Preparation of Protein Nanoparticles Using NTA End Functionalized Polystyrenes on the Interface of a Multi-Laminated Flow Formed in a Microchannel

Abstract

This paper challenges the production of the protein nanoparticles using the conjugation of Ni2+ complexed nitrilotriacetic acid end-functionalized polystyrene (Ni-NTA-PS) and histidine tagged GFP (His-GFP) hybrid. The microfluidic synthesis of the protein nanoparticle with the advantages of a uniform size, a fast reaction, and a precise control of preparation conditions is examined. The self-assembly occurs on the interfacial surface of the multi-laminated laminar flow stably formed in the microchannel. The clogging of the produced protein nanoparticles on the channel surface is solved by adding a retarding inlet channel. The size and shape of the produced protein nanoparticles are measured by the analysis of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, and the attachment of the protein is visualized with a green fluorescent image. Future research includes the encapsulation of vaccines and the coating of antigens on the protein surface.

Microfluidics for nano-drug delivery systems: From fundamentals to industrialization

“…Jeon et al. 168 prepared protein nanoparticles by continuous-flow microfluidics. In their work, Ni-NTA-PS solution was introduced into the central inlet channel at a flow rate of 40 μL/min, while His-GFP PBS buffer was introduced into both sides of the inlet at a flow rate of 20 μL/min.…”

“…In order to overcome this limitation, Jeon et al. modified the surface properties of transparent glass slides and PDMS molds with oxygen plasma, and hydrophobically modified channel surfaces using liquid-phase evaporated dichloro dimethyl silane self-assembled monolayers 168 .…”