Evaluation of Chitosan-Encapsulated Recombinant Human Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 for Improving Cell Proliferation

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Bibliographic Information

Authors: Mohamed O.A.; Shemis M.A.; Abdelazeem E.; Omar H.; Hassan E.; Gouda A.E.; Samir S.

Journal: Egyptian Journal of Chemistry

Publisher: National Information and Documentation Centre

Publication Date: 25 April 2026

Volume / Issue: Volume 69 / Issue 12

Pages: 75–84

ISSN: 4492285

DOI: 10.21608/ejchem.2026.451550.12770

Scopus: View on Scopus

Document Type: Article


Authors and Affiliations

Mohamed O.A., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Shemis M.A., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Abdelazeem E., Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; Omar H., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Hassan E., Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; Gouda A.E., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Samir S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt


Abstract

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)-an endocrine hormone-plays a vital role in growth and metabolism. We aimed to encapsulate recombinant human IGF-1 (rhIGF-1), to enhance its stability and release profile, as well as to assess the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and physical properties of the nanoparticles (NPs). Chitosan (Cs) was used for encapsulating rhIGF-1. The nanometric size was 131±6.44 nm using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The zeta potential was +30.7 ± 2 mV, indicating good stability. The nanoparticles demonstrated EE of approximately 99.3%. The release of rhIGF-1 at pH 7.4 was about 96% over 120 hours. Cell proliferation using Vero cells revealed that free rhIGF-1 induced higher initial proliferation at 24 hours, whereas rhIGF-1 encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles (Cs/rhIGF-1NPs) provided sustained release and prolonged activity over extended timeframes. Cs/rhIGF-1NPs exhibited favorable characteristics for drug delivery, including high EE and a sustained release profile, indicating the potential for prolonged therapeutic effects. This research successfully developed Cs/rhIGF-1NPs, highlighting their potential to improve the stability and delivery of rhIGF-1. The novelty lies in the effective encapsulation and sustained release of rhIGF-1, which may enhance its therapeutic applications in conditions requiring sustained protein delivery. Future studies should focus on evaluating the biological activity of these nanoparticles in vivo to explore their clinical relevance. © 2026, National Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC).


Keywords

Cs/rhIGF-1NPs; Drug delivery systems; Encapsulation efficiency; IGF-1; Sustained release; Transmission electron microscopy


Citation Information

Scopus Citations: 0


For comprehensive information about the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), its institutional activities, scientific and research achievements, clinical and hospital services, and the diverse expertise offered through its 22 specialized research and clinical departments, as well as opportunities for professional training, specialized workshops, and scientific conferences, readers are invited to visit the Institute’s official website.

The website provides regularly updated information on the Institute’s latest news, research activities, scientific initiatives, clinical services, institutional programs, and academic and professional opportunities.

English Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/en/

Arabic Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/ar/

Prepared and Uploaded by:

Abdalla F. Abdalla

Electronic Portal Unit

Electronic Portal Unit

Popular Posts

A cost-performance index for nano-optical biosensor evaluation: Systematic evaluation of europium–salicylate luminescent platforms for GPC3-targeted early HCC diagnosis

Interpretation of liver stiffness measurement in patients with mixed liver disease etiologies

Multifunctional polycaprolactone-based composite fibers with icariin and glutathione for effective repair of critical-sized bone defects

Holothuria arenicola Extract-Loaded Polycaprolactone Nanocapsules Attenuate Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Acute Liver Injury

Mytilus edulis-mediated green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles with antimicrobial and molluscicidal applications

Microbial levan potentiates hepatic retention and antitumor activity of a PEGylated benzimidazole–curcumin nanocomplex through TLR2–FXR/FGF15-associated immunometabolic remodeling in experimental liver cancer

Variable clinical presentations of pulmonary hydatid cysts: a four-case series from a single center in United Arab Emirates, non-endemic region