Multicomponent encapsulation into protein nanocarriers for co-delivery of therapeutics

Abstract

Successful tumor vaccination relies on a strong and durable immune response. Common soluble vaccine formulations lack the efficiency for sufficient stimulation of immune cells against tumor cells. This thesis presents the development of a multifunctional nanocarrier to enhance immune cell stimulation and tumor vaccination. The biocompatible and degradable protein nanocapsules are formed through an interfacial crosslinking via a metal-free azide-alkyne click in an inverse miniemulsion. This allows a multicomponent encapsulation of adjuvants into protein nanocapsules with high efficiency, controlled concentration and without affecting the activity of the cargo molecules. The protein nanocapsules could be functionalized on the surface with stealth and targeting moieties to enhance the specific uptake into dendritic cells.