Preparation of trypsin-based nanoparticles, colloidal properties and ability to bind bioactive compounds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Enzyme Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Enzyme-based nanoparticles offer potential for drug delivery and biomaterial applications.
• Trypsin (TRY) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) are biocompatible materials with potential for complex formation.
• Encapsulation of hydrophobic bioactive compounds remains a challenge in nanoparticle formulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop stable nanoparticles using trypsin (TRY) and chondroitin sulfate (CS).
• To investigate the stability and encapsulation capabilities of these CS-TRY nanoparticles.
• To explore the potential of CS-TRY nanoparticles as a platform for hydrophobic bioactive compounds.

Main Methods:

• Complexation of trypsin (TRY) with chondroitin sulfate (CS) via electrostatic interactions at acidic pH.
• Thermal treatment to stabilize the CS-TRY complexes into nanoparticles resistant to neutral pH.
• Characterization of nanoparticle size distribution, stability, and conformation of trypsin.
• Encapsulation studies with hydrophobic bioactive compounds curcumin (CUR) and β-carotene (β-C).

Main Results:

• CS-TRY nanoparticles with radii of 100-200 nm were successfully prepared.
• Thermal treatment enhanced nanoparticle stability at neutral pH (pH 7).
• Trypsin's secondary conformation remained largely unaffected by thermal treatment.
• The CS-TRY nanoparticles demonstrated binding and encapsulation of CUR and β-C.

Conclusions:

• Stable, biocompatible nanoparticles were fabricated from trypsin and chondroitin sulfate.
• These CS-TRY nanoparticles exhibit potential as carriers for hydrophobic bioactive compounds.
• The developed nanoparticles serve as a platform for immobilized enzymes and multifunctional delivery systems.