Stimuli-responsive and biomimetic delivery systems for sepsis and related complications

• Published in: Journal of controlled release 2022-12, Vol.352, p.1048-1070
• Main Authors: Ismail, Eman A., Devnarain, Nikita, Govender, Thirumala, Omolo, Calvin A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomimetic; Biomimetics; death; Drug Carriers - chemistry; Drug delivery; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Liberation; drugs; Humans; immune response; Infectious microenvironment; Inflammatory cascade; nanocarriers; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Nanotechnology; Sepsis; Sepsis - drug therapy; Stimuli-responsive
• ISSN: 0168-3659; 1873-4995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.11.013

Sepsis, a consequence of an imbalanced immune response to infection, is currently one of the leading causes of death globally. Despite advances in the discoveries of potential targets and nanotechnology, sepsis still lacks effective drug delivery systems for optimal treatment. Stimuli-responsive and biomimetic nano delivery systems, specifically, are emerging as advanced bio-inspired nanocarriers for enhancing the treatment of sepsis. Herein, we present a critical review of different stimuli-responsive systems, including pH-; enzyme-; ROS- and toxin-responsive nanocarriers, reported in the delivery of therapeutics for sepsis. Biomimetic nanocarriers, utilizing natural pathways in the inflammatory cascade to optimize sepsis therapy, are also reviewed, in addition to smart, multifunctional vehicles. The review highlights the nanomaterials designed for constructing these systems; their physicochemical properties; the mechanisms of drug release; and their potential for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of their cargo. Current challenges are identified and future avenues for research into the optimization of bio-inspired nano delivery systems for sepsis are also proposed. This review confirms the potential of stimuli-responsive and biomimetic nanocarriers for enhanced therapy against sepsis and related complications. [Display omitted] •Sepsis, a mortal syndrome, is caused by a dysregulated immune response to severe bacterial infections.•Despite efficacy, targeted delivery of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and antioxidants for sepsis is still challenging.•A better understanding of the pathophysiology of sepsis is the mainstay toward designing effective and targeted therapy.•Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers exploit the unique features at sepsis milieu to enhance the targetability of the payloads.•Biomimetic nanoparticles revealed a significant potential to resolve the inflammation and enhance the survival in sepsis.