Intestinal uptake and transport of albumin nanoparticles: potential for oral delivery

Aim: To explore the potential of albumin nanoparticles for oral drug delivery. Methods: Sub-150 nm human serum albumin nanoparticles were fabricated via a desolvation technique. Nanoparticle cell uptake and epithelial translocation were tested in Caco-2 monolayers, while comparing with albumin solution. Results: Data suggest epithelial transcytosis of albumin, applied in solution form, via neonatal Fc receptor. Cell uptake of albumin nanoparticles demonstrated behaviors indicating a different cell uptake pathway compared with albumin solution. Importantly, application of equivalent concentrations of albumin solution or nanoparticles resulted in higher epithelial transport capacity of the latter, suggesting improvement of intestinal delivery via nanoformulation. Conclusion: This study highlights for the first time that simply fabricated, nontoxic human serum albumin nanoparticles may find application in oral drug delivery.