Ultra small gelatin nanoparticles, composite structures and synthesis method

Abstract

A method for synthesizing ultrasmall gelatin nanoparticles. A first desolvation is conducted to produce gelatin strands in a first solution and then setting the pH of the solution to charge and separate the strands. Tripolyphosphate (TPP) is added to the first solution to form gelatin-TPP-gelatin bridges. Second desolvation of the gelatin-TPP-gelatin bridges is conducted in a second solution. The second solution contains an TPP-Ethanol:Acetone mixture in a ratio between 1:1 and 1:5 and TPP between 0.005-0.025 vol % or a Glutaraldehyde-Ethanol:Acetone mixture in a ratio of glutaraldehyde-ethanol:Acetone range of 2.5-12% v/v to produce a colloid of self-assembled gelatin nanoparticles. The method can produce nanomaterial consisting of a plurality of gelatin nanoparticles sized at ˜10 nm. The nanomaterial can encapsulate a drug, metal nanoparticle or contrast agent.

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