lipid-based composition of the shell in the former case is particularly attractive due to their inherent biocompatibility and flexibility of the carriers. On the other hand, synthetic approaches to fabrication of polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules permit manipulation of the permeability of their shell as well as tuning their composition, mechanical properties, release methods and targeting.
Expert Opinion:
In conclusion, properties of RBCs and polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules are reported here highlighting similarities and differences in their preparation and applications. In addition, their advantages and disadvantages are discussed.
Notes
Ahn S, Jung SY, Seo E, Gold nanoparticle-incorporated human red blood cells (RBCs) for X-Ray dynamic imaging. Biomaterials 2011;32:7191-9 Delcea M, Sternberg N, Yashchenok AM, Nanoplasmonics for dual-molecule release through nanopores in the membrane of red blood cells. ACS Nano 2012;6(5):4169-80 Kreft O, Georgieva R, Bäumler H, Red blood cell templated polyelectrolyte capsules: a novel vehicle for the stable encapsulation of DNA and proteins. Macromol Rapid Commun 2006;27:435-40 Skirtach AG, Yashchenok AM, Möhwald H. Encapsulation, release and applications of LbL polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules. Chem Commun 2011;47:12736-46 Skirtach AG, Yashchenok AM, Möhwald H. Encapsulation, release and applications of LbL polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules. Chem Commun 2011;47:12736-46 Palankar R, Skirtach AG, Kreft O, Controlled intracellular release of peptides from microcapsules enhances antigen presentation on MHC Class I molecules. Small 2009;5:2168-76 Yan Y, Johnston APR, Dodds SJ, Uptake and intracellular fate of disulfide-bonded polymer hydrogel capsules for doxorubicin delivery to colorectal cancer cells. ACS Nano 2010;4:2928-36 Delcea M, Yashchenok A, Videnova K, Multicompartment micro- and nanocapsules: hierarchy and applications in biosciences. Macromol Biosci 2010;10:465-74
![Sample our Bioscience journals, sign in here to start your access, Latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5925/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Bioscience.jpg"})