Silk fibroin-based nanoparticles for drug delivery

Abstract

Silk fibroin (SF) is a protein-based biomacromolecule with excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and low immunogenicity. The development of SF-based nanoparticles for drug delivery have received considerable attention due to high binding capacity for various drugs, controlled drug release properties and mild preparation conditions. By adjusting the particle size, the chemical structure and properties, the modified or recombinant SF-based nanoparticles can be designed to improve the therapeutic efficiency of drugs encapsulated into these nanoparticles. Therefore, they can be used to deliver small molecule drugs (e.g., anti-cancer drugs), protein and growth factor drugs, gene drugs, etc. This paper reviews recent progress on SF-based nanoparticles, including chemical structure, properties, and preparation methods. In addition, the applications of SF-based nanoparticles as carriers for therapeutic drugs are also reviewed.

Figure 1

Schematic diagram of the desolvation method for preparing silk fibroin (SF) nanoparticles.

Figure 2

Schematic diagram of the salting out method for preparing SF nanoparticles.

Figure 3

Schematic diagram of the SEDS process for preparing SF nanoparticles. Adapted with permission from [34]. Copyright 2013 American Chemical Society.

Figure 4

Schematic diagram of the electrospraying method for preparing SF nanoparticles.

Figure 5

Schematic diagram of the mechanical comminution method for preparing particles.

Figure 6

Schematic diagram of the microemulsion method for preparing SF nanoparticles. Adapted with permission from [41]. Copyright 2008 Springer.

Figure 7

Schematic diagram of the electric fields method for preparing SF nanoparticles.

Figure 8

Schematic diagram of the capillary-microdot technique for preparing SF nanoparticles.

Figure 9

Schematic diagram of the PVA blend film method for preparing SF nanoparticles.