Polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles from cationised gelatin and sodium alginate for curcumin delivery

Self assembled hybrid polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) nanoparticles are prepared from cationically modified gelatin and sodium alginate (Alg) by electrostatic complexation between the polymers. Cationised gelatin (CG) is prepared by the reaction of gelatin with ethylenediamine. Structural changes in gelatin, after modification with ethylenediamine are investigated by XRD and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Hybrid polyelectrolyte nanoparticles, labeled CG/Alg, are prepared by simple mixing of CG and Alg. CG/Alg complex shows spherical morphology as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. These polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles can be used for the encapsulation and delivery of natural antioxidant curcumin to carcinoma cells. CG/Alg nanoparticles show curcumin encapsulation efficiency of 69% and exhibit sustained release of curcumin in vitro. Anticancer activity of curcumin loaded CG/Alg nanoparticles towards MCF-7 cells is disclosed by MTT assay. Intracellular uptake of the drug encapsulated nanoparticles is confirmed by fluorescent imaging.