Nanoencapsulation of R-phycoerytrin extracted from Solieria filiformis improves protein stability and enables its biological application as a fluorescent dye

We aimed to encapsulate R-PE to improve its stability for use as a fluorescent probe for cancer cells. Purified R-PE from the algae Solieria filiformis was encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles using PCL. Nanoparticles were characterised and R-PE release was evaluated. Also, cellular uptake using breast and prostate cancer cells were performed. Nanoparticles presented nanometric particle size (198.8 +/- 0.06 nm) with low polydispersity (0.13 +/- 0.022), negative zeta potential (-18.7 +/- 1.10 mV), and 50.0 +/- 7.3% encapsulation. FTIR revealed that R-PE is molecularly dispersed in PCL. DSC peak at 307 degrees C indicates the presence of R-PE in the nanoparticle. Also, in vitro, it was demonstrated low release for nanoparticles and degradation for the free R-PE. Finally, cellular uptake demonstrated the potential of R-PE/PCL nanoparticles for cancer cell detection. Nanoparticles loaded with R-PE can overcome instability and allow application as a fluorescent probe for cancer cells.