Protein Encapsulation via Polypeptide Complex Coacervation
Proteins have gained increasing success as therapeutic agents; however, challenges exist in effective and efficient delivery. In this work, we present a simple and versatile method for encapsulating proteins via complex coacervation with oppositely charged polypeptides, poly(L-lysine) (PLys) and poly(D/L-glutamic acid) (PGlu). A model protein system, bovine serum albumin (BSA), was incorporated efficiently into coacervate droplets via electrostatic interaction up to a maximum loading of one BSA per PLys/PGlu pair and could be released under conditions of decreasing pH. Additionally, encapsulation within complex coacervates did not alter the secondary structure of the protein. Lastly the complex coacervate system was shown to be biocompatible and interact well with cells in vitro. A simple, modular system for encapsulation such as the one presented here may be useful in a range of drug delivery applications.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science - Office of Basic Energy Sciences - Materials Sciences and Engineering Division; National Science Foundation (NSF)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-06CH11357
- OSTI ID:
- 1391985
- Journal Information:
- ACS Macro Letters, Vol. 3, Issue 10; ISSN 2161-1653
- Publisher:
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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