The goal of this study was to develop bioadhesive food protein nanoparticles using zein (Z), a hydrophobic corn protein, as the core and whey protein (WP) as the shell for oral pediatric drug delivery applications. Lopinavir (LPV), an antiretroviral drug, and fenretinide, an investigational anticancer agent, were used as model drugs in the study. The particle size of ZWP nanoparticles was in the range of 200-250 nm, and the drug encapsulation efficiency was >70%. The nanoparticles showed sustained drug release in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. ZWP nanoparticles enhanced the permeability of LPV and fenretinide across Caco-2 cell monolayers. In both ex vivo and in vivo studies, ZWP nanoparticles were found to be strongly bioadhesive. ZWP nanoparticles enhanced the oral bioavailability of LPV and fenretinide by 4 and 7-fold, respectively. ZWP nanoparticles also significantly increased the half-life of both drugs. The nanoparticles did not show any immunogenicity in mice. Overall, the study demonstrates the feasibility of developing safe and effective food protein-based nanoparticles for pediatric oral drug delivery.
Keywords: bioadhesive; biopolymers; food protein nanoparticles; pediatric delivery system; whey protein; zein.