Polypeptide Microgel Capsules as Drug Carriers

摘要

Protein-based microcapsules have attracted considerable attention for drug delivery and other applications because of their remarkable superiority in biocompatibility and biode-gradability and their ability to achieve controlled and sustained release. However, there are still some challenges in the preparation of protein-based microcapsules. Until now, the fabrication of protein-based microcapsules has mainly focused on two approaches: self-assembly of small amphiphilic polypeptides or layer by layer electrostatic adsorption of protein molecules onto a charged emulsion droplet or solid template. The former is always confined to small proteins not exceeding a molecular weight of 10 kDa. Although larger protein-based microcapsules can be fabricated using the latter method, it is dependent on protein charge. The sensitivity of protein charge to pH changes in the surrounding environment makes this method very sensitive to pH. Therefore, it is imperative that a simple and more stable method for fabrication of large protein-based microcapsules be developed.