Encapsulated functionalized stereocomplex PLA particles: An effective system to support mucolytic enzymes

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Developing effective biodegradable polymer carriers for enzyme delivery is crucial.
• Nanocarriers need to penetrate mucus and protect enzymes from degradation.
• Functionalization is required for enzyme immobilization and activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize novel biodegradable polymer nanoparticles for enzyme immobilization.
• To functionalize these nanoparticles for enzyme anchoring and assess their properties.
• To evaluate the efficacy of enzyme-loaded nanoparticles in reducing mucus viscosity for potential inhalation administration.

Main Methods:

• Nanoprecipitation method using poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(D-lactide) (PDLA).
• Surface functionalization via amminolysis reaction.
• Characterization using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and zeta potential measurements.
• Enzyme activity assessment using Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) and UV-Vis spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Optimized preparation yielded polymer particles <1 μm in diameter.
• Successful surface amminolysis functionalization was achieved, dependent on reaction time.
• Immobilized papain and alginate lyase retained their activity.
• Encapsulated enzyme-particle systems effectively reduced the viscosity of mucus-mimicking hydrogels.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable PLLA/PDLA stereocomplex nanoparticles are suitable enzyme carriers.
• Functionalized nanocarriers can immobilize active enzymes.
• These systems demonstrate potential for inhalation therapy by reducing mucus viscosity.