Preparation and Characterization of Sodium Alginate Nanoparticles Containing ICD-85 (Venom Derived Peptides)

Sodium alginate is one of such biodegradable polymers, which has been extensively exploited for the preparation of nanoparticles (NPs) for controlled delivery of several therapeutic agents. ICD-85 (venom derived peptides) has been shown to exhibit anti-cancer activity. In this report sodium alginate nanoparticles employed to improve upon its effectiveness. ICD-85 loaded NPs were prepared by ionic gelation method and were characterized by the particle size, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy and in vitro release studies. The in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. TEM revealed ICD-85 loaded NPs to have spherical shapes with a size of approximately 200 nm. The zeta potential of the ICD-85 loaded NPs was estimated as ?16.1 mV. Loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency were 90.48% (w/w) and 90.24% (w/w), respectively. The in vitro release profile exhibited sustained release patterns with relatively initial burst release, followed by a subsequent slower release. Cytotoxicity assay showed that ICD-85 loaded NPs is more potent than free ICD-85 in suppressing proliferation of HEp-2 cells. In conclusion the ICD-85 loaded NPs presented high loading capacity and sustained release profile which effectively inhibit the proliferation of HEp-2 cell line in vitro, and may be a beneficial agent against human carcinoma.