Phenylboronic Acid Functionalized Polymer Nanocarriers for Intracellular Delivery of Protein Drugs

Protein drugs have a wide range of applications in the treatment of many diseases. However, the poor cell membrane penetration of protein drugs often leads to low bioavailability. In recent years, a series of nanocarriers have been developed to improve the efficiency of intracellular delivery of protein drugs. Among them, nanocarrier based on phenylboronic acid and its derivatives have shown good application prospects. This paper reviews the latest research progress of phenylboronic acid-functionalized polymer nanocarriers for intracellular delivery of protein drugs. Firstly, the chemical properties of phenylboronic acid and its responsiveness to diols, pH and ROS are briefly introduced. Secondly, from the perspective of different binding modes of phenylboronic acid and protein drugs, this review focuses on the typical research examples of phenylboronic acid-functionalized polymer nanocarriers constructed by dynamic covalent bonds and non-covalent interactions such as N. B coordination in the intracellular delivery of protein drugs. The compositions, construction method, and responsive release mechanism of these nanocarriers are analyzed and summarized. Finally, the research progress of phenylboronic acid in enhancing cell uptake and drug permeation through blood brain barrier is introduced. It is hoped that this paper can provide a reference for the design and preparation of novel intracellular delivery systems of protein drugs based on phenylboronic acid.