Rapid, Single-Step Protein Encapsulation via Flash NanoPrecipitation
Chemical and Life Science Engineering Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284-3028, USA
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Polymers 2019, 11(9), 1406; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11091406
Received: 24 July 2019 / Revised: 22 August 2019 / Accepted: 23 August 2019 / Published: 27 August 2019
Flash NanoPrecipitation (FNP) is a rapid method for encapsulating hydrophobic materials in polymer nanoparticles with high loading capacity. Encapsulating biologics such as proteins remains a challenge due to their low hydrophobicity (logP < 6) and current methods require multiple processing steps. In this work, we report rapid, single-step protein encapsulation via FNP using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein. Nanoparticle formation involves complexation and precipitation of protein with tannic acid and stabilization with a cationic polyelectrolyte. Nanoparticle self-assembly is driven by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Using this approach, high encapsulation efficiency (up to ~80%) of protein can be achieved. The resulting nanoparticles are stable at physiological pH and ionic strength. Overall, FNP is a rapid, efficient platform for encapsulating proteins for various applications.
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Keywords:
Flash NanoPrecipitation; nanoparticles; polyethylenimine; self-assembly; tannic-acid; electrostatic interactions; protein encapsulation
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MDPI and ACS Style
Levit, S.L.; Walker, R.C.; Tang, C. Rapid, Single-Step Protein Encapsulation via Flash NanoPrecipitation. Polymers 2019, 11, 1406.
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