Cationic functionalized biocompatible polylactide nanoparticles for slow release of proteins

Abstract

In this study, the formation and structural features of distinct bovine serum albumin (BSA)−loaded cationic-functionalized poly (lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles were established and monitored for potential use in the medical and biotechnological applications. The PLA nanoparticles (NPs) produced by low energy solvent displacement were functionalized with the cationic agent hyperbranched polyethylenimine (PEI) for the protein adsorption. The interaction of the BSA with NPs was monitored using zeta potential, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy (AFM) images, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gel electrophoresis for assuring stable colloidal dispersions with mean diameter ranging of 100 to 190nm, and high protein loading efficiency (PLE>80%). The cationic NPs containing PLA:BSA ratio of 1:1w/w stabilized with sorbitan monooleate and poly (vinyl alcohol) exhibited PLE% of 83.2±3.3 and 76.2±0.3 respectively. The slow protein release in these two formulations was diffusion-controlled dependent on BSA/PLA ratio, (Mt/M∞)/t=Kp t −0.5, with release rate constant of Kp=0.127 and Kp=0.110 respectively. The desired biocompability was dependent on PEI/PLA ratio. However, only the formulations stabilized with poly (vinyl alcohol) remained stable over than seven weeks. The data discussed in this approach demonstrated a scaffold of a low energy method for producing small−sized, spherical, stable, and cationic functionalized biodegradable and biocompatible nanoparticles as promising nanocarriers for proteins or negatively charged molecules from the biotechnology source.