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Title: Rapid, Single-Step Protein Encapsulation via Flash NanoPrecipitation
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.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1651957
PAR ID:
10140644
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Polymers
Volume:
11
Issue:
9
ISSN:
2073-4360
Page Range / eLocation ID:
1406
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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