Thermogelling PLGA-PEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of cataract therapy.

 

Post-surgical cataracts can reduce vision in patients. Researchers at Rowan University used PLGA-PEG-PLGA (AK097) from Akina from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to deliver doxorubicin as part of cataract treatment. This research holds promise to provide for improved blindness treatment. Read more: Vardar, Camila, Giavanna Trojan, and Mark E. Byrne. "Treating Post-Cataract Posterior Capsule Opacification: The Relationship Between Myofibroblast Concentration on Lens Capsule Wrinkling." Regenerative Engineering and Translational Medicine (2025): 1-12. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40883-025-00476-z

“The present study aimed to determine the relationship between the concentration of myofibroblasts on bovine lens capsules and loss of visual acuity due to monolayer coverage and wrinkling, in a model of an accelerated timeline of posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Bovine lens capsule explants were cultured on 12-well plates and treated with five different concentrations of myofibroblasts, while optical clarity was measured using UV-spectroscopy for a period of 4 days. Immunolocalization studies were carried out to confirm loss of transparency from wrinkling caused by myofibroblastic contractile forces. Novel, injectable, thermosensitive poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) triblock copolymer hydrogels were engineered for the sustained release of targeted, nucleic acid nanocarriers loaded with cytotoxic doxorubicin (G8:3DNA:Dox). Targeted depletion of myofibroblast precursors using these hydrogels was evaluated. Both 25 k and 40 k myofibroblasts/well delivered onto the lens capsule exhibited almost total loss of optical clarity, whereas 5 k and 10 k myofibroblasts/well still showed a significant decrease in transparency. Capsules that received 2 k myofibroblasts/well did not experience a significant reduction in transmittance. For the first time, the relationship between myofibroblast concentration, as a result of prolonged exposure to active transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) and pro-inflammatory conditions, and its effect on lens capsule transparency is shown. The findings of this study can be taken into consideration when designing sustained release devices to prevent the onset of post-surgical complications of cataract surgery.”

PLGA-PEG-PLGA (https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK097#h)

Benchtop to Bedside with MidWest GMP https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/

Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/

Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/

BPR Akina's Free Scientific Conference (West Lafayette, 4/29/26: (https://akinainc.com/bprconference/)

PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of triggered nanoparticles for brain cancer treatment.

 

One route of treatment for brain cancer is to apply nanoparticles through the nose and to trigger them to deliver inside the brain tissue. Researchers at Nagoya City University used PLGA (AP018) from Akina from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com). This research holds promise to provide drug delivery directly to the brain. Read more: Sato, Kazuki, Koki Ogawa, Sawaki Nabeshima, Susumu Suwabe, and Tetsuya Ozeki. "Fabrication and Application of Iron Oxide-Encapsulated PLGA Nanoparticles with Dual Responsiveness to Magnetic Fields and Light for Nose-to-Brain Drug Delivery." Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology (2025): 107535. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1773224725009384

“Nose-to-brain delivery has been widely investigated as a potential strategy for glioma therapy. However, the nasal epithelial barrier remains a major obstacle to drug transport from the nasal cavity to the brain, particularly for macromolecular agents such as peptides, nucleic acids, and nanoparticles. Therefore, strategies to enhance epithelial permeability are required. In this study, we developed a drug delivery system to improve nose-to-brain transport through transcranial magnetic field application, with the aim of contributing to glioma treatment. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), which possess both superparamagnetic and photothermal properties, were utilized to enhance brain penetration and to enable photothermal therapy (PTT). IONPs were encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles to form IONPs@PLGA, with an average size of approximately 200 nm. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that IONPs were located inside PLGA nanoparticles, and laser irradiation (660 nm) raised the temperature to 50 °C, suggesting that IONPs@PLGA generated sufficient heat to induce cancer cell death. Moreover, IONPs@PLGA were efficiently internalized by cells under a magnetic field, and laser irradiation induced strong cytotoxicity against C6 glioma cells. Notably, applying a magnetic field after intranasal administration increased brain accumulation by ∼2.5-fold, confirming enhanced delivery via magnetic targeting. In summary, we developed IONPs@PLGA, a dual magnetic- and light-responsive system, and demonstrated its potential to improve nose-to-brain delivery. Given their drug-loading capacity, IONPs@PLGA represent a promising platform for magnetically guided, non-invasive brain drug delivery.”

