Human serum albumin nanoparticles as nanovector carriers for proteins: Application to the antibacterial proteins “neutrophil elastase” and “secretory leukocyte protease”

Publication date: Available online 15 February 2020Source: International Journal of PharmaceuticsAuthor(s): Mohamad Tarhini, Anne Pizzoccaro, Ihsane Benlyamani, Chloé Rebaud, Hélène Greige-Gerges, Hatem Fessi, Abdelhamid Elaissari, Abderrazzak BentaherAbstractThe use of proteins and defined amino acid sequences as therapeutic drugs have gained a certain interest in the past decade. However, protein encapsulation within protein nanoparticles was never endeavored. For this reason, human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation method. The process was optimized, and particles were obtained with a size of 120 nm and zeta potential of -25 mV. Neutrophil elastase (NE) and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) were encapsulated separately within HSA nanoparticles. Gel electrophoresis and western blot studies demonstrate the successful encapsulation and the stability of the particles. On the other hand, enzymatic assays show that encapsulated NE lost its proteolytic activity, whereas encapsulated SLPI maintained its inhibitory property. In addition, the antibacterial studies showed that both formulations were able to drastically reduce bacterial growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This work showed the possibility of using both NE and SLPI as anti-bacterial agents through encapsulation within HSA nanoparticles.Graphical abstract

Source: International Journal of Pharmaceutics - February 16, 2020 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research