Recognition-induced destabilization: controlled release from molecularly imprinted chitosan nanoparticles <i>via</i> specific, non-catalytic enzyme recognition.

ABSTRACT: This work introduces a novel paradigm for stimuli-responsive drug delivery: recognition-induced destabilization, where specific molecular recognition-without enzymatic catalysis-triggers nanoparticle disassembly. We engineered chitosan-phthalate nanoparticles (NPs) via molecular imprinting using lysozyme or α-glucosidase as templates. Critically, these enzymes do not catalytically degrade deacetylated, cross-linked, chitosan NPs enabling isolation of the recognition effect. Upon recognition by their respective enzyme, the imprinted nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) exhibited selective structural destabilization confirmed by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), while non-imprinted controls remained stable. This recognition event facilitated highly specific, on-demand release of encapsulated ciprof

SUBMITTER: Taha MO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12577715 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature