Antibacterial, antiviral, antineoplastic applications of poly(ethylene oxide) and its derivatives: A min-review

Finding new biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric formulations with minimum toxicity or side effects on normal cells is a major complication in microbial infections and cancer therapy. Various chemical, biological, and pharmaceutical functions have been found for poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) or poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymer. To enhance the antimicrobial and anticancer activities, incorporating metal or metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) such as silver (Ag), copper oxide (CuO), and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs in this semi-crystalline and linear polymer may be the effective strategy. More importantly, PEO can form hydrogels that may be applied directly to body parts such as skin or mucous membranes, for localized treatment. Decoration of anticancer drug-loaded nanocarriers by PEO increased oral absorption and anticancer activity. Moreover, PEO polymer showed promising outcomes for various micro- and nanoformulations of antiviral drugs as effective delivery systems. In this mini-review, antibacterial, antiviral, and antineoplastic as three main therapeutic applications of PEO and its derivatives were discussed based on recent progress.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cytotoxicity ، Side Effects ، Microbial infections ، Cancer therapy ، Metal Nanoparticles