PLGA (https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP018#h)

Benchtop to Bedside with MidWest GMP https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/

Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/

Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/

BPR Akina's Free Scientific Conference (West Lafayette, 4/29/26: (https://akinainc.com/bprconference/)

PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of hyaluronic-acid conjugated nanocarriers for colorectal cancer therapy

 

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and it develops in the lower part of the large intestine. Researchers at Pusan National University used a series of PLGAs (AP037, AP040, AP082, and AP154) from Akina from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop hyaluronic acid conjugated PLGA for colorectal cancer (CRC)-targeted nanoparticles. This research holds promise to treat this common and deadly disease. Read more: Lee, Juho, Dongmin Kwak, Hyunwoo Kim, Muneeb Ullah, Jihyun Kim, Muhammad Naeem, Seonghwan Hwang et al. "Elucidating a Tumor‐Selective Nanoparticle Delivery Mechanism at the Colorectal Lumen–Tumor Interface for Precise Local Cancer Therapy." Small 21, no. 9 (2025): 2409994. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/smll.202409994

“Although various colorectal cancer (CRC)-targeted nanoparticles have been developed to selectively deliver anticancer agents to tumor tissues, severe off-target side effects still persist due to unwanted systemic nanoparticle distribution, limiting the therapeutic outcome. Here, by elucidating a tumor-selective nanoparticle delivery mechanism occurring at the colorectal lumen–tumor interface, an alternative CRC-targeted delivery route is proposed, which enables highly tumor-selective delivery without systemic distribution, through direct drug delivery from the outside of the body (colorectal lumen) to tumors in the colorectum. Owing to the presence of accessible tumor-specific receptors such as CD44 at the colorectal lumen–tumor interface, but not at the colorectal lumen–normal tissue interface, colorectal luminal surface (CLS)-targeting ligand-functionalized nanoparticles selectively accumulate in CRC tissues without systemic distribution, resulting in successful local CRC therapy. The findings suggest that CLS-targeted lumen-to-tumor delivery can be a suitable strategy for highly CRC-specific drug delivery for precise local CRC therapy.”

PLGAs (https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/polyesters.php)

Benchtop to Bedside with MidWest GMP https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/

Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/

Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/

BPR Akina's Free Scientific Conference (West Lafayette, 4/29/26: (https://akinainc.com/bprconference/)

PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of rivaroxaban delivery for diabetes treatment

 

Diabetes is related to chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction. Researchers at Assiut University, University of Tabuk, Taibah University, University of Cincinnati, and Badr University in Assiut used PLGA (AP104) from Akina from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop a delivery system for rivaroxaban. This research holds promise to provide for treatment of diabetes. Read more: Elbadr, Mohamed M., Heba A. Galal, Helal F. Hetta, Hassabelrasoul Elfadil, Fawaz E. Alanazi, Shereen Fawzy, Hashim M. Aljohani et al. "Immunomodulatory Effect of Rivaroxaban Nanoparticles Alone and in Combination with Sitagliptin on Diabetic Rat Model." Diseases 13, no. 3 (2025): 87. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9721/13/3/87

