Recent Trends in Drug Delivery System Using Protein Nanoparticles

On-demand therapeutic delivery of hydrogen sulfide aided by biomolecules

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), known as the third gasotransmitter, exerts various physiological functions including cardiac protection, angiogenesis, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer capability. Given its promising therapeutic potential as well as severe perniciousness if improper use, the sustained and tunable H₂S delivery systems are highly required for H₂S-based gas therapy with enhanced bioactivity and reduced side effects. To this end, a series of stimuli-responsive compounds capable of releasing H₂S (termed H₂S donors) have been designed over the past two decades to mimic the endogenous generation of H₂S and elucidate the biological functions. Further to improve the stability of H₂S donors and achieve the targeted delivery, various delivery systems have been constructed. In this review, we focus on the recent advances of an emerging subset, biomolecular-based H₂S delivery systems, which combine H₂S donors with biomolecular vectors including polysaccharide, peptide, and protein. We demonstrated their basic structures, building strategies, and therapeutic applications respectively to unfold their inherent merits endued by biomolecules including biocompatibility, biodegradability as well as expansibility. The varied development potentials of biomolecular-based H₂S delivery systems based on their specific properties are also discussed. At the end, brief future outlooks and upcoming challenges are presented as well.

Oral delivery of IL-22 mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles targeting the injured intestinal mucosa: A novel therapeutic solution to treat ulcerative colitis

Oral mRNA delivery is a promising yet understudied approach for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Inspired by the colon-targeting ability of ginger-derived nanoparticles (GDNPs), we reversely engineered lipid nanoparticles that comprise the three major lipids identified in GDNPs. When mixed at the ratio found in GDNPs, the selected lipids (phosphatidic acid, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, and digalactosyldiacylglycerol; 5:2:3) self-assembled into new lipid nanoparticles (nLNPs) in phosphate-buffered saline. We encapsulated IL-22-mRNA within the nLNPs, as enhanced IL-22 expression in the colon is known to have potent anti-inflammatory efficacy against ulcerative colitis (UC). The IL-22 mRNA-loaded nLNPs (IL-22/nLNPs) were found to be about 200 nm in diameter and have a zeta potential of -18 mV. Oral delivery of IL-22/nLNPs elevated the protein expression level of IL-22 in the colonic mucosa of mice. In a mouse model of acute colitis, mice fed with IL-22/nLNPs experienced an accelerated healing process, as indicated by the recovery of more body weight and colon length as well as reduction of the histological index, colonic MPO activity, fecal lipocalin concentration, and mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β). Our results suggest that our reversely engineered nLNPs is an excellent mRNA delivery platform for treating ulcerative colitis.

Protein Nanoparticles: Uniting the Power of Proteins with Engineering Design Approaches

Protein nanoparticles, PNPs, have played a long-standing role in food and industrial applications. More recently, their potential in nanomedicine has been more widely pursued. This review summarizes recent trends related to the preparation, application, and chemical construction of nanoparticles that use proteins as major building blocks. A particular focus has been given to emerging trends related to applications in nanomedicine, an area of research where PNPs are poised for major breakthroughs as drug delivery carriers, particle-based therapeutics or for non-viral gene therapy.

Exploring Various Techniques for the Chemical and Biological Synthesis of Polymeric Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles (NPs) have remarkable properties for delivering therapeutic drugs to the body’s targeted cells. NPs have shown to be significantly more efficient as drug delivery carriers than micron-sized particles, which are quickly eliminated by the immune system. Biopolymer-based polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) are colloidal systems composed of either natural or synthetic polymers and can be synthesized by the direct polymerization of monomers (e.g., emulsion polymerization, surfactant-free emulsion polymerization, mini-emulsion polymerization, micro-emulsion polymerization, and microbial polymerization) or by the dispersion of preformed polymers (e.g., nanoprecipitation, emulsification solvent evaporation, emulsification solvent diffusion, and salting-out). The desired characteristics of NPs and their target applications are determining factors in the choice of method used for their production. This review article aims to shed light on the different methods employed for the production of PNPs and to discuss the effect of experimental parameters on the physicochemical properties of PNPs. Thus, this review highlights specific properties of PNPs that can be tailored to be employed as drug carriers, especially in hospitals for point-of-care diagnostics for targeted therapies.

