Fabrication and Characterization of citrated starch nanoparticle for PRP delivery

Aim and Background: Around the world today, many researchers are exploring the potential to use polymeric nanoparticles as carriers for a variety of drugs for therapeutic purposes. Novel drug delivery systems are being developed with biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles due to their versatility and wide range of properties. The body s organs and tissues contain biological agents that transmit and regulate signals. As a highly concentrated mixture of essential growth factors in platelets, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) plays an important role in regulating neovascularization and tissue regeneration based on their release.    Methods: Starch was added to the 1 Wt.% NaOH solution and stirred for 1h. Next, 70 ml of absolute ethanol was injected into the starch solution while it was vigorously stirred. Using a centrifuge at 10000 rpm for 15 minutes, nanoparticles were obtained. Following freeze-drying, the NPs (1g ) were soaked in citric acid solution in ethanol (0.3 Wt.%) for 12 h, followed by heating at 120°C for 1.5 h. The NPs were then powdered, washed three times, and dried. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) used in this study was provided by the Iranian Blood Organization. After that, the NPs were placed in PRP for 45 min, centrifuged, and then freeze-dried. Results and discussion: The DLS and morphology of NPs are spherical and range in size from 37.8 to 142 nm. Protein levels released from the PRP were measured using the Bradford assay, and the total amount was 2100 μg/mL. Conclusion: Starch nanoparticles containing PRP were successfully prepared, and DLS and SEM tests showed the nanoparticles to be spherical. The average size of nanoparticles was measured. The release test of PRP from nanoparticles showed a favorable release rate