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Charged nanoparticles as protein delivery systems: a feasibility study using lysozyme as model protein
Cuifang Cai1, Udo Bakowsky, Erik Rytting
1Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmacy, Philipps Universität of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
Summary
Negatively charged nanoparticles made from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and poly(styrene-co-4-styrene-sulfonate) blends efficiently adsorb lysozyme. This method enhances protein loading capacity and preserves bioactivity, offering a feasible approach for drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Developing effective nano-carriers for protein delivery is crucial for therapeutic applications.
- Electrostatic interactions are key for adsorbing oppositely charged molecules onto nanoparticles.
- Polymer blends offer tunable properties for advanced nanomaterial design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of using negatively charged nanoparticles for improved protein loading.
- To optimize nanoparticle composition and conditions for efficient adsorption of positively charged proteins.
- To evaluate the loading capacity, release properties, and bioactivity of lysozyme loaded onto these nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of nanoparticles using a solvent displacement method with poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(styrene-co-4-styrene-sulfonate) (PSS) blends.
- Characterization of nanoparticles using zeta-potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
- Evaluation of lysozyme loading capacity and in vitro release profiles under varying pH and ionic strength conditions.
Main Results:
- Negatively charged nanoparticles were successfully prepared, with surface charge increasing with higher PSS ratios.
- Protein loading capacity significantly increased with higher PSS/PLGA ratios and was facilitated by increased pH.
- Optimal loading efficiency was achieved at 50mM salt concentration, and lysozyme bioactivity was maintained post-loading.
Conclusions:
- PLGA/PSS polymer blends are effective in creating high surface charge density nanoparticles.
- These nanoparticles demonstrate a feasible and efficient method for adsorbing oppositely charged proteins like lysozyme via electrostatic interactions.
- The developed system shows promise for enhanced protein loading and delivery applications while preserving protein integrity.