Advances in preparation, interaction and stimulus responsiveness of protein-based nanodelivery systems

The improved understanding of the connection between diet and health has led to growing interest in the development of functional foods designed to improve health and wellbeing. Many of the potentially health-promoting bioactive ingredients that food manufacturers would like to incorporate into these products are difficult to utilize because of their chemical instability, poor solubility, or low bioavailability. For this reason, nano-based delivery systems are being developed to overcome these problems. Food proteins possess many functional attributes that make them suitable for formulating various kinds of nanocarriers, including their surface activity, water binding, structuring, emulsification, gelation, and foaming, as well as their nutritional aspects. Proteins-based nanocarriers are therefore useful for introducing bioactive ingredients into functional foods, especially for their targeted delivery in specific applications.This review focusses on the preparation, properties, and applications of protein-based nanocarriers, such as nanoparticles, micelles, nanocages, nanoemulsions, and nanogels. In particular, we focus on the development and application of stimulus-responsive protein-based nanocarriers, which can be used to release bioactive ingredients in response to specific environmental triggers. Finally, we discuss the potential and future challenges in the design and application of these protein-based nanocarriers in the food industry.

Utilization of diverse protein sources for the development of protein-based nanostructures as bioactive carrier systems: A review of recent research findings (2010-2021)

Consumer awareness of the relationship between health and nutrition has caused a substantial increase in the demand for nutraceuticals and functional foods containing bioactive compounds (BACs) with potential health benefits. However, the direct incorporation of many BACs into commercial food and beverage products is challenging because of their poor matrix compatibility, chemical instability, low bioavailability, or adverse impact on food quality. Advanced encapsulation technologies are therefore being employed to overcome these problems. In this article, we focus on the utilization of plant and animal derived proteins to fabricate micro and nano-particles that can be used for the oral delivery of BACs such as omega-3 oils, vitamins and nutraceuticals. This review comprehensively discusses different methods being implemented for fabrications of protein-based delivery vehicles, types of proteins used, and their compatibility for the purpose. Finally, some of the challenges and limitations of different protein matrices for encapsulation of BACs are deliberated upon. Various approaches have been developed for the fabrication of protein-based microparticles and nanoparticles, including injection-gelation, controlled denaturation, and antisolvent precipitation methods. These methods can be used to construct particle-based delivery systems with different compositions, sizes, surface hydrophobicity, and electrical characteristics, thereby enabling them to be used in a wide range of applications.

Protein nanoparticles in drug delivery: animal protein, plant proteins and protein cages, albumin nanoparticles

In this article, we will describe the properties of albumin and its biological functions, types of sources that can be used to produce albumin nanoparticles, methods of producing albumin nanoparticles, its therapeutic applications and the importance of albumin nanoparticles in the production of pharmaceutical formulations. In view of the increasing use of Abraxane and its approval for use in the treatment of several types of cancer and during the final stages of clinical trials for other cancers, to evaluate it and compare its effectiveness with conventional non formulations of chemotherapy Paclitaxel is paid. In this article, we will examine the role and importance of animal proteins in Nano medicine and the various benefits of these biomolecules for the preparation of drug delivery carriers and the characteristics of plant protein Nano carriers and protein Nano cages and their potentials in diagnosis and treatment. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of protein nanoparticles are mentioned, as well as the methods of production of albumin nanoparticles, its therapeutic applications and the importance of albumin nanoparticles in the production of pharmaceutical formulations.

Size-Dependent Phagocytic Uptake and Immunogenicity of Gliadin Nanoparticles

The main objective of the present study was to investigate the hemo and immune compatibility of gliadin nanoparticles as a function of particle size. Gliadin nanoparticles of different size were prepared using a modified antisolvent nanoprecipitation method. The hemolytic potential of gliadin nanoparticles was evaluated using in vitro hemolysis assay. Phagocytic uptake of gliadin nanoparticles was studied using rat polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes and murine alveolar peritoneal macrophage (J774) cells. In vivo immunogenicity of gliadin nanoparticles was studied following subcutaneous administration in mice. Gliadin nanoparticles were non-hemolytic irrespective of particle size and hence compatible with blood components. In comparison to positive control zymosan, gliadin nanoparticles with a size greater than 406 ± 11 nm showed higher phagocytic uptake in PMN cells, while the uptake was minimal with smaller nanoparticles (127 ± 8 nm). Similar uptake of gliadin nanoparticles was observed in murine alveolar peritoneal macrophages. Anti-gliadin IgG antibody titers subsequent to primary and secondary immunization of gliadin nanoparticles in mice were in the increasing order of 406 ± 11 nm < 848 ± 20 nm < coarse suspension). On the other hand, gliadin nanoparticles of 127 ± 8 nm in size did not elicit immunogenic response. Phagocytosis and immunogenicity of gliadin nanoparticles are strongly influenced by particle size. The results of this study can provide useful information for rational design of protein-based nanomaterials in drug delivery applications.

