Polysaccharide-Modified Gelatin Nanoparticles
Although they possess a wide range of applications, unprocessed gelatin nanoparticles (without surface modification) encounter the problem of being phagocytosized by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) in the body. Surface modification of gelatin nanoparticles is usually required to prevent phagocytosis, and this can be done through the use of synthetic polymers, generally polyethylene glycol (PEG). The process of grafting PEG over gelatin nanoparticles, however, is complex and involves the use of organic chemicals as well as toxic chemical reagents. The use of these chemicals can increase the cost of the process, endanger human health and cause environmental pollution.
Recent research suggests that polysaccharides can be a viable material for surface modification of gelatin nanoparticles. It also has been found that polysaccharide-modified nanoparticles have low plasma protein adsorption and long circulation times.
The invention relates to a method of preparing stable polysaccharide-modified gelatin nanoparticles and its applications. The nanoparticles are formed by a cross-linking mechanism and have a gelatin core and polysaccharide shell.
The gelatin nanoparticles have the following benefits:
Use of polysaccharide as a surface modifier prevents the gelatin nanoparticles from being phagocytosized , thereby providing long circulation properties in the body
Long-term stability as nanoparticles can be preserved in water solution for a long period of time, or they can be processed to powder form
Reduced cost as only heat and organic chemicals are used
Possess monodispersity property
Environmentally friendly, non-toxic and safe due to the absence of organic solvents and toxic chemical reagents in the preparation.