Mutual interference between surface ligands on multifunctional nanoparticles hinders optimal drug delivery. This study develops ligand-switchable nanoparticles mimicking viral surfaces, modified with a pH-responsive cell-penetrating peptide (Pep) and a liver-targeting moiety (Gal). Oral administration triggers Pep extension in acidic environments, enabling intestinal barrier traversal. At physiological pH, Pep folds, exposing Gal for liver targeting. Insulin-loaded nanoparticles show effective intestinal absorption, hepatic deposition, and improved glucose homeostasis in diabetic rats.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Nov 04, 2022
Authors
Tiantian Yang, Aohua Wang, Di Nie, Weiwei Fan, Xiaohe Jiang, Miaorong Yu, Shiyan Guo, Chunliu Zhu, Gang Wei, Yong Gan
Tags
nanoparticles
drug delivery
pH-responsive
intestinal absorption
liver targeting
glucose homeostasis
cell-penetrating peptide
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