Antitumor Features of Vegetal Protein-Based Nanotherapeutics

The introduction of nanotechnology into pharmaceutical application revolutionized the administration of antitumor drugs through the modulation of their accumulation in specific organs/body compartments, a decrease in their side-effects and their controlled release from innovative systems. The use of plant-derived proteins as innovative, safe and renewable raw materials to be used for the development of polymeric nanoparticles unlocked a new scenario in the drug delivery field. In particular, the reduced size of the colloidal systems combined with the peculiar properties of non-immunogenic polymers favored the characterization and evaluation of the pharmacological activity of the novel nanoformulations. The aim of this review is to describe the physico-chemical properties of nanoparticles composed of vegetal proteins used to retain and deliver anticancer drugs, together with the most important preparation methods and the pharmacological features of these potential nanomedicines.

Plant protein-based hydrophobic fine and ultrafine carrier particles in drug delivery systems

For thousands of years, plants and their products have been used as the mainstay of medicinal therapy. In recent years, besides attempts to isolate the active ingredients of medicinal plants, other new applications of plant products, such as their use to prepare drug delivery vehicles, have been discovered. Nanobiotechnology is a branch of pharmacology that can provide new approaches for drug delivery by the preparation of biocompatible carrier nanoparticles (NPs). In this article, we review recent studies with four important plant proteins that have been used as carriers for targeted delivery of drugs and genes. Zein is a water-insoluble protein from maize; Gliadin is a 70% alcohol-soluble protein from wheat and corn; legumin is a casein-like protein from leguminous seeds such as peas; lectins are glycoproteins naturally occurring in many plants that recognize specific carbohydrate residues. NPs formed from these proteins show good biocompatibility, possess the ability to enhance solubility, and provide sustained release of drugs and reduce their toxicity and side effects. The effects of preparation methods on the size and loading capacity of these NPs are also described in this review.

Emergence of synthetic mRNA: In vitro synthesis of mRNA and its applications in regenerative medicine

The field of gene therapy has evolved over the past two decades after the first introduction of nucleic acid drugs, such as plasmid DNA (pDNA). With the development of in vitro transcription (IVT) methods, synthetic mRNA has become an emerging class of gene therapy. IVT mRNA has several advantages over conventional pDNA for the expression of target proteins. mRNA does not require nuclear localization to mediate protein translation. The intracellular process for protein expression is much simpler and there is no potential risk of insertion mutagenesis. Having these advantages, the level of protein expression is far enhanced as comparable to that of viral expression systems. This makes IVT mRNA a powerful alternative gene expression system for various applications in regenerative medicine. In this review, we highlight the synthesis and preparation of IVT mRNA and its therapeutic applications. The article includes the design and preparation of IVT mRNA, chemical modification of IVT mRNA, and therapeutic applications of IVT mRNA in cellular reprogramming, stem cell engineering, and protein replacement therapy. Finally, future perspectives and challenges of IVT mRNA are discussed.

Albumin-Assisted Method Allows Assessment of Release of Hydrophobic Drugs From Nanocarriers

Polymeric nanoparticles have been extensively studied as drug delivery vehicles both in vitro and in vivo for the last two decades. In vitro methods to assess drug release profiles usually utilize degradation of nanoparticles in aqueous medium, followed by the measurement of the concentration of the released drug. This method, however, is difficult to use for drugs that are poorly water soluble. In this study, a protocol for measuring drug release kinetic using albumin solution as the medium is described. Albumin is a major blood transport protein, which mediates transport of many lipid soluble compounds including fatty acids, hormones, and bilirubin. The use of a dialysis-based system utilizing albumin dialysate solution allows hydrophobic drug release from a diverse set of drug delivery modalities is demonstrated. The method using liposomes and PLGA nanoparticles as drug carriers, and two model hydrophobic drugs, 17β-estradiol, and dexamethasone is validated.

Protein Assembly: Versatile Approaches to Construct Highly Ordered Nanostructures

Nature endows life with a wide variety of sophisticated, synergistic, and highly functional protein assemblies. Following Nature's inspiration to assemble protein building blocks into exquisite nanostructures is emerging as a fascinating research field. Dictating protein assembly to obtain highly ordered nanostructures and sophisticated functions not only provides a powerful tool to understand the natural protein assembly process but also offers access to advanced biomaterials. Over the past couple of decades, the field of protein assembly has undergone unexpected and rapid developments, and various innovative strategies have been proposed. This Review outlines recent advances in the field of protein assembly and summarizes several strategies, including biotechnological strategies, chemical strategies, and combinations of these approaches, for manipulating proteins to self-assemble into desired nanostructures. The emergent applications of protein assemblies as versatile platforms to design a wide variety of attractive functional materials with improved performances have also been discussed. The goal of this Review is to highlight the importance of this highly interdisciplinary field and to promote its growth in a diverse variety of research fields ranging from nanoscience and material science to synthetic biology.

