Protein-fatty acid conjugate for self-assembled nanoparticles in drug delivery

Novel biocompatible protein-oleic acid conjugate was prepared to form self-assembled nanoparticles (NP) when exposed to an aqueous medium. The conjugation of protein-fatty acid was confirmed using FTIR and NMR. The physicochemical properties of NP were characterized by the experimental conditions such as pH, temperature and the amount of protein/fatty acid. The self-assembled NP had a uniformly spherical shape with particle size (150-200 nm) and showed good physical stability. This NP had no any potential cellular toxicity. Paclitaxel was chosen as model drug for anti-cancer effect using self-assembled NP. Drug release was controlled over an extended period of time. Furthermore, surface-modified NP using folic acid showed a higher cancer-cell killing effect as compared with Taxol®. The in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters and biodistribution of the NP containing paclitaxel also indicated longer blood circulation. © 2013 IFMBE.