Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
PEGylation Technology in Nanomedicine
Yutaka Ikeda and Yukio Nagasaki
Abstract PEGylation refers to the covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol to
proteins to reduce immunogenicity and extend their time in blood circulation.
PEGylation is recognized as a promising method for increasing the therapeutic
efficacy of medicines in clinical settings. The main advantages of PEGylation are
(1) an increase in the size of drug molecule, resulting in reduced filtration by
kidneys, (2) an increase in solubility, and (3) protection from enzymatic digestion
and recognition by antibodies. A variety of molecules, such as small molecules,
peptides, proteins, enzymes, antibodies and their fragments, and nanoparticles have
been modified with PEG. Several PEGylated drugs have been approved by the US
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and several more are being tested in clinical
settings. This review summarizes the methodologies and effects of PEGylation on
drug delivery and highlights recent developments in PEGylated drugs.
Keywords Drug delivery
Nanomedicine
Nanoparticle
PEGylated drug
PEGylation
Y. Ikeda
Department of Materials Science, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University
of Tsukuba, Ten-noudai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
Y. Nagasaki (
*
)
Department of Materials Science, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University
of Tsukuba, Ten-noudai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
Master's School of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences,
University of Tsukuba, Tennoudai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
Satellite Laboratory, International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National
Institute of Materials Science (NIMS), Tennoudai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
e-mail:
nagasaki@nagalabo.jp
