Surface modification of micro- and nanocarriers for anticancer, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, and anti-neurodegenerative applications: PEGylation strategy

PEG is commonly applied for grafting and adsorption applications to surfaces of micro- and nanocarriers such as liposomes owing to its suitable features, involving high hydrophilicity, electrical neutrality, and prominent spatial repulsion. By increasing the density of PEGylation (conjugation of PEG), there are mushroom, brush, and dense brush conformations. Extended blood circulation time and enhanced drug efficacy have been indicated as important therapeutic outcomes for PEGylation of micro- and nanocarriers. Despite recent advancements, challenges persist, specifically in optimizing the performance of PEG-based micro- and nanoformulations addressing issues related to response times and controlled release. Therefore, this hydrophilic polymer can upgrade the pharmacokinetic properties of the anticancer, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, and anti-neurodegenerative drugs. In this way, this mini-review has covered the novel application of PEGylation to improve these therapeutic features.