PLGA-Cysteine from PolySciTech used in development of photoresponsive nanocarriers for tuberculosis treatment

 

Researchers at University of São Paulo used PLGA-cysteine (cat# AI025 https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AI025#h) in development of rifampicin loaded and gold-nanorods containing particles for photoresponsive particles to deliver rifampicin directly to the lungs as part of tuberculosis therapy. This research holds promise to provide treatment of this lethal disease. Read more: de Barros Galvani, Pietra, Gabriela Maria Costa Ferreira, Valéria Maria de Oliveira Cardoso, Ualter Guilherme Cipriano, Angélica Maria Mazuera Zapata, Julia Mendonça Margatho, Paula Maria Pincela Lins et al. "Photoresponsive Nanocarriers for Potentiating Tuberculosis Therapy." ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2026). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11095-026-04110-7

“Drug-resistant and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) remain major challenges to effective treatment. Given that TB arises from complex bacterial survival mechanisms, addressing this multifactorial disease requires innovative and combinatorial therapeutic approaches. Although various strategies have been employed to overcome these issues, concerns regarding therapeutic efficacy persist due to the prolonged treatment duration and high toxicity. Here, we developed photoresponsive nanocarriers coencapsulating isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF), with or without gold nanorods (AuNRs), as a multifunctional platform for laser-assisted TB therapy. AuNRs were synthesized and functionalized with PLGA-SH to enable photothermal activation and integration into polymeric carriers. The resulting systems exhibited an average size of approximately 180 nm, zeta potentials around −28 mV, particle concentrations on the order of 1011 particles mL–1, as measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis, and average encapsulation efficiencies of 90% for both drugs. In vitro, photoactivated nanocarriers significantly reduced Mycobacterium tuberculosis burden in murine alveolar epithelial (MLE-15) cells and macrophages (BMDMs), as well as in human macrophages (THP-1), without inducing cytotoxicity. TB preclinical models demonstrated that laser-triggered nanocarriers significantly reduced pulmonary bacterial load in infected mice compared with untreated groups, even at low doses. These findings demonstrate that the formulation’s therapeutic efficacy depends on photothermal activation and support its potential as an adjuvant strategy for precision, light-assisted TB treatment, thereby reducing systemic exposure and minimizing toxicity.”

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PLGA-histidine and PLGA-FPI749 from PolySciTech used in development of nanoparticle delivery of nivolumab and galunisertib for lung cancer therapy

 

Researchers at Hacettepe University PLGA-histidine (cat# AI098 https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AI098#h) and PLGA-FPI749 (cat# AV006 https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AV006#h) to develop nanoparticles for the co-delivery of nivolumab and galunisertib for non-small cell lung cancer treatment. This research holds promise to provide for improved cancer therapies in the future. Read more: Kaplan, Meryem, Ece Tavukcuoglu, Suleyman Can Ozturk, Sema Çalış, Güneş ESENDAĞLI, and Kivilcim Ozturk. "Codelivery of Nivolumab and Galunisertib by EGFR-Targeted Spherical Polymeric Nanoparticles for Effective Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer." Available at SSRN 6748605. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6748605

“The incidence of cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide, with more than 29 million people expected to be diagnosed by 2040. Despite advancements in cancer therapies, current immunotherapeutic approaches face challenges such as limited efficacy and off-target effects. To address these challenges, this study focuses on enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapeutics in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through combination with a TGF- β inhibitor. A novel nanosystem was developed by co-loading galunisertib, a TGF-β inhibitor, and nivolumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, into spherical nanoparticles composed of PLGA derivatives conjugated with anti-EGFR for targeted delivery. In vitro characterization studies, including the nanoparticle size, zeta potential, morphology, drug release, toxicity evaluation in healthy and tumor cells, and T cell immune responses, demonstrated promising results. Based on these findings, in vivo studies were conducted on humanized mice that developed heterotopic xenograft tumors. In the concept of in vivo studies, biodistribution studies revealed that antibody-conjugated nanoparticles exhibited higher tumor accumulation compared to the control group. In vivo results further showed that co-drug loaded nanoparticles targeted to the tumor were more effective in reducing tumor size compared to non-targeted nanoparticles, achieving efficacy comparable to the combination of free drug and targeting ligand.”

