Bioinspired yeast-based beta-glucan system for oral drug delivery

Oral drug delivery is the preferred route of drug administration for patients, especially those who need long-term medication. Recently, bioinspired drug delivery systems have emerged for the oral delivery of various therapeutics. Among them, the yeast-based beta-glucan system is a novel and promising platform, for oral administration that can overcome the biological barriers of the harsh gastrointestinal environment. Remarkably, the yeast-based beta-glucan system not only protects the drug through the harsh gastrointestinal environment but also achieves targeted therapeutic effects by specifically recognizing immune cells, especially macrophages. Otherwise, it exhibits immunomodulatory properties. Based on the pleasant characteristics of the yeast-based beta-glucan system, they are widely used in various macrophage-related diseases for oral administration. In this review, we introduced the structure and function of yeast-based beta-glucan. Subsequently, we further summarized the current preparation methods of yeast-based beta-glucan carriers and the strategies for preparing yeast-based beta-glucan drug delivery systems. In addition, we focus on discussing the applications of beta-glucan drug delivery systems in various diseases. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives of the beta-glucan drug delivery system are introduced.

Automated summary

Oral drug delivery is the preferred route for long-term medication. The yeast-based beta-glucan system is a promising platform for oral administration, protecting the drug in the harsh gastrointestinal environment and achieving targeted therapeutic effects by recognizing immune cells. This review covers the structure and function of yeast-based beta-glucan, preparation methods of carriers, applications in different diseases, and introduces current challenges and future perspectives.