Radiation-synthesized protein-based drug carriers: Size-controlled BSA nanoparticles.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Radiochemistry

Background:

• Protein-based nanocarriers offer biocompatibility and site-specific delivery advantages.
• Existing albumin nanoparticles face limitations that necessitate novel synthesis routes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop radiation-synthesized bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles.
• To create crosslinked protein nanocarriers for potential chemotherapeutic or radiopharmaceutical delivery.
• To overcome limitations associated with current albumin nanoparticle formulations.

Main Methods:

• BSA solutions in phosphate buffer with ethanol or methanol were subjected to gamma irradiation.
• Nanoparticle size was characterized using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS).
• Bityrosine crosslinking was assessed via fluorescence measurements and SDS-PAGE.
• Computational experiments were employed to understand nanoparticle formation mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Gamma irradiation of BSA in the presence of cosolvents successfully synthesized nanoparticles ranging from 7 to 70 nm.
• SDS-PAGE and DLS confirmed the formation of crosslinked BSA nanoparticles without chemical crosslinkers.
• The combination of cosolvent and gamma irradiation allowed for precise control over nanoparticle size.

Conclusions:

• Radiation synthesis offers a novel, chemical-free method for producing crosslinked BSA nanoparticles.
• These tunable BSA nanoparticles are promising candidates for advanced drug delivery systems.
• The findings pave the way for developing new protein-based nanocarriers for targeted therapies.