PEG-PLGA and PLGA from PolySciTech used in research on nanoparticle fate within the brain

 

Nanoparticle motion within the brain is a complicated process which is driven by the various chemical factors involved with cellular recognition and disposition towards the particles as well as the particle tendency to aggregate or ability to cross membranes. Recently, researchers from University of Washington used PEG-PLGA (AK106) and PLGA (AP059) to create a series of nanoparticles with varying surfactant-related exteriors. They then fluorescently stained these polymers and carefully tracked their motion through brain tissue to determine their motility and fate. This research holds promise to improve future nanoparticle derived therapies against brain diseases. Read more: Joseph, Andrea, Georges Motchoffo Simo, Torahito Gao, Norah Alhindi, Nuo Xu, Daniel J. Graham, Lara J. Gamble, and Elizabeth Nance. "Surfactants influence polymer nanoparticle fate within the brain." Biomaterials (2021): 121086. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142961221004427

“Abstract: Drug delivery to the brain is limited by poor penetration of pharmaceutical agents across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), within the brain parenchyma, and into specific cells of interest. Nanotechnology can overcome these barriers, but its ability to do so is dependent on nanoparticle physicochemical properties including surface chemistry. Surface chemistry can be determined by a number of factors, including by the presence of stabilizing surfactant molecules introduced during the formulation process. Nanoparticles coated with poloxamer 188 (F68), poloxamer 407 (F127), and polysorbate 80 (P80) have demonstrated uptake in BBB endothelial cells and enhanced accumulation within the brain. However, the impact of surfactants on nanoparticle fate, and specifically on brain extracellular diffusion or intracellular targeting, must be better understood to design nanotherapeutics to efficiently overcome drug delivery barriers in the brain. Here, we evaluated the effect of the biocompatible and commonly used surfactants cholic acid (CHA), F68, F127, P80, and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-PEG) nanoparticle transport to and within the brain. The inclusion of these surfactant molecules decreases diffusive ability through brain tissue, reflecting the surfactant's role in encouraging cellular interaction at short length and time scales. After in vivo administration, PLGA-PEG/P80 nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced penetration across the BBB and subsequent internalization within neurons and microglia. Surfactants incorporated into the formulation of PLGA-PEG nanoparticles therefore represent an important design parameter for controlling nanoparticle fate within the brain.”