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Current approaches to stabilising and analysing proteins during microencapsulation in PLGA
Christopher F van der Walle1, Gaurav Sharma, Mnv Ravi Kumar
1University of Strathclyde, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, 27 Taylor Street, Glasgow G40NR, UK. chris.walle@strath.ac.uk
Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
|February 26, 2009
Summary
Encapsulating proteins in micro- and nanoparticles for drug delivery remains challenging due to bioactivity loss. This review examines protein stabilization techniques and analytical methods for improved encapsulation efficiency in drug delivery systems.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Polyester micro- and nanoparticles are widely used for controlled and targeted delivery of biomacromolecules.
- Protein encapsulation presents significant challenges, often leading to unfolding and loss of bioactivity, despite extensive research.
- Understanding detrimental mechanisms like interfacial unfolding or particle acidification is crucial for optimizing protein encapsulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review protein encapsulation in polyester micro- and nanoparticles.
- To analyze mechanisms affecting protein integrity during encapsulation.
- To explore strategies and analytical techniques for enhancing protein bioactivity in delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Focus on emulsification efficiency and interfacial adsorption of proteins.
- Review of current excipients and stabilization techniques, using oral insulin delivery as a case study.
- Examination of analytical techniques for characterizing encapsulated proteins.
Main Results:
- Emerging trends include direct protein-polymer complexation for stabilization.
- Alternative emulsion techniques are being developed that minimize or avoid stabilizers and excipients.
- Spectroscopic and spectrometric methods are increasingly applied to assess protein integrity within microspheres.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing protein encapsulation requires a case-by-case analysis of detrimental mechanisms.
- Advancements in stabilization strategies and analytical techniques are crucial for successful protein delivery systems.
- Further research into novel emulsion techniques and protein-polymer interactions will enhance therapeutic protein delivery.
