PLGA-PEG-Maleimide from PolySciTech used in development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma targeted nanoparticles.

 

There has been great interest in decreased nonspecific adhesivity receptor-targeted (DART) nanoparticles for cancer therapy for many years. Researchers at University of Maryland used mPEG-PLGA (AK010), PLGA-PEG-Maleimide (AI053), PLGA-Cyanine 5 (AV034), from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to generate Rituximab conjugated nanoparticles for non-hodgkin lymphoma treatment. Read more: Mahmud, Md Musavvir, Byoungjae Kong, Daiheon Lee, Eduar Fernando Pinzon Burgos, Alonso Heredia, Jung Soo Suk, and Anthony J. Kim. "Rituximab-Conjugated DART Nanoformulation for CD20-Targeted Drug Delivery in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma." International Journal of Nanomedicine (2026): 625158. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2147/IJN.S625158

“To develop rituximab (RTX)-conjugated decreased nonspecific adhesivity receptor-targeted (DART) nanoparticles for CD20-targeted paclitaxel (PTX) delivery in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and evaluate their targeting, therapeutic activity, formulation stability, and immune-associated cellular responses. PTX-loaded PLGA-PEG nanoparticles were conjugated with RTX (RTX-DART/PTX) or control IgG (IgG-DART/PTX). Physicochemical properties and colloidal and frozen-storage stability were characterized. CD20-dependent cellular association and intracellular localization were evaluated in Raji lymphoma cells using flow cytometry, competitive blocking, and confocal microscopy. Cytotoxicity was assessed following short-term treatment and media replacement. Calreticulin (CRT) surface exposure and macrophage polarization-associated markers were evaluated in vitro. Anti-tumor efficacy was assessed in a systemic luciferase-expressing Raji xenograft model. RTX-DART/PTX exhibited a size near 100 nm, low polydispersity, near-neutral surface charge, and 7–8% PTX loading. DART nanoparticles maintained their colloidal properties in serum incubation for up to 72 hours, while frozen storage at −20°C in 10% sucrose for 3 weeks preserved physicochemical properties and biological activity. RTX-DART showed greater CD20-dependent cellular association and intracellular localization than IgG-DART and free RTX blocking reduced nanoparticle association. Under short-exposure conditions, RTX-DART/PTX produced greater cytotoxicity than free PTX and IgG-DART/PTX. RTX-DART/PTX also enhanced CRT surface exposure, while PTX-containing treatments altered macrophage polarization-associated markers and IGF1 secretion in vitro. In vivo, RTX-DART/PTX reduced systemic tumor bioluminescence and improved survival relative to PBS and IgG-DART/PTX. These findings support RTX-DART/PTX as a proof-of-concept CD20-targeted nanomedicine strategy for systemic NHL. Further validation in additional lymphoma models, immunocompetent or humanized systems, and pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies is required.”

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PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of pH sensitive nanoparticles for cancer therapy

 

Researchers at The City University of New York, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and
Rudy Ruggles Research Institute used PLGA (AP081, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP081#h) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop decorated PLGA nanopartciles to deliver cisplatin to ovarian cancer. This research holds promise to treat this lethal disease. Read more: Dragulska, Sylwia A., Mina Poursharifi, Benjamin Lesea-Pringle, Maxier Acosta Santiago, Caleb Mayes, Ying Chen, Maria Padron-Rhenals et al. "pH-Dependent Surface Charge Modulation of Peptide-Coated Poly (lactic-co-glycolic Acid)(PLGA) Nanoparticle for Drug Delivery in Ovarian Cancer." Molecules 31, no. 17 (2026): 2953. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/17/2953

