Encapsulation of L-asparaginase in polymersomes by pH-switch method and electroporation

Abstract

Nanostructures for L-Asparaginase (ASNase) drug delivery could overcome its fast plasma clearance by encapsulating this enzyme in an internal compartment. Additionally, this strategy allows either the stealth and/or controlled release of the protein. Among different nanotechnological approaches for proteins delivery, polymersomes appear to be very promising. Polymersomes are formed through self-assembly of block copolymers in aqueous solution and combine the vesicular structure of liposomes with the toughness of polymeric nanocarriers. Although our group have already prepared polymersomes of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic acid) with low polydispersity index employing the film hydration method, we have achieved low yields in vesicles and low encapsulation efficiency for ASNase. Therefore, we are applying for a BEPE fellowship to develop polymersomes in adequate concentrations, low polydispersity and higher encapsulation efficiency for ASNase in collaboration with Prof. Giuseppe Battaglia, one of the pioneers in polymersomes research for drug delivery. We will use the pH switch method and electroporation to form polymersomes of the pH responsible copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(2-(diisopropyl amine)ethyl methacrylate (PEG-PDPA), an amphiphilic copolymer widely employed by Battaglia Research Group. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy will be used to characterize the polymersomes and encapsulation efficiency will be determined by size exclusion chromatography. Additionally, we highlight the opportunity for the candidate's personal and professional training since Prof. Battaglia is among the top researchers in the world working with polymersomes.