“Background: Chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation are key drivers of diabetes complications. Rivaroxaban (RX) and sitagliptin (SITA) are established therapies for thromboembolism and glycemic control, respectively. This study evaluated the novel therapeutic potential of nano-rivaroxaban (NRX) alone and in combination with sitagliptin (SITA) in mitigating inflammation and restoring immune balance in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Type 2 diabetes was induced in rats using a single injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). Animals were divided into five groups: control, STZ-diabetic, RX-treated (5 mg/kg), NRX-treated (5 mg/kg), and NRX+SITA-treated (5 mg/kg + 10 mg/kg). After 4 weeks of treatment, blood glucose, coagulation markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-35, TGF-β1, IL-10) were analyzed. Histopathological examination of the liver, kidney, pancreas, and spleen was conducted. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess hepatic NF-κB expression. Results: STZ significantly elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-35, TGF-β1, IL-10), along with increased hepatic NF-κB expression and histopathological abnormalities in immune organs. NRX significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines, improved histopathological changes in organs, and decreased hepatic NF-κB expression. The combination therapy (NRX + SITA) achieved superior immune modulation, with enhanced cytokine profile restoration, reduced hepatic NF-κB expression, and near-complete histopathological normalization. Conclusions: This study underscores the promise of combining nanoparticle-based drug delivery with established therapies like sitagliptin to achieve superior immune modulation and inflammation control, presenting a potential therapeutic strategy for managing diabetes complications. Keywords: diabetes; nano-rivaroxaban; rivaroxaban; sitagliptin; streptozotocin”

PLGA (https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP104#h)

Benchtop to Bedside with MidWest GMP https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/

Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/

Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/

BPR Akina's Free Scientific Conference (West Lafayette, 4/29/26: (https://akinainc.com/bprconference/)

PEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of treatment for Lou Gehrig’s disease

 

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease can potentially be treated by a drug known as edaravone, however this drug does not transport into the brain tissue where it is needed due to the blood-brain-barrier. Researchers at University of Porto and University of Santiago de Compostela used PEG-PLGA (AK106) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop encapsulation techniques for the brain delivery of edaravone as part of ALS treatment. Read more: Aguiar, Brandon, Ana Rita Alfenim, Cláudia Sofia Machado, Joana Moreira, Miguel Pinto, Francisco J. Otero-Espinar, Fernanda Borges, and Carlos Fernandes. "Exploring Nano-Delivery Systems to Enhance the Edaravone Performance in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26, no. 5 (2025): 2146. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11900301/

“Edaravone is one of the treatment options for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, but its therapeutic efficacy is limited due to the incapacity to cross the blood–brain barrier, as well as its short life span and poor stability, which is ultimately caused by its tautomerism in physiological condions. This work presents an overview about the use of several nanoformulations based on polymeric, protein, lipidic, or hybrid structure as suitable and stable drug delivery systems for encapsulating edaravone. We also evaluated the functionalization of nanoparticles with pegylated chains using the polyethylene glycol or tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate and the possibility of preparing polymeric nanoparticles at different pH (7.4, 9, and 11). Edaravone was sucessfully encapsulated in polymeric, lipid–polymer hybrid, and lipidic nanoparticles. The use of higher pH values in the synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles has led to a decrease in nanoparticle size and an increase in the percentage of encapsulation efficiency. However, the resulting nanoformulations are not stable. Only polymeric and hybrid nanoparticles showed good stability over 80 days of storage, mainly at 4 °C. Overall, the nanoformulations tested did not show cytotoxicity in the SH-SY5Y cell line except the nanostructured lipid carrier formulations that showed some cytotoxicity possibly due to lipidic peroxidation. In conclusion, this work shows that edaravone can be encapsulated in different nanocarriers that could act as an interesting alternative for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Keywords: edaravone, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hybrid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers”

mPEG-PLGA (https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK106#h)

Benchtop to Bedside with MidWest GMP https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/

Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/

Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/

BPR Akina's Free Scientific Conference (West Lafayette, 4/29/26: (https://akinainc.com/bprconference/)

PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of targeted, oral delivery of dexamethasone for ulcerative colitis treatment

 

Leukocyte esterase is an enzyme with pronounced upregulation near sights of inflamed colonic tissue. Researchers at Pusan National University, Korea Univesrsity, and Daegu Catholic University used PLGA (AP037) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop dexamethasone conjugated prodrugs for oral delivery. This research holds promise to provide for treatment against a wide range of irritable bowel disease (IBD) states. Read more: Lee, Juho, Aruzhan Saparbayeva, Jihyun Kim, Dongmin Kwak, Hyunwoo Kim, Muneeb Ullah, Md Lukman Hakim et al. "Leukocyte Esterase-Activated Nanoconjugates Enables Precise Local Therapy of Ulcerative Colitis via Inflamed Tissue-Selective Drug Delivery." ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2025). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsami.5c11808

