Green-step fabrication of gliadin/sodium caseinate nanogels for methotrexate release, cytotoxicity and cell phagocytosis

In this study, a simple and green approach was developed to produce novel nanoparticles (NPs) via the pH-cycle method of gliadin (Gli) NPs and sodium caseinate (CAS). The nanogels could be used as a carrier for the antitumor agent, methotrexate (MTX). The Gli/CAS nanogels (ratio 1:1) exhibited a spherical shape with diameters of approximately 146 nm, polydispersity index of 0.19 and ζ-potential of−23 mV. The loading capacity of MTX in the nanogels reached 27.35%. MTX release from MTX-Gli/CAS nanogels was in a pH-dependent manner, and MTX was released at a quicker rate at pH 5.0 than at pH 7.2. MTT assay indicated that the MTX-Gli/CAS nanogels effectively killed cancer cells in vitro. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed that the Gli/CAS NPs demonstrated good biocompatibility. Meanwhile, the MTX-loaded nanogels could be effectively endocytosed by HepG2 cells and enhance cancer cell apoptosis. Thus, they could be used as a new carrier of anticancer drugs. The high MTX payload and pH-dependent drug release rendered Gli/CAS nanogels as an efficient carrier for MTX. The nanogels possibly have a great potential in the development of a new nanocarrier for anti-cancer drug delivery with a simple spot step.