Self-assembled Polyelectrolyte Nanocomplexes of Alginate, Chitosan and Ovalbumin

Polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) nanoparticles for delivering model protein drug ovalbumin were prepared from two polysaccharide polymers, alginate and chitosan. The parameters influencing the complex formation were characterized using colloid titration in combination with dynamic light scattering. The polyelectrolyte interactions and morphology of the formed complexes were verified by differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The PEC formation was predominantly pH- and concentration-dependent. The complexation of ovalbumin with a negatively charged alginate occurred only at a pH below the isoelectric point of the ovalbumin. After the complexation, negatively charged complexes of alginate and ovalbumin were further coated with chitosan. The optimal composition of the PEC, yielding 280 nm sized particles having a zeta potential –40 mV, was determined for alginate:ovalbumin:chitosan in a mass ratio 1 : 1 : 0.1, respectively, giving their final concentration 0.5 : 0.5 : 0.05 mg/ml. The loading of ovalbumin in the PEC depended on the initial amount of ovalbumin used to produce the PEC, and ranged from 7–38% for different formulations, however, the association efficiency remained pretty similar for all formulations, i.e. 80–85%. Mild formulation conditions, nanometre-sized particles, and a high protein association efficiency are promising factors towards the development of a delivery system for proteins.