Recent Developments and Potential for Clinical Use of Casein as a Drug Carrier

Abstract

Background: The development of drug delivery carriers is the key area of research in the field of novel drug delivery systems. To date, a long list of carriers has been identified for this purpose but the deliveries of poorly water-soluble active substances are still facing challenges and hence, such substances are pharmacologically unsafe and economically incompetent. Objective: This article aims to review the applications of casein as a drug carrier and its potential for clinical use. Methods: The relevant literature on the casein protein was collected from authentic online scientific databases like PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar using different keywords including “casein”, “drug delivery system”, “drug carrier” and “bioavailability”. The articles and books accessed online were thoroughly reviewed and the most relevant reports on casein as a drug carrier were only included in the present study. Results: Casein, a milk protein, has many structural and physicochemical properties which facilitate its functionality in delivery systems. Moreover, its amphiphilic nature makes it the most suitable carrier for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs without showing any toxic effects. The carriers obtained from natural sources are trustworthy over synthetic carriers and in the demand of the market due to their easy availability, low-cost factor, bio-friendly and nontoxic nature. Conclusion: Casein was found an effective natural drug carrier in various delivery systems due to its unique applications in improving the bioavailability and efficacy of a drug.

Casein-Based Nanoparticles: A Potential Tool for the Delivery of Daunorubicin in Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

“…It can be assumed that the formulated casein-based nanoparticles induce an effect at the mitochondrial level. Casein, on the other hand, as a natural drug carrier, shows high efficiency for drug delivery because of its lack of toxicity and ability to improve drug bioavailability and efficacy [ 51 ]. Due to their energy-independent penetration through the plasma membrane, casein-based nanoparticles possess the ability to easily cross membranes and enhance permeability in ex vivo experiments [ 52 ].…”

Encapsulated Phytomedicines against Cancer: Overcoming the “Valley of Death”

“…Similarly, ethyl gallate concentrations appear to be released in a continuous pattern over the time of the experiment. In fact, the benefit of casein nanoencapsulation in the preparation of new forms of drug delivery has been previously reported [45], and, particularly with polyphenols, nanoencapsulation prolongs stability and improves release [46]. In this sense, the efficacy of the formulation has been evidenced with an in vivo murine breast cancer model.…”