Nanogel delivery systems for cationic peptides: More than a ‘One Size Fits All’ solution

Sylvia N. Kłodzińska, Qiuyu Wang, Natalia Molchanova, Najet Mahmoudi, Jijo J. Vallooran, Paul R. Hansen, Håvard Jenssen, Hanne Mørck Nielsen

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Self-assembled hyaluronic acid-based nanogels are versatile drug carriers due to their biodegradable nature and gentle preparation conditions, making them particularly interesting for delivery of peptide therapeutics. This study aims to elucidate the relation between peptide structure and encapsulation in a nanogel. Key peptide properties that affect encapsulation in octenyl succinic anhydride-modified hyaluronic acid nanogels were identified as we explored the effect on nanogel characteristics using 12 peptides with varying charge and hydrophobicity. The size and surface properties of the microfluidics-assembled peptide-loaded nanogels were evaluated using dynamic light scattering, laser Doppler electrophoresis, and small angle neutron scattering. Additionally, the change in peptide secondary structure upon encapsulation in nanogels, their release from the nanogels, and the in vitro antimicrobial activity were assessed. In conclusion, the more hydrophobic peptides showed stronger binding to the nanogel carrier and localized internally rather than on the surface of the nanogel, resulting in more spherical nanogels with smoother surfaces and slower release profiles. In contrast, cationic and hydrophilic peptides localized at the nanogel surface resulting in fluffier nanogel structures and quick and more complete release in biorelevant medium. These findings emphasize that the advantages of nanogel delivery systems for different applications depend on the therapeutic peptide properties.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science
Volume663
Pages (from-to)449-457
Number of pages9
ISSN0021-9797
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2024

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The authors acknowledge financial support from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Grand Challenge Program: NNF16OC0021948.

Keywords

  • Biopolymer
  • Cationic peptides
  • Drug delivery
  • Formulation
  • Nanogel
  • Self-assembly
  • Structure

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