The Synthesis of Oleic Acid Core Silica Nanoparticles for the Safe Delivery of Enzymes

Silica based nanoparticles have the potential to serve as a novel delivery system, allowing safe transport of therapeutic compounds on the microscopic scale throughout the human body. Silica based nanoparticles were prepared by forming a silica matrix around an oleic acid emulsion. Chymotrypsin enzyme was encapsulated inside. These particles were measured for their breakdown rates of a sample bovine serum albumin solution and the values were compared against an absorbance calibration curve to determine the concentration of albumin protein remaining after set intervals of time. The particles’ catabolic process rate can be determined from this. This rate can be assessed to determine the feasibility of this therapy. Oleic acid core silica nanoparticles are important due to their increased reaction activity and enhanced durability, allowing for the breakdown of more compounds in a faster and more stable manner when compared with solid filled nanoparticles. Enzymes can be delivered in a safe and efficient way using this method, allowing for a wider range of cures to be developed. This technology can be applied as a hypothetical treatment for protein related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Amyloidosis, providing new therapies or safer alternatives to some currently established methods of treatment.