ABSTRACT
Peptides and proteins are essential natural macromolecules that perform different vital functions in the body and are potential candidates to be employed for therapeutic delivery. High sensitivity toward enzymes is one of the most significant factors in controlling the bioavailability of therapeutic proteins irrespective of their route of administration. Encapsulation of peptides and proteins in polymeric reservoirs is a promising delivery method offering protection of the encapsulated protein against the effect of enzymes and controlling the speed and site of protein release, which helps to circumvent undesirable side effects. Biotechnological advances have resulted in a greater number of commercially successful peptide and protein therapeutics, and this trend appears to grow in the future. Nanotechnological advancements for peptide and protein delivery should enable high loading and entrapment efficiency, protection of structure integrity until it reaches the target site, and release of the encapsulated peptide or protein in a sustained manner to avoid repeated administration.
