Casein-Based Nanoparticles: A Potential Tool for the Delivery of Daunorubicin in Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop casein-based nanoscale carriers as a potential delivery system for daunorubicin, as a pH-responsive targeting tool for acute lymphocytic leukemia. A coacervation technique followed by nano spray-drying was used for the preparation of drug-loaded casein nanoparticles. Four batches of drug-loaded formulations were developed at varied drug–polymer ratios using a simple coacervation technique followed by spray-drying. They were further characterized using scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD diffractometry, and differential scanning calorimetry. Drug release was investigated in different media (pH 5 and 7.4). The cytotoxicity of the daunorubicin-loaded nanoparticles was compared to that of the pure drug. The influence of the polymer-to-drug ratio on the nanoparticles’ properties such as their particle size, surface morphology, production yield, drug loading, entrapment efficiency, and drug release behavior was studied. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the drug-loaded nanoparticles was investigated confirming their potential as carriers for daunorubicin delivery.

Multifunctional Casein-Based Wound Dressing Capable of Monitoring and Moderating the Proteolytic Activity of Chronic Wounds

“…Consistent with FTIR results, heat treatment has not led to the appearance of any crystalline peak in XRD spectra (Figure b). This is in agreement with previous studies reporting an amorphous XRD pattern for casein . The only features in the XRD patterns are two broad peaks around 8 and 20°, which have also been observed in earlier works .…”

“…This is in agreement with previous studies reporting an amorphous XRD pattern for casein. 42 The only features in the XRD patterns are two broad peaks around 8 and 20°, which have also been observed in earlier works. 43 DSC analysis was also performed to obtain additional information about possible changes in the secondary structure, especially crystal formation, as a consequence of heat treatment.…”

Rationalized landscape on protein-based cancer nanomedicine: Recent progress and challenges

“…In addition, some other proteins can also be exploited to construct nanocarriers including plant-derived viral capsids ( Aljabali et al, 2021 ), cowpea chlorotic mottle virus ( Shukla et al, 2020 ), tobacco mosaic virus ( Lumata et al, 2021 ), as well as small heat shock protein cages ( Chen et al, 2021 ), casein ( Zahariev and Draganova, 2023 ), elastin-like polypeptide ( van Strien et al, 2023 ), gliadin ( Voci et al, 2021 ), zein (corn protein) ( Liu et al, 2023 ), soy/whey protein ( Liu et al, 2022 ), collagen ( Lo and Fauzi, 2021 ), and gelatin ( Song et al, 2019 ). For instance, various virus capsid/envelop proteins have been employed as drug vehicles that possess unique characteristics such as uniform size, considerable specificity and superior delivery efficiency, thus improving the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution behaviors of imaging agents ( Allen et al, 2005 ), photosensitizers ( Suci et al, 2007 ) and anticancer compounds ( Franke et al, 2018 ) for improving diagnostic imaging or therapeutic efficacies.…”