gallium + human serum albumin nanoparticles

Gallium + human serum albumin nanoparticles is an experimental therapeutic formulation designed to exploit the iron-dependency of rapidly proliferating cells and certain pathogenic bacteria. Gallium (Ga3+) acts as a ferric iron (Fe3+) mimetic, competing for uptake via iron transport systems; however, unlike iron, gallium cannot be reduced under physiological conditions. This failure to undergo redox cycling leads to the inhibition of essential iron-dependent enzymes, most notably ribonucleotide reductase, thereby disrupting DNA synthesis and cellular metabolism. The encapsulation of gallium within human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles enhances the delivery of the metal to target sites, such as tumors or infected tissues, by leveraging albumin-mediated transport mechanisms (e.g., binding to the gp60 receptor and SPARC) and the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. This modality aims to increase the therapeutic index of gallium by improving bioavailability and reducing the systemic toxicity associated with free gallium salts. It is primarily investigated for its potential in treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, such as *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, and various forms of cancer.

Other names

gallium-loaded human serum albumin nanoparticlesgallium-albumin nanoparticlesGa-albumin NPs