title: Protein-coated nanoparticles embedded in films as delivery platforms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This work aimed to evaluate the performance of nanoparticle-loaded films based on matrices of polymethacrylates and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) intended for delivery of macromolecules.
  
  
  METHODS
  Lysozyme (Lys)-loaded nanoparticles were manufactured by antisolvent co-precipitation. After size, loading efficiency and stability characterization, the selected batch of particles was further formulated into films. Films were characterized for mechanical properties, mucoadhesion, Lys release and activity after manufacture.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found that protein-coated nanoparticles could be obtained in USP phosphate buffer pH 6.8. Particles obtained at pH 6.8 had a z-average of 347.2 nm, a zeta-potential of 21.9 mV and 99.2% remaining activity after manufacture. This formulation was further studied for its application in films for buccal delivery. Films loaded with nanoparticles that contained Eudragit RLPO (ERL) exhibited excellent mechanical and mucoadhesive properties. Due to its higher water-swelling and solubility compared with ERL, the use of HPMC allowed us to tailor the release of Lys from films. The formulation composed of equal amounts of ERL and HPMC revealed a sustained release over 4 h, with Lys remaining fully active at the end of the study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mucoadhesive films containing protein-coated nanoparticles are promising carriers for the buccal delivery of proteins and peptides in a stable form.
authors: College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
authors: Javier O
authors: JO
authors: Morales
authors: Alistair C
authors: AC
authors: Ross
authors: Jason T
authors: JT
authors: McConville
mesh_terms: D000278:Administration, Buccal; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D065347:Hypromellose Derivatives; D007700:Kinetics; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry*; D008747:Methylcellulose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000737:chemistry; D009113:Muramidase / Q000737:chemistry; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D011506:Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry*; D012995:Solubility; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids; D011506:Proteins; D014867:Water; C030613:polymethacrylic acid; D065347:Hypromellose Derivatives; D008747:Methylcellulose; D009113:Muramidase