Multilayer biopolymer/poly(ε-caprolactone)/polycation nanoparticles

Abstract

Combining two or more materials for carrier construction is one of the topical approaches to avoid/diminish deficiencies and to increase functionality in delivery systems for bioactive compounds. In this context, here, multilayered nanoparticles comprising both natural (atelocollagen—AteCol; hyaluronic acid derivative—HA) and synthetic [poly(e-caprolactone)—PCL; polyethylenimine—PEI; poly(l-lysine)—PLL] polymers were prepared and characterized. The combination of a modified double-emulsion method with polymer modification reactions allowed improvement of the polymer particle’s functionality. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, transmission/scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy investigations confirmed the obtention of the envisaged nanomaterials with the expected composition and structure. The double-layered biopolymer/PCL-based nanoparticles formed in a first synthesis step could be successfully coated with PEI and PLL. The gel electrophoresis assay attested the DNA packing ability of the formed nano-vehicles involving surface grafting of the former biopolymer/PCL-based nanoparticles in the case of both cationic polymers, for N/P ratios of 10 (PEI coating) and 3.5 (PLL coating), respectively. According to the FTIR registration, the protein’s native form was preserved. Considering the advantage of biocompatibility and high versatility (controlled size, tuned chemistry and biodegradation rate) some of the resulted nanomaterials may appear as potential candidates for biomedical uses (i.e., drug/gene delivery and tissue engineering).