Multilayer films assembled from naturally-derived materials for controlled protein release

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Traditional protein delivery often uses synthetic materials unsuitable for sensitive biologics.
• Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly offers benign conditions but often uses synthetic polycations.
• Developing naturally derived, biocompatible, and degradable materials is crucial for advanced drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and characterize naturally derived films for controlled protein release.
• To evaluate poly(β-l-malic acid) and chitosan in LbL films for biocompatibility and degradability.
• To demonstrate sustained release of model proteins and a clinical biologic using this platform.

Main Methods:

• Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly using poly(β-l-malic acid) and chitosan.
• Fabrication of films with varying architectures to control release kinetics.
• Incorporation and release studies using lysozyme as a model protein and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) as a clinical biologic.

Main Results:

• LbL films composed of poly(β-l-malic acid) and chitosan exhibited controlled, sustained release of lysozyme.
• Release profiles could be tuned from minutes to multiple days by altering film architecture.
• Successful incorporation and release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• Naturally derived LbL films offer a safe and tunable platform for controlled protein and biologic delivery.
• Poly(β-l-malic acid) and chitosan provide biocompatible and degradable components for advanced drug delivery systems.
• This strategy holds promise for the controlled release of sensitive biologics in therapeutic applications.