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PLGA-Rhodamine from PolySciTech used for development of inhalable siRNA therapy for respiratory therapy

 

Researchers at University of Napoli Federico II, Berlin Institute of Health, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, University of Milano, and University of British Columbia used PLGA-Rhodamine B (cat# AV011 https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AV011#h) from PolySciTech : Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) combined with ionizable lipids to form nanoparticles for siRNA delivery through inhaled formulations. This research holds promise to improve respiratory therapy. Read more: Brusco, Susy, Ersilia Villano, Teresa Silvestri, Amar J. Azad, Muge Molbay, Ivana d'Angelo, Agnese Miro et al. "Lipid@ polymer hybrid nanoparticles for efficient siRNA transport across the lung barriers: Mechanistic insights into the role of Ionizable lipids." Journal of Colloid and Interface Science (2026): 140683. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002197972600860X

“Building on growing evidence that ionizable lipids improve RNA delivery, in this work, we developed ionizable lipid/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) hybrid nanoparticles (iLipid@PLGA hNPs), consisting in a PLGA core modified at surface with either 1,2-dioleoyloxy-3-dimethylaminopropane (DODMA), 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DODAP), or the branched-tail proprietary amino lipid ALC0315. iLipid@PLGA hNPs were engineered to meet key requirements for inhalation. Thorough physicochemical characterization revealed how the choice of ionizable lipid influences pH responsiveness, surface composition, and architecture of iLipid@PLGA hNPs. In vitro studies demonstrated effective siRNA encapsulation, adjustable release kinetics, and poor interactions with mucus components, as assessed by combined UV–Vis, Dynamic Light Scattering, and Small Angle X-ray Scattering analyses. Confocal microscopy analysis of A549 cells transfected with iLipid@PLGA hNPs showed reduced colocalization of AlexaFluor647-labeled siRNA with lysosomes over time, suggesting enhanced endosomal escape in the case of DODMA@PLGA hNPs. Functional validation using GAPDH-targeting siRNA (siGAPDH) confirmed cellular uptake and gene silencing in normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBEs) cells, confirming the superior performance of DODMA@PLGA hNPs. Finally, representative fluorescently labeled DODMA@PLGA hNPs successfully diffused across a 3D air–liquid interface (ALI) cell model, simulating the human bronchial epithelial barrier. These findings highlight the successful integration of ionizable lipids into polymeric nanoparticles, establishing iLipid@PLGA hNPs as versatile and efficient carriers for siRNA therapeutics. This breakthrough supports their continued development in respiratory nanomedicine and in the local treatment of lung diseases.”

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Polylactide from PolySciTech used in organic thin-film semiconductor development for solar energy applications

 

Organic material based electronics holds promise to provide for lighter weight, higher efficiency solar cells for electrical generation. Researchers at University of Rome La Sapienza, University of Camerino (Italy), Université d’Orléans (France), Universidad de Sevilla (Spain), and University of Siegen (Germany) utilized two poly(lactide)s (Cat# AP086 https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP086#h, AP072 https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP072#h) from PolySciTech : Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) along with poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) and gold nanoparticles to generate a controlled nano-domain semiconductor based on the natural phase-separation behavior between the PLA and P3HT. This research holds promise to provide for lighter, more efficient solar cells/panels. Read more: Salamone, Tommaso A., Beatrice Pennacchi, Martina Mercurio, Sara Cerra, Carla Sappino, Alessandra Del Giudice, Roberto Matassa et al. "Interface-Driven Orientation and Confinement in Poly (3-hexylthiophene-2, 5-diyl)/Polylactic Acid/Gold Nanoparticle Composite Films for Enhanced Charge Transport." ACS Applied Nano Materials (2026). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsanm.6c00790

“Thin films made of functional nanophases based on the semiconducting polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) and the insulating hydrophilic polymer polylactic acid (PLA), combined with functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), were investigated. Exploiting phase separation phenomena between the polymers, nanostructured morphologies were obtained, where P3HT was either confined in isolated domains or formed continuous phases, depending on the experimental conditions. Following a bottom-up synthesis of thiol-functionalized AuNPs, interconnected network systems were obtained and spin-coated together with the polymeric materials to obtain thin films of AuNPs-embedded polymeric nanophases. Combining strategies from chemistry and materials science, i.e., bottom-up synthesis of hydrophobic AuNPs and P3HT/PLA nanophase confinement, it was possible to fine-tune the nanophase confinement, enhance transport properties, and modify the orientation of the P3HT chains through interfacially driven self-assembly. The structure–property relations of the nanomaterials were investigated, morphologically with AFM and morphostructurally with synchrotron radiation-induced GIWAXS studies, evidencing that the addition of AuNPs in the blend influences the backbone orientation of P3HT, switching it from a mixed orientation to a prevalently face-on one. Electrical measurements were correlated with morphological features to assess the impact of nanoconfinement and nanoparticle inclusion on transport properties, finding that AuNPs-induced reorientation leads to a 10-fold enhancement in the blend’s electrical conductivity.”

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PEG-PCL from PolySciTech used in development of nerve regeneration therapy for paralysis treatment.

