In vivo evaluation of drug-encapsulated lignin nanoparticles
for release control

Jae Hoon Lee1*, In-Gyu Choi1, Tae Min Kim2,3, Joon Weon Choi2

(1Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, Seoul National University

2Graduate School of International Agricultural Technology, Seoul National University

3Institute of Green-Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University)

Abstract: Lignin, the second most abundant biopolymer, is one of the promising biocompatible materials for the preparation of pharmaceutical nanoparticles. This study aimed to synthesize the nano-sized drug delivery system by nanoprecipitation of high-quality kraft lignin. Coumarin 6 (drug model compound) and doxorubicin (antitumor, DOX) were chosen as the hydrophobic drug for encapsulation by lignin. Then, lignin-based nanoparticles were synthesized by the nanoprecipitation method and their physicochemical properties were comprehensively analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS). After successful drug encapsulation, the size, surface charge, and releasing properties of encapsulated lignin nanoparticles (CELNPs and DELNPs) were determined. The relationship between the properties of lignin and derived nanoparticle were also examined. Their biocompatibility and antitumor efficacy were tested in vitro and/or in vivo to evaluate their antitumorigenic potential.