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Assembly and Characterization of Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelles
Published on: March 2, 2020
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Complex Formation Between Lysozyme and Stabilized Micelles with a Mixed Poly(ethylene oxide)/Poly(acrylic acid) Shell
Maria Karayianni1,2, Valeria Gancheva2, Stergios Pispas1
1Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation , 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|February 17, 2016
Summary
Electrostatic complexation between lysozyme and stabilized polymeric micelles (SPMs) was studied. SPM shell structure significantly impacts complex stability, with no protein denaturation observed.
Area of Science:
- Polymer science
- Biophysics
- Materials science
Background:
- Stabilized polymeric micelles (SPMs) are versatile nanocarriers.
- Understanding protein-micelle interactions is crucial for drug delivery and biomaterials.
- Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) are common shell-forming polymers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrostatic complexation between lysozyme and SPMs.
- To explore the influence of SPM shell composition on complex properties.
- To assess the structural integrity of lysozyme upon complexation.
Main Methods:
- Dynamic, static, and electrophoretic light scattering.
- Spectroscopic analysis (fluorescence and mid-infrared).
- Preparation of SPMs with PAA or mixed PEO/PAA shells and PPO cores.
Main Results:
- Complexation is dependent on protein concentration and SPM shell structure.
- SPM shell composition significantly affects complex stability and solubility.
- Lysozyme structure remains largely intact, with minimal stretching and no denaturation.
Conclusions:
- Electrostatic complexation is a viable method for forming lysozyme-SPM complexes.
- Tailoring SPM shell properties offers control over complex behavior.
- The method preserves protein integrity, suggesting potential for biomedical applications.
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