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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PCL from PolySciTech used in development of photo-activated dexamethasone releasing implant for vocal cord repair

 

Researchers at University of Cincinnati used polycaprolactone (AP011 https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP011#h) from PolySciTech : Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop a photo-activated implant which delivers dexamethasone upon irradiation with IR light. This can be used for local delivery of anti-inflammatory compound as a prevention strategy for scarring. This holds promise to provide for treatment of vocal scarring, a common result of iatrogenic trauma that often leads to voice disorders. Read more: Cruz, Denzel Ryan D., Nour Awad, Avery Zheng, Alexander Karabachev, Charles Farbos de Luzan, Yoonjee C. Park, and Gregory R. Dion. "Vocal Fold Scar Treatment via Controlled Dexamethasone Delivery With a Light‐Activatable Implant." The Laryngoscope 136, no. 3 (2026): 1311-1319. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lary.70149

“Intralesional steroid injections for vocal fold (VF) scarring are rapidly cleared, limiting their effectiveness. This study evaluates the efficacy of a light-activatable dexamethasone implant compared to a single steroid injection for VF scar healing. Ten rabbits underwent endoscopic VF injury and were treated with either a dexamethasone injection or a light-activatable implant; injured-only and no-injury VFs served as controls. On days 0 and 21, VF implants were irradiated with a near-infrared pulsed laser for 1 min. Larynges were harvested after 42 days. High-speed video (> 10 kHz) of excised larynges captured VF vibrations for kymographic analysis. Normal force, structural stiffness, and displacement were measured. Data were analyzed with appropriate statistical tests. Compared to injury-only VFs, implant-treated VFs demonstrated significantly reduced normal force and stiffness (5.28 ± 0.77 mN vs. 2.34 ± 0.66 mN, p < 0.0001; 17.74 ± 2.45 mN/mm vs. 6.80 ± 1.32 mN/mm, p < 0.0001), and increased displacement at 1.96 mN (0.14 ± 0.02 mm vs. 0.29 ± 0.05 mm, p < 0.0001) along the injury zone. Implant-treated VFs exhibited larger amplitude ratios and improved tissue architecture than untreated scars. No differences in quantitative measures were observed between implant-treated and injection-treated groups. A light-activatable dexamethasone implant improved VF biomechanics, vibratory behavior, and histological outcomes in a rabbit injury model comparable to a single steroid injection. This novel approach shows promise for delivering controlled, repeatable therapy to VF scars.”

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PLGA from Akina, Inc. used in development of multi-stage drug-delivery system for treatment of gastric ulcers

 

Researchers at Pusan National University, Daegu Catholic University, National University of Medical Sciences (Pakistan), and Hasanuddin University used PLGA (AP037 https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP037#h) from PolySciTech : Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to create particles for drug-delivery to gastric region for treatment of H. Pylori infection. This research holds promise to treat difficult bacterial infections. Read more: Kim, Hyunwoo, Dongmin Kwak, Juho Lee, Minjeong Kim, Muneeb Ullah, Md Lukman Hakim, Muhammad Naeem et al. "Polydopamine-mediated multi-stage delivery for precise local therapy of Helicobacter pylori–infected gastric ulcers." Journal of Controlled Release (2026): 114869. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168365926002713

“The effective treatment of Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric ulcers requires precise local delivery of antibiotics to the deep-seated pathogens within the inflamed tissue. However, the complex gastric environment poses significant biological barriers, necessitating distinct functional requirements for efficient mucus penetration and robust bacterial adhesion. In this study, we developed polydopamine-functionalized and clarithromycin-loaded nanoparticles designed for a sequential multi-stage delivery cascade. The polydopamine-mediated interface provided colloidal stability in the acidic gastric lumen, reduced premature drug leakage, and facilitated mucus penetration by minimizing interactions with the mucin network. At the infection site, the chemical properties of the functionalized surface facilitated robust and ligand-independent adhesion to Helicobacter pylori. In vivo investigations using a murine model revealed nanoparticle penetration of up to 400 μm into the ulcerated tissue. This precise targeting yielded approximately 99.9% bacterial reduction, significantly accelerating ulcer healing at an antibiotic dose 10-fold lower than that used in conventional systemic therapy. These findings establish the polydopamine-mediated delivery cascade as a promising platform for the precise local treatment of Helicobacter pylori-associated inflammatory gastric diseases.”

