Interfacially assembled carbohydrate nanocapsules: a hydrophilic macromolecule delivery platform

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Developing effective drug delivery systems for in vivo applications requires stable nanocarriers with appropriate properties for systemic circulation.
• Carbohydrate-based materials offer biocompatibility and tunable characteristics for nanomedicine.
• Controlled synthesis of nanovesicles is crucial for consistent payload delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize carbohydrate nanocapsules with macromolecule payloads and suitable interfacial properties for in vivo systemic circulation.
• To investigate the structural and release characteristics of these novel carbohydrate nanovesicles.
• To evaluate the influence of synthesis parameters on nanocapsule properties.

Main Methods:

• Prospective synthesis of carbohydrate nanocapsules via spatially directed assembly and polymerization.
• Characterization of vesicle size (200-300 nm) and monodisperse distribution in aqueous media.
• Evaluation of pH, buffer capacity, and reaction time effects on molar degree of substitution for cross-linking agents (terephthaloyl chloride, trimesoyl chloride, diethylmalonyl chloride).
• In vitro release studies using lysozyme as a model protein payload.

Main Results:

• Structured hydrophilic vesicles with diameters of 200-300 nm were successfully synthesized.
• Continuous release of lysozyme was observed over a 7-day period.
• A 20% immobilization of lysozyme due to co-polymerization was quantified.
• Theoretical shell thickness was estimated at 9.5 nm based on relative core volume and vesicle size.

Conclusions:

• Carbohydrate nanocapsules can be synthesized for effective macromolecule delivery in aqueous systems.
• The developed nanovesicles exhibit sustained release profiles suitable for potential in vivo applications.
• Further optimization of synthesis parameters can fine-tune nanocapsule properties for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.