Nanoparticle-Based Oral Drug Delivery Systems Targeting the Colon for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is characterized by chronic relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Delivery of orally administered drugs to the colon is highly desirable for the treatment of UC, as it improves their efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity. However, the targeting of oral drugs to the colon, which is located at the distal end of the gastrointestinal tract, is difficult due to physiological challenges, biochemical barriers, and environmental barriers, including those associated with mucus and epithelium. Recent preclinical studies have indicated that nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (DDS) may be promising tools for targeted delivery to the colon, with potentially effective outcomes in the treatment of UC. This review highlights general considerations and limitations for oral drug delivery to the colon. Further, this review provides a systematic evaluation of synthetic nanoparticle-based DDS, and emerging naturally derived nanoparticles (eg, extracellular vesicles and plant-derived nanoparticles). These novel nanoparticle-based treatment strategies for UC may offer the opportunity for the practical translation of nanoparticle formulas into the clinic.