The application of ε-polylysine hydrochloride (ε-PL HCl) in drug carriers is primarily based on its unique physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. The following elaborates on several important aspects of its application in drug carriers:
1. Drug Encapsulation and Sustained Release Systems
Carrier Role: Due to its cationic nature and hydrophilicity, ε-polylysine hydrochloride can form complexes with anionic drugs, serving as a carrier for drug encapsulation and sustained release systems. It not only increases drug stability but also enhances the controllable release performance of the drug.
Application Examples: In fields such as targeted drug delivery, gene therapy, and cancer treatment, ε-polylysine hydrochloride as a carrier can significantly improve drug efficacy and reduce side effects.
2. Synergistic Enhancement of Drugs
Synergistic Effect: When ε-polylysine hydrochloride is mixed with other drugs or components, it can exhibit a significant synergistic enhancement effect. For example, when combined with methotrexate (a drug used to treat leukemia and tumors), it can improve drug efficacy.
Mechanism: Its abundant cations have strong electrostatic interactions with anionic substances and good penetration of biological membranes. This helps drugs enter cells more effectively to exert their therapeutic effects.
3. Biomedical Materials
Biodegradability: ε-polylysine hydrochloride is a biodegradable polymer that can gradually degrade in the body, releasing its constituent amino acids (such as lysine), which are essential for the human body. Therefore, it has high biocompatibility and safety.
Application: This makes ε-polylysine hydrochloride have broad application prospects in the field of biomedical materials, such as tissue engineering, biological repair, and regenerative medicine.
4. Antimicrobial and Preservative Properties
Broad Antimicrobial Spectrum: ε-polylysine hydrochloride has significant inhibitory effects on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, mold, and viruses. This property allows it to play an antimicrobial and preservative role in drug carriers, protecting drugs from microbial contamination.
5. Safety
Non-toxic Side Effects: ε-polylysine hydrochloride can be completely degraded into lysine in the human body. Lysine is one of the essential amino acids for the human body, making its use extremely safe. Additionally, its acute toxicity test LD50 value is 5g/kg, comparable to table salt, further demonstrating its safety.
In summary, the application of ε-polylysine hydrochloride in drug carriers is mainly reflected in drug encapsulation and sustained release systems, synergistic enhancement of drugs, biomedical materials, antimicrobial and preservative properties, and safety. These characteristics make it valuable and promising in drug development and therapy.