#83 Formulation and evaluation of nanoparticles with a magnetite silk core-shell for targeted drug delivery and gene therapy

Abstract

This study aims to formulate and evaluate nanoparticles with a magnetite-silk core-shell for targeted drug delivery and gene therapy. Gene therapy has demonstrated considerable promise in treating a variety of disorders. Using the salting-out method with potassium phosphate (>0.8 M) results in the formation of silk fibroin nanoparticles with a mean size of 475-1100 nm in a mostly process. The salting out procedure for making silk fibroin nanoparticles is displayed further. In a nutshell, potassium phosphate was added to the silk fibroin solution. The obtained particles were then kept for refrigeration for 3.5 h before a centrifuge could collect them. Increasing the silk fibroin content while adopting 1.2 M potassium phosphate (pH 7.5) might result in bigger particles. Nanoparticles are then collected into non-dispersible bunches below pH 5.5. As the formulation is still in the developing phase, delivering genes to the nucleus of the cell or cytoplasm to replace or regulate any faulty genes is necessary for effective gene therapy. However, several intracellular barriers, such as the cell membrane and endosome membrane, have considerably decreased their efficacy. As a result, carriers are required to aid in the distribution of the genes. Clinical applications require efficient and cost-effective carriers. It has been determined that due to its exceptional magnetic features, extremely low toxic effects, high biocompatibility, outstanding biodegradability, and reactive surface that may be easily changed with biocompatible coatings, targeted gene delivery systems are particularly advantageous. The capacity to target specific regions in the body and the decrease of the drug amount to achieve the desired concentration close to the target with the lowering of the drug’s concentration at non-target sites reduce the severity of the adverse toxic effects.