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Design of biomimetic chylomicrons based on 1,3-diolein grafted hyaluronic acid to drive biomacromolecules across the intestinal mucosal barrier.

J Control Release · 2026

Last updated 2026-05-28

Researchers created tiny, chylomicron-mimicking particles to help deliver large molecule drugs like exenatide (a GLP-1 drug) through the gut lining. These particles increased drug absorption by 5.6 times compared to the drug alone and achieved 9.67% bioavailability in diabetic rats, with a lasting effect on blood sugar control.

AI summary of the abstract below.

JournalJ Control Release, 2026
Citations0
Molecules

Abstract

Oral delivery of biomacromolecule drugs faces significant challenges due to low absorption efficiency. Inspired by the natural absorption pathway of dietary triglycerides via chylomicrons, bionic nanoparticles based on 1,3-diolein grafted hyaluronic acid (HA-DOG) were developed to overcome the oral delivery barriers and influence of structural characteristics on the oral fate of exenatide were systematically investigated. Self-assembled exenatide nanocores (EAZ NPs) were encapsulated within HA-DOG to form core-shell nanoparticles (HA-DOG/EAZ NPs). These nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced enzymatic stability and improved mucosal penetration, leading to a 5.6-fold increase in intestinal permeability compared to EAZ NPs alone. HA-DOG/EAZ NPs with high substitution degrees showed better lymphatic targeting and increased exenatide accumulation in the pancreas. In vivo studies revealed that HA-DOG/EAZ NPs achieved a 9.67 % pharmacological bioavailability and exhibited a persistent hypoglycemic effect in type 2 diabetic rats. This study presents a promising strategy for the oral delivery of biomacromolecule drugs, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists, by mimicking the chylomicron pathway and overcoming key gastrointestinal barriers.

Verbatim abstract via PubMed 41352647 ↗