Preparation and characterization of a novel conformed bipolymer paclitaxel-nanoparticle using tea polysaccharides and zein

•A novel conformed bipolymer paclitaxel-nanoparticle using tea polysaccharides and zein was prepared.•The optimum formula for nanoparticle was obtained using tea polysaccharide as the shell and zein as the core.•The PTX was encapsulated in an amorphous form and had a typical sustained release.

To improve the aqueous solubility of the anticancer agent paclitaxel (PTX), a newly conformed bipolymer paclitaxel-nanoparticle using tea polysaccharide (TPS) and zein was prepared and characterized. Tea polysaccharide was used as a biopolymer shell and zein was as the core and the optimal formula was subjected to the characteristic study by TEM, DSC, FTIR and in vitro release study. Results showed that the optimal particle was acquired with particle yield at 40.01%, drug loading at 0.12% and diameters around 165 nm when the concentration of tea polysaccharide was set at 0.2%, and the amount of PTX:zein = 1:10. The particle was a nanoparticle with spherical surface and the encapsulated PTX was in an amorphous form rather than cystalline form. PTX was interacted with zein and polysaccharide through O H and CO groups and it had a sustained release. The results suggested that the novel bipolymer might be a promising agent for PTX delivery and tea polysaccharide was demonstrated its function in drug delivery system.

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