Rapid, Single-Step Protein Encapsulation via Flash NanoPrecipitation

• Main Authors: Shani L. Levit, Rebecca C. Walker, Christina Tang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-08-01
• Series: Polymers
• Subjects: Flash NanoPrecipitation; nanoparticles; polyethylenimine; self-assembly; tannic-acid; electrostatic interactions; protein encapsulation
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/11/9/1406

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.