Engineered Whey Protein Nanoparticles for Intracellular Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Protein-based nanoparticles are advanced drug delivery platforms enhancing therapeutic agent solubility, stability, and bioavailability.
• They offer high biocompatibility and biodegradability, minimizing side effects and toxicity.
• Whey proteins, a byproduct of cheese production, present a sustainable source for engineered nanoparticles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer and characterize whey protein-based nanoparticles (Matrix and Core-shell) for efficient drug delivery.
• To evaluate the cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and proliferation effects of these nanoparticles using curcumin as a model drug.
• To assess the potential of whey protein nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of two types of whey protein nanoparticles: Matrix and Core-shell.
• Characterization of nanoparticle properties.
• In vitro evaluation of cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and cell proliferation using tumor and healthy cells.
• Curcumin extract utilized as a model anticancer drug.

Main Results:

• Both Matrix and Core-shell whey protein nanoparticles demonstrated efficient drug encapsulation.
• Nanoparticles exhibited effective cellular uptake in tested cell lines.
• Enhanced cytotoxicity was observed in tumor cells compared to healthy cells, particularly at higher concentrations.
• Whey protein nanoparticles showed potential for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents.

Conclusions:

• Whey protein-based nanoparticles are a viable and sustainable platform for drug delivery, especially in cancer therapy.
• These nanoparticles enhance drug efficacy while potentially reducing side effects.
• Further research into whey protein nanoparticles could lead to innovative targeted cancer treatments.