Lectin-functionalized liposomes for interaction and modulation of the intestinal mucoepithelial interface

Miriane Gomes – Student, UFG; Tácio Hayasaki – PhD student, UFG; Eliana Lima – Professor, UFG; Artur Christian Silva – Professor, UFG; Luís Antônio Silva – Professor, UFG

Introduction:

Oral delivery of biomacromolecules is limited by mucus interaction, enzymatic degradation and restricted epithelial transport. Nanocarriers functionalized with targeting ligands may overcome these barriers¹. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) binds intestinal glycoconjugates and can modulate the muco-epithelial interface². In this study we developed and characterized WGA-functionalized liposomal nanocarriers designed to interact with the intestinal barrier and support oral delivery strategies.