Development of phosphorylated nanoparticles as zeta potential inverting systems.

The objective of this study was to generate nanoparticles with a slightly negative zeta potential which switches to positive values under the influence of intestinal alkaline phosphatase in order to address two major physiological barriers (mucus and membrane barrier). Carboxymethyl cellulose and chitosan were modified with phosphotyrosine by means of a water-soluble carbodiimide and polyelectrolyte complexes were formed by mixing two polymer solutions in an appropriate ratio. Due to this modification, phosphate ions could potentially be released which would lead to a change in zeta potential.