 

After nerve injury, due to disease or trauma, skeletal muscles undergo denervation atrophy which prevents the possibility for recovery from paralysis. There is no treatment for this atrophy currently. Researchers at  Johns Hopkins University used mPEG-PCL (AK128, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK128#h) from PolySciTech : Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop a nanofiber hydrogel composite which delivers myoblast cells along with growth factors to encourage nerve tissue regeneration. This was tested in rat model and showed promise to restore strength and mobility. This research holds promise to provide for treatment of nerve-tissue damage based paralysis. Read more: Dias, Shaquielle, William Padovano, Chenhu Qiu, Thomas Harris, Rachana Suresh, Erica Lee, Eszter Mihaly et al. "Myoblast Therapy Ameliorates Skeletal Muscle Atrophy Resulting From Chronic Denervation." Muscle & Nerve (2026). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mus.70254

“Skeletal muscle undergoes progressive denervation-induced muscle atrophy (DIMA) after peripheral nerve injury that severely impairs the potential for motor functional recovery with reinnervation. There are currently no therapeutic strategies to reverse the deleterious effects of chronic DIMA, leaving affected patients with lifelong disability. Herein, we used a translational rodent forelimb nerve injury model to investigate whether targeted injection of syngeneic myoblasts to chronically atrophic muscle can reverse the histologic and functional consequences of DIMA. Male Lewis rats underwent median nerve transection followed by immediate (positive control) or delayed repair. Following a plateau of motor function, myoblasts were injected into the digital flexor muscles (n = 5–6 per group), delivered in either saline or a nanofiber hydrogel composite (NHC) loaded with agrin- and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)-releasing nanoparticles (npNHC). Serial functional assessments of stimulated grip strength and terminal histological evaluation were used to measure recovery. Satellite cell-rich (Pax7Hi) myoblast therapy caused sustained improvement in stimulated grip strength from pretreatment baseline (p < 0.05). Histological evaluation demonstrated that myoblast therapy, when delivered in npNHC, reversed whole muscle atrophy compared to positive controls [p = 0.997 and 0.996] and restored mean myofiber cross-sectional area [p = 0.244]. Correlation analysis demonstrated functional improvements were associated with increased myofiber cross-sectional area [r = 0.900, p = 3.01E-09]. This data indicates that targeted injection of syngeneic myoblasts can reverse the functional and histologic effects of DIMA in skeletal muscles and is a promising strategy for improving recovery after peripheral nerve injuries.”

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Open Position: Business Assistant

 

Business Assistant

Responsibilities:
Routine office work including processing orders, paying bills, receiving packages, taking calls, providing quotes/invoices to customers, tracking income/expenses, and other administrative tasks as needed. Work is to be performed part-time, on site at Akina’s location in West Lafayette, IN (8AM-12PM, Mon-Fri, or equivalent).

Requirements:
Relevant work experience in administrative/accounting role(s). Prior work experience or training with accounting software (Quickbooks) required.

To apply:
If you are interested please send your resume to General Manager, John Garner jg@akinainc.com

Pay:
$30.00/hr

PEG-PLGA polymers from PolySciTech: Akina used in development of brain-curcumin delivery system as treatment of Fetal Growth Restriction

 

Researchers at University of Washington and The University of Queensland used mPEG-PLGA (AK106, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK106#h) and PLGA-PEG-NH2 (AI189, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AI189#h) in development of curcumin delivery system to brain tissue. This research holds promise to provide for treatment of fetal growth restriction which can potentially lead to cerebral palsy. Read more: Xu, Nuo, Julie Wixey, Kirat Chand, Megan Wong, and Elizabeth Nance. "Nano-formulated curcumin uptake and biodistribution in the fetal growth restricted newborn piglet brain." Drug delivery and translational research 16, no. 3 (2026): 945-959. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13346-025-01830-y

“Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects 5% to 10% of all pregnancies in developed countries and is the second most leading cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Life-long consequences of FGR range from learning and behavioral issues to cerebral palsy. To support the newborn brain following FGR, timely and accessible neuroprotection strategies are needed. Curcumin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles, which have been widely explored for the treatment of cancer, neurological disorders, and bacterial infections, have the potential to prevent and mitigate pathogenic inflammatory processes in the FGR brain. Curcumin is a hydrophobic molecule with poor aqueous solubility and therefore has been incorporated into nanoparticles to improve solubility and delivery. However, curcumin loading in many nanoparticles can be limited to 10% by weight or lower. Here, we first optimize the formulation process of curcumin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles to find a tunable, reproducible, and stable formulation with high curcumin loading and encapsulation efficiency. We establish a curcumin formulation with 39% curcumin loading and > 95% curcumin encapsulation efficiency. Using this formulation, we assessed the biodistribution of polymeric nanoparticles in FGR piglets and normally grown (NG) piglets following different administration routes and evaluated brain cellular uptake. We show a significant amount of nanoparticle accumulation in the brain parenchyma of neonatal piglets as early as 4 h after intranasal administration. Nanoparticles colocalized in microglia, a therapeutic target of interest in FGR brain injury. This study demonstrates the potential of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles to treat neuroinflammation associated with FGR in the newborn.”

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