Self-assembling surfactant-like peptide A6K as potential delivery system for hydrophobic drugs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Finding a suitable delivery system to improve the water solubility of hydrophobic drugs is a critical challenge in the development of effective formulations. In this study, we used A6K, a self-assembling surfactant-like peptide, as a carrier to encapsulate and deliver hydrophobic pyrene.

Methods

Pyrene was mixed with A6K by magnetic stirring to form a suspension. Confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, fluorescence, and cell uptake measurements were carried out to study the features and stability of the nanostructures, the state and content of pyrene, as well as the pyrene release profile.

Results

The suspension formed contained pyrene monomers trapped in the hydrophobic cores

SUBMITTER: Chen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4315539 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature