Effect of structure in ionised albumin based nanoparticle: Characterisation, Emodin interaction, and in vitro cytotoxicity

Abstract A γ–irradiated bovine albumin serum-based nanoparticlewas characterised structurally, and functionally. The nanoparticlewas characterised by A.F.M., D.L.S, zeta potential, T.E.M., gel-electrophoresis, and spectroscopy. We studied the stability of the nanoparticleat different pH values and against time, by fluorescence spectroscopy following the changes in the tryptophan environment in the nanoparticle. The nanoparticlewas also functionalized with Folic Acid, its function as a nanovehicle was evaluated through its interaction with the hydrophobic drug Emodin. The binding and kinetic properties of the obtained complex were evaluated by biophysicalmethods as well as its toxicity in tumor cells. According to its biophysics, the nanoparticleis a spherical nanosized vehicle with a hydrodynamic diameter of 70 nm. Data obtained describe the nanoparticleas nontoxic for cancer cell lines. When combined with Emodin, the nanoparticleproved to be more active on MCF-7 cancer cell lines than the nanoparticlewithout Emodin. Significantly, the albumin aggregate preserves the main activity-functionof albumin and improved characteristics as an excellent carrier of molecules. More than carrier properties, the nanoparticlealone induced an immune response in macrophages which may be advantageous in vaccine and cancer therapy formulation.