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Nanomedicine and Nanoscale Delivery (Focus Group – NND)

Development of chitosan nanoparticles via microfluidics for pulmonary delivery of a novel ApoB-derived peptide

Andrea Casale – PhD Student, Di.S.T.A.Bi.F., University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy; Rosa Gaglione – Researcher, Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli, Italy; Francesca Ungaro – Professor, Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli, Italy; Angela Arciello – Professor, Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli, Italy; Ivana d'Angelo – Professor, Di.S.T.A.Bi.F., University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
Introduction:

A protease-resistant retro-inverso variant of an antimicrobial peptide derived from apolipoprotein B, (ri)-r(P)ApoBSPro, has been identified and shown antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, immunomodulatory properties and anti-infective activity in a preclinical mouse model¹. However, infected lung barriers like mucus and bacterial biofilm formation can significantly limit its therapeutic efficacy. To overcome these limits, chitosan-based nanoparticles (CS-NPs) were developed via microfluidic, exploiting the mucoadhesive, biocompatible and permeation-enhancing properties of chitosan². Poloxamer (PLX) was incorporated to improve NPs production and diffusion through the mucus layer.

Learning Objectives:

  • Evaluate scalable microfluidic technique for production of peptide-loaded chitosan nanoparticles
  • Understand the impact of peptide loading on nanoparticle interaction with mucus barrier