Short Communication - (2025) Volume 14, Issue 1
Received: 02-Jan-2025, Manuscript No. pbt-25-161264;
Editor assigned: 04-Jan-2025, Pre QC No. P-161264;
Reviewed: 18-Jan-2025, QC No. Q-161264;
Revised: 23-Jan-2025, Manuscript No. R-161264;
Published:
30-Jan-2025
, DOI: 10.37421/2167-7689.2025.14.466
Citation: Schlenoff, Peled. “Biocompatibility and Efficiency of Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films in Drug Delivery.” Pharmaceut Reg Affairs 14 (2025): 466.
Copyright: © 2025 Schlenoff P. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
In recent years, drug delivery systems have become a significant area of focus in pharmaceutical and biomedical research. The ability to precisely control the release of therapeutic agents allows for better therapeutic outcomes, reduced side effects and targeted treatments. One of the most promising strategies in controlled drug delivery is the use of Polyelectrolyte Multilayer films (PEMs). These films, which are composed of alternating layers of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, have gained attention due to their ability to encapsulate drugs and offer controlled release profiles. The biocompatibility and efficiency of PEMs in drug delivery systems make them ideal candidates for a wide variety of applications in medicine [1].
Polyelectrolyte multilayer films are typically constructed using the Layer-by- Layer (LbL) assembly technique, a simple and versatile process for fabricating thin films at the nanoscale. In this process, a positively charged polyelectrolyte (e.g., polyethylenimine) is alternately deposited with a negatively charged polyelectrolyte (e.g., poly(acrylic acid)) on a substrate or a surface. The electrostatic attraction between the opposite charges allows the deposition of these layers in a controlled manner, resulting in the formation of thin, multilayered films. The film’s thickness can be finely controlled by adjusting the number of layers, making them highly versatile for various applications. The composition of the polyelectrolyte layers can also be customized to meet specific needs, such as modifying the release rate of encapsulated drugs, enhancing the film’s mechanical properties, or increasing its biocompatibility [2].
Biocompatibility refers to the ability of a material to coexist with living tissue without causing harmful immune responses or toxicity. In the context of drug delivery, biocompatibility is crucial because the films must not only release drugs in a controlled manner but also interact safely with the body’s cells, tissues and organs. Polyelectrolyte multilayer films are often designed to be biocompatible by selecting appropriate polyelectrolytes that are nontoxic and can interact favorably with the biological environment. For instance, polyelectrolytes such as polysaccharides, chitosan and hyaluronic acid are widely used because of their natural origin and low toxicity. Additionally, by modifying the surface characteristics of PEMs (e.g., hydrophilicity, charge density), the films can be tailored to improve their interaction with biological systems. Several studies have demonstrated the biocompatibility of PEMs, with minimal cytotoxicity and favorable cellular responses. These films have shown promising results in both in vitro and in vivo studies, where they have been used for drug delivery to various tissues, including the skin, mucosal surfaces and internal organs. For instance, polymer/peptide systems in PEMs have been found to enhance wound healing in skin tissue, while the incorporation of bioactive molecules like growth factors can improve tissue regeneration and repair. The biodegradability of PEMs is another important factor that contributes to their biocompatibility. Since the films break down over time, there is less risk of accumulation in tissues, reducing the likelihood of long-term complications. The degradation products, which are often non-toxic, are also eliminated by the body through natural metabolic processes [3].
The surface of the PEMs can be modified to increase their efficiency in drug delivery. This can include the incorporation of hydrophilic or hydrophobic components to modify the drug release rate or the functionalization of the surface with targeting ligands. These ligands can help the films target specific cells or tissues, improving the selectivity of the drug delivery and reducing side effects. The LbL assembly technique provides a high degree of flexibility in designing films with varying thicknesses, mechanical properties and surface charge densities. This allows for the customization of the films based on the type of drug being delivered, the desired release profile and the target tissue. For example, the films can be designed to release drugs over a period ranging from hours to weeks, depending on the therapeutic need. Polyelectrolyte multilayer films have been successfully used for both local and systemic drug delivery. They can be applied to a variety of delivery routes, including oral, transdermal and injectable delivery systems. In addition, PEMs have shown effectiveness in delivering a wide variety of drug types, such as anti-cancer agents, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as more complex therapies like gene therapy and vaccine delivery. The versatility of PEMs allows for the incorporation of targeting moieties that enhance the specificity of drug delivery. For instance, antibodies or peptides can be conjugated to the surface of the films to bind to specific receptors on the target cells. This enables the delivery of the drug to precise locations in the body, reducing offtarget effects and improving therapeutic efficacy [4].
Polyelectrolyte multilayer films have been applied in various drug delivery systems, demonstrating their broad potential in the medical field. The controlled release of anticancer drugs from PEMs has been a promising strategy in chemotherapy. The ability to provide sustained release and reduce systemic toxicity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy has made PEMs an attractive option for cancer treatment. Furthermore, PEMs can be engineered to target cancer cells specifically, increasing the drug concentration at the tumor site and minimizing damage to healthy tissues. PEMs have been used for the delivery of genetic materials such as DNA, RNA and small interfering RNA (siRNA). These films protect the genetic material from degradation and ensure that it reaches the target cells, where it can be used for gene therapy applications. The ability to precisely control the release of these biomolecules makes PEMs ideal for genetic treatments. Polyelectrolyte multilayer films have also been explored as carriers for vaccine delivery. The films can encapsulate antigens and adjuvants, ensuring their stability and controlled release at the site of vaccination. This strategy has the potential to improve immune responses and increase the effectiveness of vaccines. In the field of tissue engineering and wound healing, PEMs have been used to deliver growth factors and other bioactive molecules that promote tissue regeneration. The biocompatibility and ease of surface modification make PEMs ideal for creating wound dressings and other therapeutic devices [5].
Polyelectrolyte multilayer films hold significant promise for drug delivery applications due to their unique properties, such as their ability to encapsulate and control the release of a wide variety of therapeutic agents. Their biocompatibility, flexibility and efficiency make them ideal candidates for a range of medical applications, from cancer therapy to gene delivery and tissue engineering. However, challenges such as scalability, stability and regulatory approval need to be addressed before PEMs can reach their full potential. As research in this field progresses, polyelectrolyte multilayer films are likely to play an increasingly important role in the development of advanced drug delivery systems that offer improved therapeutic outcomes with reduced side effects. With ongoing advancements in material science, manufacturing techniques and our understanding of biological interactions, PEMs could revolutionize the way drugs are delivered, offering new hope for patients and clinicians alike.
None.
There are no conflicts of interest by author.
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