“Abstract: The development of nanoparticle (NP)-based drug delivery systems that combine passive tumor targeting, physiological stability, and therapeutic efficacy remains a key challenge in cancer nanomedicine. Here, we report a pH-responsive peptide-functionalized poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NP system designed for cancer targeting. The PLGA core is coated with a short glutamic acid–lysine–histidine–phenylalanine x3 (EKHFFF) peptide shell, enabling tunable surface charge modulation around its isoelectric point and promoting environmental responsiveness. Physicochemical characterization confirms spherical NPs (~70–75 nm) with good colloidal stability, serum compatibility, and ion-dependent stability in physiological conditions. The peptide coating also provides pH-dependent modulation of the zeta potential. Evaluation of the NPs in ovarian cancer (OvCA) models, including immortalized and patient-derived cell lines (PDCLs), demonstrates efficient uptake across OvCA cell lines, with significantly enhanced internalization in PDCLs compared to immortalized cells. The EKHFFF nanoparticle (EKHFFF NP) induced minimal reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production in macrophages, indicating low immunogenicity and favorable biocompatibility. Upon platinum loading (EKHFFF-Pt NP), the system exhibits potent cytotoxicity in both platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant OvCA cell lines, outperforming carboplatin and showing comparable or improved efficacy relative to cisplatin in several cell lines. In vivo studies further demonstrate preferential tumor accumulation, sustained intratumoral retention, and measurable systemic circulation with a half-life of approximately 35 min. Keywords: pH-sensitive; nanoparticles; PLGA; ovarian cancer; peptide coating; EPR”

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PLGA from PolySciTech used in research on drug-delivery to the trachea for treatment of stenosis

 

Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is characterized by abnormal wound healing that results in hypertrophic scarring and progressive narrowing of the airway. Researchers at University of Cincinnati used PLGA (AP049, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP049#h) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop a delivery system to treat stenosis. This research holds promise to provide treatment for this injury in the future. Read More: Cruz, Denzel Ryan D., Nour Awad, Nicholas Russell, Juliana El Sheikh, Logan Obermeyer, Peter J. Larson, Yoonjee C. Park, and Gregory R. Dion. "Evaluating the Local Response of a Novel Injectable Capsule for Drug Delivery in the Trachea." The Laryngoscope (2026). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/lary.70821

“Innovative therapies are needed to improve the treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis. This study investigated the local tissue response of a novel injectable drug delivery platform in a leporine tracheal model. Dye-loaded polymer (empty) implants were delivered into the pretracheal tissue of three New Zealand White rabbits using an 18-gauge needle and custom applicator to simulate peritracheal delivery adjacent to tracheal stenosis. Three additional rabbits underwent tracheal injury via electrocauterization to serve as comparative injury controls, and three additional rabbits were included as no-implant, no-injury tracheal controls. Animals underwent laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy on Days 0 and 14 to evaluate the primary outcome of local airway safety after implant placement. Secondary outcomes included ultrasound implant localization, indentation mapping of tracheal wall structural stiffness, and histological assessment. Implant-treated tracheas (n = 3) maintained lumen patency and organized tissue architecture without visible stenosis or microscopic inflammation, whereas injured tracheas (n = 3) demonstrated luminal distortion and disorganized early remodeling. Implant location was confirmed by ultrasound. Indentation mapping showed lower mean anterior and posterior tracheal wall stiffness in implant-treated specimens (5.28 and 4.47 mN/mm, respectively) compared with injured specimens (37.38 and 11.20 mN/mm, respectively). Posterior mucosal thickness was also lower in implant-treated tracheas than injured tracheas (31.02 vs. 56.07 μm). Overall, the implants did not appreciably alter the native tracheal structure. This novel injectable platform was well tolerated in the pretracheal space and preserved native tracheal structure, supporting future studies of therapeutic-loaded implants for stenosis mitigation and treatment.”

