Abstract
Introduction:
The impermeability of biological membranes is a major obstacle in drug
delivery; however, some peptides have transition capabilities of
biomembranes. In recent decades, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have
been introduced as novel biocarriers that are able to translocate into
the cells. CPPs are biologically potent tools for non-invasive cellular
internalization of cargo molecules. Nevertheless, the non-specificity of
these peptides presents a restriction for targeting drug delivery;
therefore, a peptidic nanocarrier sensitive to matrix metalloproteinase
(MMP) has been prepared, called activatable cell-penetrating peptide
(ACPP). In addition to the cell-penetrating peptide dendrimer (DCPP),
other analogues of CPPs have been synthesized.
Methods:
In this study, the most recent literature in the field of biomedical
application of CPPs and their analogues, ACPP and DCCP, were reviewed.
Results:
This review focuses on CPP and its analogues, ACPP and DCPP, as novel
nanocarriers for drug delivery. In addition, nanoconjugates and
bioconjugates of these peptide sequences are discussed.
Conclusion:
DCCP, branched CPPs, compared to linear peptides have advantages such
as resistance to rapid biodegradation, high loading capacities and
large-scale production capability.