Preparation, Optimization, and Stability of Isosulfan Blue-Loaded Human Serum Albumin-Structured Nanocolloids

In an attempt to develop nanoparticles for drug delivery systems, human serum albumin (HSA), a protein carrier for drugs, is a suitable choice. HSA nanoparticles have been widely used in drug delivery systems and have applications in various diseases. The administration of HSA nanoparticles, particle size, surface charge, and drug loading are important parameters to consider. The present study aimed to develop HSA-based nanoparticles containing isosulfan blue (ISB) dye by using a nanoprecipitation procedure. The developed nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The effects of factors such as solvent/nonsolvent ratio, pH, cross-linker, dye, and surfactant concentration on the physicochemical parameters of the formulations were optimized. Also, in vitro stability studies of nanoparticles were measured in different conditions for up to 3 months. According to the results obtained, the spherical nanoparticles had particle sizes of 93.88 ± 1.86 and 113.90 ± 1.91 nm, PdI values of 0.19 ± 0.01 and 0.44 ± 0.02, and negative charges of -26.0 ± 2.87 and 57.4 ± 3.86 mV. The loading amount of ISB for ISB-HSA nanoparticles was 15-20%. Also, nanoparticle formulations were stable under different conditions and did not exhibit a substantial change in DLS results. Current sentinel lymph node tracers, like free ISB, suffer from rapid clearance (<2 h) and photodegradation. This study develops stable HSA nanocolloids to overcome these limitations. In conclusion, ISB dye-loaded HSA nanoparticles in stable nanocolloidal structures with ideal properties were prepared.