Cross-linked polypeptide-based gel particles by emulsion for efficient protein encapsulation

Publication date: 21 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 115
Author(s): Li-Wen Hsiao, Ying-Da Lai, Jinn-Tsyy Lai, Chia-Chen Hsu, Nai-Yi Wang, Steven S.-S. Wang, Jeng-Shiung Jan
We report the preparation of cross-linked poly(l-lysine) (PLL), polyethylene glycol-block-poly(l-lysine) (PEG-b-PLL), and poly(l-lysine)-block-polysarcosine (PLL-b-PSar) gel particles with size ranged between 100 and 250 nm by emulsion and their evaluation as carriers/encapsulants for protein encapsulation/delivery. Their size and solution property were depended upon polymer molecular weight, composition, and cross-linking degree. These gel particles exhibited not only excellent colloidal stability at a wide range of solution pH but also enhanced biocompatibility due to the incorporation of neutral polymer segments and genipin cross-link. We also showed that a variety of protein can be efficiently encapsulated in gel particles and the encapsulated protein still exhibited bioactivity. The in vitro protein release study showed that reduction-responsive gel particles can be prepared by incorporating disulfide bond in gel network. This study demonstrated that versatile gel particles comprising various types of polymers can be prepared and are potentially useful as protein carriers and encapsulants.

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