Functionalized Alpha‐lactalbumin Conjugated with Gold Nanoparticle for Targeted Drug Delivery

Abstract

The protein‐nanoparticles conjugate has been developed as a targeted drug delivery system which selectively and preferentially delivers the therapeutic agents. Here, the alpha‐lactalbumin (ALA) was purified by size exclusion chromatography and confirmed by gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry (MS). Functionalization of gold nanoparticles (AuNP, ∼29 nm) with ALA was optimized by light scattering and zeta potential measurements. The nanoconjugates (AuNP‐ALA) and ALA showed strong binding and affinity with curcumin and gemcitabine studied using biophysical analysis. The presence of native form of curcumin with ALA was investigated by MS. 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalenesulfonic acid binding assay showed 95 % surface hydrophilicity of ALA. Circular dichroism and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis shows increased alpha‐helicity due to the binding of drugs, revealed large increase in non‐covalent interaction. Vesicular membrane interaction with ALA and nanoconjugate exhibited strong interaction at the vesicles surface. The alpha‐lactalbumin‐nanoparticle conjugate in combination with drugs, could be exploited to establish a targeted drug delivery system.

Docking and ADMET studies for investigating the anticancer potency of Moscatilin on APC10/DOC1 and PKM2 against five clinical drugs

“…π stacking refers to attractive non-covalent interactions between aromatic rings [ 34 ]. Non-covalent forces are of substantial importance to ligand loading in drug-delivery methods [ 35 ]. In addition to the non-destructive linking of the delivery vehicle and lodger drug, they provide multiple advantages such as protecting the structure and function of the drug apart from assisting its discharge towards the precise target.…”