Formation of self-assembled polyelectrolyte complex derived from BSA and nanogels: a study to optimize processing...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Protein degradation during nano-carrier preparation hinders effective protein delivery.
• Developing stable, non-destructive methods for protein nano-formulation is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize a non-destructive polyelectrolyte complexation (PEC) process for developing nano-formulations using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and nanogels (NGs).
• To evaluate the structural integrity and bioactivity of BSA after nano-formulation.

Main Methods:

• Polyelectrolyte nanocomplexes (BSA/NGs-PEC) were formed by mixing BSA and NGs at various ratios, pH, incubation times, and stirring rates.
• Particle size, PDI, zeta potential, and complexation efficiency were evaluated.
• SDS-PAGE and esterase activity assays assessed BSA integrity and bioactivity post-formulation.

Main Results:

• Optimized parameters included a 1:8 BSA/NG ratio, pH 4.0, 6-hour incubation, and 100 rpm stirring.
• SDS-PAGE confirmed the primary structure of BSA remained intact.
• Esterase activity assays demonstrated that the bioactivity of BSA was preserved.

Conclusions:

• The optimized PEC method offers a promising approach for creating stable, protein-based nano-delivery systems.
• Electrostatic interactions are key to successful protein encapsulation and stabilization.
• This technique has significant potential for advancing protein-based therapeutic delivery.