Bovine β-casein (β-CN) is an abundant milk protein that is hi
ghly amphiphilic and self-assembles into stable micellar structures in aqueous solutions. Here we introduce a dru
g-delivery system comprisin
g a model hydrophobic anticancer dru
g, mitoxantrone (MX), entrapped within β-CN–based nanoparticles. This novel dru
g-delivery system allows hydrophobic dru
gs to be thermodynamically stable in aqueous solutions for oral-delivery applications aimed at treatment of various disorders. The
gastric di
gestibility of β-CN su
ggests possible tar
getin
g to stomach tumors. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-dissolved MX was entrapped in β-CN nanoparticles by stirrin
g this solution into phosphate-buffered β-CN solution. Hi
gh-affinity MX–β-CN association was found (K
a = [2.15 ± 0.30] × 10
6 M
-1). The optimal nanovehicle formation conditions were 1 m
g/mL β-CN, ≤6 % (vol/vol) DMSO in phosphate-buffer solution, 10 mM MX in DMSO, and a MX:β-CN molar-ratio of 4:1. Under these conditions, particles of 100 to 300-nm diameter were formed. β-CN nanoparticles may serve as effective oral-delivery nanovehicles for solubilization and stabilization of hydrophobic dru
gs.
From the Clinical Editor
Bovine β-casein (β-CN) is an abundant milk-protein that is highly amphiphilic and self-assembles into stable micellar-structures in aqueous solutions. β-CN nanoparticles may serve as effective oral-delivery nanovehicles for solubilization and stabilization of hydrophobic drugs, as demonstrated in this study utilizing methotrexate.