| Summary: | Carboxymethyl‐hexanoyl chitosan (CHC) has
the ability to self‐assemble into nanocapsules in an
aqueous solution and it has recently shown potential
in numerous biomedical applications. Here we
investigate the protein loading efficiency and release,
as well as the structural properties of CHC protein
nanocarriers. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) or its
chromophore labelled version, fluorescein‐BSA, was
used as a model protein and the loading was
performed with a simple mixing of pre‐formed
nanocapsules and protein. Dynamic light scattering
and zeta potential analysis revealed that protein
loaded nanocarriers with high positive zeta potential
were formed. The protein loaded nanocarriers
displayed a loading efficiency of 75% and a very slow
protein release. In summary, our results highlight the
potential of CHC as a protein nanocarrier, but also
indicate that protein‐CHC interactions need to be
considered in protein containing CHC formulations
where protein release is not the main function.
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