Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 12, 2025

10:01
Directed Assembly of Elastin-like Proteins into defined Supramolecular Structures and Cargo Encapsulation In Vitro
Published on: April 8, 2020
6.2K
Sequential Self-Assembly Using Tannic Acid and Phenylboronic Acid-Modified Copolymers for Potential Protein Delivery
Yuto Honda1,2, Takahiro Nomoto1,2, Makoto Matsui1
1Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan.
Biomacromolecules
|August 14, 2020
Summary
Tannic acid (TA) and a novel copolymer create stable protein delivery systems. This self-assembly method enhances protein circulation and tumor targeting for systemic applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Tannic acid (TA) forms stable protein complexes, showing potential for protein delivery systems.
- Nonspecific interactions limit the systemic application of TA-based protein delivery systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple technique for preparing systemically applicable protein delivery systems using sequential self-assembly.
- To create a core-shell-type ternary complex with enhanced stability and targeted delivery capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Sequential self-assembly of proteins, TA, and phenylboronic acid-conjugated PEG-poly(amino acid) block copolymers in aqueous solution.
- Formation of boronate esters between TA and copolymers to construct a ternary complex.
- Characterization of the ternary complex's hydrodynamic diameter and in vivo performance in a subcutaneous tumor model.
Main Results:
- The ternary complex exhibited a small hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 10-20 nm.
- PEGylation prevented unfavorable interactions with serum components, leading to prolonged blood circulation.
- Enhanced accumulation of the protein delivery system in subcutaneous tumors was observed.
Conclusions:
- A novel, simple technique for preparing systemically applicable protein delivery systems was developed using supramolecular self-assembly.
- The developed ternary complex demonstrates potential for improved protein delivery, circulation time, and tumor targeting.
- This self-assembly approach offers a new strategy for designing advanced protein delivery systems.

