Raspberry-like assembly of cross-linked nanogels for protein delivery

Raspberry-like assembly of nanogels (A-CHPNG) with a high potential as a carrier for protein delivery was prepared. Cross-linking of acrylate group-modified cholesterol-bearing pullulan nanogel (CHPANG) with thiol group-modified poly (ethylene glycol) (PEGSH) by Michael addition yielded A-CHPNG with narrow size distribution. The size of A-CHPNGs was controlled in the range of 40–120 nm by changing the concentration of CHPANG and PEGSH. A-CHPNG gradually degraded by hydrolysis under physiological condition and seemed to dissociate back to original nanogel. A-CHPNG encapsulated interleukin-12 (IL-12) efficiently (96%) and stably kept it in the presence of BSA (50 mg/ml). In addition, A-CHPNG had a high potential to maintain a high IL-12 level in plasma after subcutaneous injection in mice. Therefore, A-CHPNG is a promising carrier for long-term medications.

Raspberry-like assembly of nanogels was prepared by Michael addition of acrylate-modified cholesterol-bearing pullulan (CHP) nanogel and thiol-modified poly (ethylene glycol) cross-linker (PEGSH). Interleukin 12 (IL-12), an immunostimulatory cytokine, is encapsulated and released over a prolonged period of time both in vitro and in vivo.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide