Effect of modification of polystyrene nanoparticles with different bile acids on their oral transport

Bile acid-modified nanomedicine is a promising strategy to improve oral bioavailability. However, the efficiencies of different bile acids have not been clarified. To clarify this issue, deoxycholic acid (DCA) and cholic acid (CA) and glycocholic acid (GCA) were conjugated to carboxylated polystyrene nanoparticle (CPN). The endocytosis, intracellular and transcellular transport among the NPs were compared in Caco-2 cells, and their oral pharmacokinetics profiles were studied in C57BL/6 J mice. It was found that DCPN demonstrated higher uptake and transcytosis rate. With modification by different bile acids, the transport pathways of the NPs were altered. In mice, GCPN showed the highest absorption speed and oral bioavailability. It was found that the synergic effect of hydrophobicity and ASBT affinity might lead to the difference between in vitro and in vivo transport. This study will build a basis for the rational design of bile acid-modified nanomedicines.