Caleosin-assembled oil bodies as a potential delivery nanocarrier

Encapsulation of hydrophobic agents with nanocarriers is challenging. Therefore, we have sought to use nanoscale artificial oil bodies (NOBs) as an alternative delivery carrier. To constitute NOBs, caleosin (Cal), a structural protein of plant seed oil bodies, was first fused with ZH2 (Cal-ZH2). ZH2 is a bivalent anti-HER2/neu affibody with a high affinity towards the HER2/neu receptor. After overproduction in Escherichia coli, insoluble Cal-ZH2 was isolated and used to assemble NOBs in one step. Consequently, resulting NOBs had a zeta potential around -49 mV and ranged in size from 150 to 200 nm. Upon loading with a hydrophobic fluorescence dye, NOBs were found to be selectively internalized into HER2/neu-positive tumor cells. Further analyses showed that more than 90% cells were invaded by dye-loaded NOBs and the cargo dye was released in cells with time. In addition, the in vitro assay revealed the release of the dye from NOBs in a slow and prolong manner. Overall, these results indicate the potential of Cal-based NOBs as a delivery vehicle.