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Custom-Made PEG-PLGA-PLL from PolySciTech used in development of nanoparticles for heart-disease treatment

 

Heart disease remains the number one cause of death amongst all diseases. Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and East China University of Science and Technology used custom-made PEG-PLGA-PLL from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) in development of nanoparticles for targeting atherosclerosis plaque and inhibiting further development of oxidized low-density lipoprotein which contributes to plaque build-up. This research holds promise to treat heart disease in the future. Read more: Duan, Yi, Yijie Qiu, Yan Zhu, Quan Wang, Jiangtao Lin, Yourong Duan, Qi Wang, and Yi Dong. "Plaque‐Hepatic Targeting Nanotherapy Disrupts the PCSK9‐LOX‐1 Axis to Suppress oxLDL in Atherosclerosis." Advanced Science (2026): e77100. https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/advs.77100

“Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, with elevated oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) as a key driver. oxLDL metabolism involves two critical steps: generation mediated by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)-induced LDLR degradation, and plaque uptake via lectin-like oxLDL receptor-1 (LOX-1). Current PCSK9 inhibitors reduce oxLDL production but show limited effects on plaque oxLDL uptake and inflammation. Thus, synergistic strategies targeting both steps are urgently needed. To address this, we developed a hepatic-plaque targeting nanoparticle, siPCSK9@PEAL NPs-aL, based on a PEG-PLGA-PLL framework. The nanoparticle was surface-functionalized with anti-LOX-1 antibody for plaque targeting. Concurrently, optimized particle size enabled hepatic accumulation while minimizing clearance by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), facilitating effective hepatic delivery of siPCSK9. The PLGA core allowed controlled siRNA release, and the cationic PLL layer promoted efficient condensation and protection. In vitro, this system effectively silenced PCSK9, downregulated LOX-1, rescued mitochondrial function and reduced apoptosis. In advanced atherosclerosis mice, weekly administration significantly reduced aortic plaque burden, stabilized plaque composition, and normalized serum lipid levels. Lipidomics showed oxLDL-associated lipid downregulation and metabolic networks remodeling. Taken together, this dual-targeting nanodrug integrates systemic lipid-lowering with local anti-inflammatory effects by simultaneously inhibiting oxLDL generation and utilization, offering a promising precision therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis.”

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PLA from PolySciTech used in development of Simvastatin-loaded nanoparticles to encourage bone regrowth

 

Simvastatin is a drug which has shown promise to improve the regrowth of bone however localizing it is necessary for it to operate. Researchers at University of Minnesota, University of Sao Paulo, University of California, University of Juiz de Fora, Universidade Sao Francisco, and Federal University of Goias used Poly(DL)lactide (cat# AP156, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP156#h) to develop simvastatin loaded nanoparticles for bone-tissue repair. This research holds promise to improve healing options in the future for traumatic bone injury. Read more: Alves, Tomaz, Priscila Lucena Mendes, Marlus da Silva Pedrosa, Danilo Balzarini, Letícia Miquelitto Gasparoni, Aldrin Huamán-Mendoza, Bruno Nunes de França et al. "Sustained simvastatin delivery via poly (lactide) nanoparticles enhances early osteogenic-associated responses in human periodontal ligament stem cells." Scientific Reports (2026). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-63776-6

“Simvastatin has recognized osteoinductive properties, but its application in regenerative strategies is limited by poor aqueous behavior and a narrow cytocompatible dosing window. Here, we developed simvastatin-loaded poly(lactide) nanoparticles and evaluated whether nanoparticle-mediated delivery improves cytocompatibility and early osteogenic-associated responses of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) compared with free simvastatin. Nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation and characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis, showing spherical morphology and a mean diameter of approximately 150 nm. Cellular internalization was confirmed using rhodamine-labeled nanoparticles and confocal microscopy, demonstrating efficient uptake with predominantly cytoplasmic localization. In hPDLSCs, nanoparticle-delivered simvastatin improved short-term cytocompatibility and enhanced mineralization together with increased periostin and osteocalcin secretion, with the most pronounced differences observed at day 14, whereas mineralization outcomes converged between delivery formats by day 21. Complementary clonogenic assays in osteoblasts demonstrated that nanoparticle-mediated delivery attenuated simvastatin-associated loss of long-term proliferative capacity relative to free simvastatin under the tested conditions. These findings indicate that poly(lactide) nanoparticles may improve the cytocompatible delivery profile of simvastatin and preferentially enhance early osteogenic-associated responses in vitro in hPDLSCs, supporting further investigation of controlled simvastatin delivery strategies for periodontal regenerative applications.”

