ABSTRACT

In this chapter, the authors report a strategy that was adopted for the design of polymeric matrices suitable to establish nondenaturing interactions with protein components. Hybrid polymeric materials based on intimate blends of human serum albumin, alkyl hemiesters of alternating copolymers of maleic anhydride, and vinyl ethers of monomethoxyoligoethylene glycols were selected as biocompatible matrices for the formulation of the nanoparticles. The authors aim to developing nanoparticle delivery systems based on bioerodible/biodegrad-able polymeric matrices for targeted administration of protein drug such as α-interferon. Within the framework of a cooperative research project founded by the European Community, a procedure has been developed for the formulation of injectable bio-erodible nanoparticles with fairly uniform size distribution and high environmental stability that appear well suited for targeted administration of protein and peptide drugs. The progressive interaction between the water insoluble polymer and the protein gave rise to the microsphere formation.