Nanocarriers based oral lymphatic drug targeting: Strategic bioavailability enhancement approaches

Abstract

In dosage form design, drug delivery technology facing a major problem due to degradation of the drug through the first-pass metabolism upon oral delivery. We can overcome this bioavailability-related problem by adopting the intestinal lymphatic pathway for drug delivery. Nanocarriers like lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, emulsions, etc. can be used to enhance the lymphatic uptake of drugs. In the lymphatic pathway absorption of drugs takes place by endocytosis via Peyer's patches and the chylomicron uptake. Peyer's patches exhibit M-cells which represent many receptors like mannose receptors, folate receptors, claudins, integrins, transferrin receptors, biotin receptors etc. Targeting these receptors through nanocarriers can improve the lymphatic absorption of drugs and thus improve bioavailability. Targeting drugs through the lymphatic system can treat many diseases including cancer, AIDS, tuberculosis, lymphodema, diabetes, schizophrenia, etc. Thus, by using lymphatic drug delivery systems we can improve the treatment efficacy, survival, and life expectancy of the patient. In this article, we discussed various strategies to enhance drug bioavailability through lymphatic targeting.