Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles as Carriers of Therapeutic Peptides

Abstract:

Calcium phosphate is a natural biomineral and the major inorganic constituent of bones and teeth. Therefore, synthetic calcium phosphates that mimic the biogenic ones possess excellent biocompatibility as well as biodegradability and are promising materials for medicine. Due to their unique physiochemical properties, calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP NPs) are extensively exploited in nanomedicine as carriers of biomolecules, including peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids. In this regard, peptides are of particular interest as they are exceptionally selective and efficacious for the treatment of a broad range of diseases. Among various peptides for biomedical applications, cardio-specific peptides are particularly interesting since they represent a valuable alternative to conventional treatments. Moreover, they can contribute to overcome important clinical limitations, including drug resistance and non-specific biodistribution of traditional drug products. In this work, we have investigated the loading of a therapeutic mimetic peptide, which was previously shown to improve myocardial contraction and results in the restoration of cardiac function. Peptide-loaded CaP NPs were prepared by exploiting a biomineralization approach, by using a mineralizing solution containing Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and PO₄^3- ions. Several experimental conditions were tested by varying the reaction time, as well as the drug concentration. Colloidal stability, morphology, size, as well as drug loading were evaluated to identify the best candidate to be tested in vitro in the future.

• Periodical: Solid State Phenomena (Volume 339)
• Pages: 89-94
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-lu147x
• Online since: December 2022
• Authors: Federica Mancini*, Lorenzo Degli Esposti, Alessio Adamiano, Daniele Catalucci, Silvia Appleton, Alberto Vitali, Francesca Bugli, Maurizio Sanguinetti, Michele Iafisco
• Keywords: Biocompatibility, Biodegradability, Biomineralization, Calcium Phosphates, Drug Delivery Systems, Peptides

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