Silylated precision particles for controlled release of proteins

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Protein Therapeutics

Background:

• Advancements in protein-based therapeutics necessitate controlled delivery systems.
• Biologics require precise formulation to maintain structural integrity and efficacy.
• Current delivery methods face challenges in controlling dissolution rates and preserving protein structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and functionalize bovine serum albumin (BSA) microparticles for controlled dissolution.
• To investigate the structural integrity of BSA released from functionalized microparticles.
• To establish a method for creating protein-based drug delivery systems with tunable release kinetics.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of size- and shape-specific microparticles using Particle Replication in Non-wetting Templates (PRINT).
• Room-temperature functionalization of BSA microparticles with multifunctional chlorosilane.
• Characterization using mass spectrometry, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) analysis.
• Assessment of protein secondary structure retention using Circular Dichroism (CD).

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized and functionalized BSA microparticles with controlled size and shape.
• Confirmed cross-linking throughout the particle bulk via mass spectrometry, EDS, XPS, and FIB.
• Demonstrated that released BSA retains its native secondary structure.
• Established a system for controlling the dissolution kinetics of protein-based formulations.

Conclusions:

• The developed BSA microparticle system offers controlled dissolution for protein therapeutics.
• Functionalization ensures protein structural integrity upon release, crucial for biologic efficacy.
• This approach provides a versatile platform for developing advanced protein drug delivery systems.