“Leukocyte esterase (LE), markedly upregulated in inflamed colonic tissues, offers a unique enzymatic trigger for selective drug activation in ulcerative colitis (UC). To exploit this pathological hallmark, we developed LE-activated nanoconjugates that enable inflamed tissue-selective drug delivery as a strategy to achieve precise local therapy for UC. Dexamethasone (DEX) was covalently conjugated to poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) via ester bonds to form nanoconjugates (DPNCs) with suppressed drug release during gastrointestinal transit. These nanoconjugates accumulated in inflamed colonic tissues via the epithelial enhanced permeability and retention (eEPR) effect and selectively released DEX in response to elevated LE activity. In a dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis model, orally administered DPNCs achieved superior colonic drug accumulation, minimized systemic distribution, and significantly improved therapeutic outcomes compared with free DEX. These findings highlight the potential of LE-activated nanoconjugates as an effective oral platform for precise and safe treatment of UC.”

PLGA (https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP037#h)

Benchtop to Bedside with MidWest GMP https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/

Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/

Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/

BPR Akina's Free Scientific Conference (West Lafayette, 4/29/26: (https://akinainc.com/bprconference/)

PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of light-activated microparticles for precision antibiotic delivery

 

Near infrared (NIR) light is a form of long-wavelength light which can harmlessly pass through human tissue and be utilized to trigger actions inside the human body. Researchers at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth used PLGA (AP016) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop microparticles for NIR-triggered vancomycin delivery. This research holds promise to provide for precisely controlled delivery of drugs. Read more: Pokharel, Mishal, Abid Neron, Amit Kumar Dey, Aishwarya Raksha Siddharthan, Menaka Konara, Md Mainuddin Sagar, Tracie Ferreira, and Kihan Park. "Light-Responsive PLGA Microparticles for On-Demand Vancomycin Release and Enhanced Antibacterial Efficiency." Pharmaceutics 17, no. 8 (2025): 1007. https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/8/1007

“Abstract: Background: A precise drug delivery system enables the optimization of treatments with minimal side effects if it can deliver medication only when activated by a specific light source. This study presents a controlled drug delivery system based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles (MPs) designed for the sustained release of vancomycin hydrochloride. Methods: The MPs were co-loaded with indocyanine green (ICG), a near-infrared (NIR) responsive agent, and fabricated via the double emulsion method.They were characterized for stability, surface modification, biocompatibility, and antibacterial efficacy. Results: Dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analyses confirmed significant increases in particle size and surface charge reversal following chitosan coating. Scanning electron microscopy revealed uniform morphology in uncoated MPs (1–10 μm) and irregular surfaces post-coating. Stability tests demonstrated drug retention for up to 180 days. Among formulations, PVI1 exhibited the highest yield (76.67 ± 1.3%) and encapsulation efficiency (56.2 ± 1.95%). NIR irradiation (808 nm) enhanced drug release kinetics, with formulation PVI4 achieving over 48.9% release, resulting in improved antibacterial activity. Chitosan-coated MPs (e.g., PVI4-C) effectively suppressed drug release without NIR light for up to 8 h, with cumulative release reaching only 10.89%. Without NIR light, bacterial colonies exceeded 1000 CFU; NIR-triggered release reduced them below 120 CFU. Drug release data fitted best with the zero-order and Korsmeyer–Peppas models, suggesting a combination of diffusion-controlled and constant-rate release behavior. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the promise of chitosan-coated NIR-responsive PLGA MPs for precise, on-demand antibiotic delivery and improved antibacterial performance. Keywords: near-infrared light; microparticles; antibiotic; drug delivery; controlled release; chitosan coating”

PLGA (https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP016#h)

Benchtop to Bedside with MidWest GMP https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/

Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/

Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/

BPR Akina's Free Scientific Conference (West Lafayette, 4/29/26: (https://akinainc.com/bprconference/)