Heparin-Based Nanocapsules as Potential Drug Delivery Systems

Herein, the synthesis and characterization of heparin-based nanocapsules (NCs) as potential drug delivery systems is described. For the synthesis of the heparin-based NCs, the versatile method of miniemulsion polymerization at the droplets interface was achieved resulting in narrowly distributed NCs with 180 nm in diameter. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy images showed clearly NC morphology. A highly negative charge density for the heparin-based NCs was determined by measuring the electro-kinetic potential. Measuring the activated clotting time demonstrated the biological intactness of the polymeric shell. The ability of heparin-based NCs to bind to antithrombin (AT III) was i…