Melanin functionalized protein nano-fibers: A bio-inspired platform for drug release
Gozde Kabay, Ahmet Ersin Meydan, Gizem Kaleli Can, Tae Sik Eom, Bong Sup Shim and Mehmet Mutlu
TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Turkey
Inha University, South Korea
: J Pharm Drug Deliv Res
Abstract
A recent approach for controlled release of drugs comprises of natural-derived biopolymers since they show superior biodegradable/ biocompatible features. In this study, nano-fibers containing natural melanin and amyloid-like Bovine Serum Albumin (mel/ BSA) were produced by single-needle electro-spinning to investigate drug release behavior of water soluble model drug, namely ampicillin. Prior to electro-spinning, natural melanin was extracted from cuttlefish ink to prepare electro-spinning solution. 20%, 10% and 5% (w:w) Ampicillin:BSA including nano-fibers were produced under 21 kV, 0.3 ml/h for 4 hours. Nano-fiber formation and morphology for different drug formulations was observed by scanning electron microscope. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that some compatibility exists between ampicillin and mel/BSA nano-fibers. Moreover, drug release tests were conducted to explain the relationship between the drug release behavior and carrier morphology. For single electrospun nano-fibers, 87% of the loaded drug was released within the 96 hours. Together, these imply that drug release vehicles could be extended to melanin functionalized biopolymer carriers.
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