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PLA from PolySciTech used in development of brain-penetrating nanoparticle for treatment of neurological disorders.

 

Transport of medicines into the brain tissue is difficult due to the highly-selective Blood-Brain-Barrier. Researchers at Louisiana State University and Louisiana Tech University recently utilized Polylactide (Cat# AP047, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP047#h) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) in development of electrically activated particles for brain delivery. This research holds promise to provide for delivery of drugs to brain diseases. Read more: Roy, Salona, Umisha Siwakoti, Daniel Alday, Carlos Astete, Ethan McElveen, Ashok Sigdel, Fabio Del Piero, Cristina Sabliov, Elisa Castagnola, and Qi Cai. "On-demand, reversible blood-brain barrier opening via electrical activation of piezoelectric nanoparticles for targeted brain drug delivery." bioRxiv (2026): 2026-07. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.20.738792.abstract

“Delivering therapeutics to the brain remains one of the most persistent challenges in medicine, because the blood-brain barrier (BBB) excludes over 98% of small-molecule drugs and virtually all biologics from the central nervous system (CNS). We developed electrical BBB modulation (eBBB), an on-demand platform combining vascular-targeting poly-L-lactic acid nanoparticles with high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation to achieve spatially and temporally controlled BBB opening. eBBB produced localized, reversible increases in BBB permeability confined to the stimulated cortex, with the opening area tunable via electrode geometry. This transient window enhanced regional delivery of a small-molecule drug, full-length immunoglobulins, and adeno-associated viral vectors, which are cargo classes otherwise completely excluded by the intact BBB. Neurovascular unit architecture was preserved with no lasting histological damage. Integrating a biodegradable nanomaterial with a clinically evaluated stimulation technology, eBBB offers a programmable, minimally invasive strategy for regional CNS drug delivery across brain malignancies and neurological disorders.”

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PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of Mito-TEMPO loaded nanoparticle treatment for COPD

 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an ongoing lung condition caused by damage to the lungs. The damage results in swelling and irritation, also called inflammation, inside the airways. Researchers at University of Newcastle used PLGA (AP041) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to generate antioxidant loaded nanoparticles for therapy of this chronic disease. Read more: Adams, Thomas J., Michael Schuliga, Su Ling Loo, Shan Mohanan, Nyoaki Pearce, Punnam C. Veerati, Andrew T. Reid, Nathan W. Bartlett, and Mingtao Liang. "A targeted antioxidant nanomedicine regulates mitochondrial ROS and antiviral immunity in rhinovirus-infected human bronchial epithelial cells." Drug Delivery and Translational Research (2026): 1-16. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13346-026-02182-x

“Mitochondrial dysfunction and altered reactive oxygen species (ROS) production contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the role of mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) in regulating cellular responses in the airway epithelium during disease exacerbations remains poorly understood. Herein, live-cell imaging was used to characterise mtROS induction in primary human bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) infected with rhinovirus (RV), a major cause of COPD exacerbations. Excessive mtROS production was observed following RV infection in BECs from donors with COPD as well as from donors without airway disease. Using a design-of-experiments (DoE) approach to optimise formulation parameters, a targeted antioxidant nanomedicine (TNM) was developed to inhibit mtROS production. TNM treatment of BECs from a donor with COPD significantly reduced RV infection- induced mtROS production. This was associated with increased expression of antiviral interferon-β (IFN-β), interferon-λ (IFN-λ2/3) and antiviral interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) production was also increased, while the production of other pro-inflammatory cytokines was unaffected by TNM treatment. Together, these findings demonstrate that BEC- targeted antioxidant delivery uncovers a mechanism by which mtROS suppression can achieve innate immune modulation, representing an innovative therapeutic approach in COPD exacerbations.”

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