Hierarchically structured protein-based hollow-nanospheres for drug delivery

In this study, bovine serum albumin (BSA) hollow-nano-spheres (HNS) were synthesized as nano-carriers for paclitaxel (PTX) as model drug. Hierarchically, first, the exterior surface of silica nanoparticles was modified with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and then with glutaraldehyde (GA). Then, BSA at alkaline pH was adsorbed on the surface of the modified nanoparticles and further crosslinked with GA. Finally, the core was acid washed to obtain HNS. The results indicated that the HNS is successfully formed with a spherical structure and an average shell thickness of 8 nm and a diameter of 28 nm. Subsequently, different ratios of PTX-HNS were used for in vitro release study of PTX. The opted amount of PTX-HNS was 10% and the release data were more compatible with the Gallagher-Corrigan model. The in vitro cytotoxicity activity of the PTX-loaded HNS was assessed using lung cancer cell lines. According to the MTT assay for 24 and 48 h period, the cell survival rate reduction of the incubated cells with the PTX-HNS of 0.1, 1, and 10 μg mL⁻¹ doses after 48 h was remarkably higher than that of the pure drug. The present study could represent a further step towards a rational colloidal hollow-nanocarrier design, preparation, and usage.