Triple combination MPT vaginal microbicide using curcumin and efavirenz loaded lactoferrin nanoparticles

We report that a combination of anti-HIV-1 drug efavirenz (EFV), anti-microbial-spermicidal curcumin (Cur) and lactoferrin nanoparticles (ECNPs) act as MPT formulation. These nanoparticles are of well dispersed spherical shape with 40–70 nm size, with encapsulation efficiency of 63 ± 1.9% of Cur & 61.5% ± 1.6 of EFV, significantly higher than that of single drug nanoparticles (Cur, 59 ± 1.34%; EFV: 58.4 ± 1.79). ECNPs were found to be sensitive at pH 5 and 6 and have not effected viability of vaginal micro-flora, Lactobacillus. Studies in rats showed that ECNPs delivers 88–124% more drugs in vaginal lavage as compared to its soluble form, either as single or combination of EFV and Cur. The ECNPs also shows 1.39–4.73 fold lower concentration of absorption in vaginal tissue and plasma compared to soluble EFV + Cur. Furthermore, ECNPs show significant reduction in inflammatory responses by 1.6–3.0 fold in terms of IL-6 and TNF-α in vaginal tissue and plasma compared to soluble EFV + Cur. ECNPs showed improved pharmacokinetics profiles in vaginal lavage with more than 50% of enhancement in AUC, AUMC, C_max and t_1/2 suggesting longer exposure of Cur and EFV in vaginal lavage compared to soluble EFV + Cur. Histopathological analysis of vaginal tissue shows remarkably lower toxicity of ECNPs compared to soluble EFV + Cur. In conclusion, ECNPs are significantly safe and exhibit higher bioavailability thus constitute an effective MPT against HIV.

Functionalized protein nanocages as a platform of targeted therapy and immunodetection

To improve the therapeutic/diagnostic potentials of drugs and/or imaging contrast agents, various targeted delivery systems are actively being developed. Especially protein nanocages, hollow and highly symmetrical nanometer-sized cage structures that are self-assembled from multiple protein subunits, are emerging as powerful targeted delivery tools. Their natural abundance, biocompatibility, low toxicity, well defined size and high symmetry are a few of the favorable characteristics which render protein nanocages as near ideal carriers for pharmaceuticals and/or imaging probes. This review aims to highlight current progress in the development and application of protein nanocages in targeted drug delivery approaches with an emphasis on the use of antibodies as targeting motifs to achieve high selectivity toward specific targets.

Biocompatibility of Dead Sea Water and retinyl palmitate carrying poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) micro/nanoparticles designed for transdermal skin therapy

In this study, novel drug carriers were developed for the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis, aging, or ultraviolet damage using micro/nanocapsules and micro/nanospheres of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate). The sizes of the particles were in the micron range and were loaded with retinyl palmitate and Dead Sea Water. In some tests, MgCl2 was used as a substitute for Dead Sea Water for accurate determination of released ions of Dead Sea Water. Encapsulation efficiency and loading of water-soluble excipients Dead Sea Water and MgCl2 were almost eight times lower than the hydrophobic compound retinyl palmitate. The particles were not cytotoxic as determined with the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide test using L929 mouse fibroblasts, BALB/3T3 mouse embryo fibroblasts, and HaCaT human keratinocytes. Ames test showed that the carriers were not genotoxic. The particles penetrated the membrane of human osteosarcoma cells Saos 2 and accumulated in their cytoplasm. No reactive oxygen species production could be detected which indicated low or no inflammatory response toward the particles. In the tests with intact human skin, 1.2% of the retinyl palmitate–loaded poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) particles penetrated into the human skin, but when the skin was without stratum corneum and increased to 6.9%. In conclusion, these carriers have shown a significant potential as topical drug delivery systems in the personalized treatment of skin diseases because their contents could be modified according to a patient’s needs and several drugs could be loaded in one type of microparticle, or several populations, each carrying a different drug, can be used in the treatment.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles grafted with a light-responsive protein shell for highly cytotoxic antitumoral therapy

A novel phototriggered drug delivery nanocarrier, which exhibits very high tumor cytotoxicity against human tumoral cells, is presented.