Nanoparticles for delivery of active agents
Milled nanoparticles comprising a biologically active agent, at least one biopolymer and a coating containing at least one coating which is a polymer or ligand.
1. A method of preparation of coated particles containing a biologically active agent, comprising the steps of:
(a) mixing a biopolymer excipient selected from starch, cellulose, collagen, lactose and alginate dissolved in an aqueous solution with said biologically active agent to form a first mixture;
(b) mixing the first mixture with polyethylene glycol to form a second mixture;
(c) drying the second mixture;
(d) producing particles of the dried second mixture by planetary ball milling; and
(e) coating the particles with at least one coating agent.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biopolymer excipient is a complex carbohydrate.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biologically active agent is an anti-cancer agent.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the anti-cancer agent is chosen from among cisplatin and paclitaxel.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biologically active agent is a macromolecule.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the macromolecule is a protein or a peptide.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the coating agent comprises at least one of polycaprolactone and polyethylene glycol.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the coating agent comprises at least one polymer conjugated to a targeting protein or peptide.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the particles in step (d) have a size in the range of 5-30 nm, 30-180 nm, 0.2-1 μm, 1-6 μm, 4-12 μm or 10-60 μm.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the particles in step (d) have a size in the range of 5-30 nm.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the coating agent comprises peptide conjugated polycaprolactone.