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mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech: Akina used in development of nanoparticle-based treatment of psoriasis

 

Researchers at Tongji University and Adelaide University used mPEG-PLGA (AK026, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK026#h) from PolySciTech : Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to create nanoparticle loaded gel formulation for delivery of apremilast as part of psoriasis treatment. This research holds promise to provide for improved therapy against this chronic, immune-mediated skin disease. Read More: Zhao, Zihan, Letao Xu, Yun Liu, Xing Wang, Yue Hui, Yilong Fan, Yuling Shi, and Chun-Xia Zhao. "Topical delivery of high-drug-loading nanoparticle gels for psoriasis treatment." Journal of Nanobiotechnology 24, no. 1 (2026): 252. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12951-026-04120-y

“Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin disease characterised by epidermal hyperplasia and compromised barrier integrity, which significantly complicates effective drug delivery. Topical drug delivery (TDD) offers a promising, non-invasive, and patient-centric alternative therapy for its management. However, the efficacy of TDD is constrained by the markedly thickened stratum corneum in psoriatic lesion skin, which acts as a formidable barrier to effective drug penetration. In this work, we developed a high-drug-loading TDD system for the highly effective topical delivery of apremilast (APR), an FDA-approved oral treatment for psoriasis. Using a sequential nanoprecipitation method, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and polymer nanoparticles (PNPs) loaded with 40% APR, defined as the weight ratio of APR relative to the total nanoparticle formulation, were synthesized and embedded into Carbopol 940 gel for enhanced skin compatibility and topical application. Ex vivo studies revealed enhanced intradermal retention of LNPs Carbopol® 940 gel (LNPG) and greater subdermal accumulation of PNPs Carbopol® 940 gel (PNPG). In an imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model, treatment with both formulations resulted in marked clinical improvements, including reduced PASI scores, decreased epidermal thickness, and reduced spleen size. Furthermore, both LNPG and PNPG systems significantly downregulated psoriasis-associated cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, CXCL8, and CCL20). These findings demonstrate the robust therapeutic potential of high-drug-loading NP gels and highlight their promise as a patient-friendly TDD platform for psoriasis and other dermatological conditions with a compromised barrier function.”

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PLCL from PolySciTech used for development of sprayable solution to prevent surgical adhesion

 

Post-surgical adhesion occurs when fibrous bridges connect adjacent surfaces after surgery creating a painful situation for the patient and can potentially lead to other complications. Researchers at University of Maryland, Children’s National Medical Center, and U.S. Army DEVCOM used PLCL’s (AP151 https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP151#h, AP179 https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP179#h) from PolySciTech : Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) were combined with PEG and solvent to develop a sprayable system to prevent surgical adhesions. This research holds promise to provide for prevention of surgical problems. Read more: Morris III, Robert J., Tejaswi Nori, Alex I. Halpern, Hannah LaPadula, Arthur V. Cresce, Sarah L. Wright, Anthony D. Sandler, and Peter Kofinas. "Sprayable Polymer Blends With Short‐Chain Surface Segregation for Preventing Postoperative Abdominal Adhesions." Advanced Healthcare Materials (2026): e05289. https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adhm.202505289

“Adhesions are common post-surgical complications where fibrous tissue bridges adjacent surfaces following tissue injury. Although Seprafilm is a widely used clinical prophylactic, it often proves inadequate due to suboptimal mechanical stability and applicability. Solution Blow Spinning (SBS) enables the formation of polymer fibers tailored to complex geometries with excellent tissue adherence. Poly(D,L-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) polymer has shown promise as an adhesions barrier but remains inconsistent because of its inherent tackiness and hydrophobicity. Here, high molecular weight (HMW) PLCL (40 or 80 kDa) was blended with low molecular weight (LMW) polyethylene glycol (PEG, 1 or 3 kDa). In vitro studies confirmed that PLCL/PEG fibers achieved tissue adhesion strengths above 10 kPa and sustained mechanical performance throughout clinically relevant degradation timelines. Blending PEG changes the surface composition of the spray-deposited mats, substantially improving the hydrophilic character and lowering protein adherence in vitro. In a murine cecal ligation model, the PLCL/PEG blends demonstrated significantly reduced adhesion severity and incidence compared to both untreated and Seprafilm-treated controls.”

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Open Position at Akina: Webmaster

 Akina Webmaster

Responsibilities:
To provide maintenance, updates, and upgrades for Akina, Inc. owned websites, both external and internal. Interface with external network support contractor to solve IT related issues. Support relevant database operations including sales, billing, and inventory control as it relates to interface with external accounting software, external logistics software, and other operations. Work is to be performed on site at Akina’s location in West Lafayette, IN during normal business hours (8AM-5PM, Mon-Fri).

Requirements:
A strong background in relevant coding languages (php, javascript, html), database management (mysql), and linux-based server management is required. A minimum of a bachelor's degree in field specific education is required and relevant work experience is considered a plus.

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

Pay:
$40.00/hr

See more https://akinainc.com/employment.php

PLGA-FKR648 from PolySciTech used in development of nanoparticles for colorectal cancer therapy

 

Colorectal cancer is an extremely common form of cancer which often leads to death in advanced stages. Researchers at Universidade do Porto used PLGA-FKR648 (AV015, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AV015#h) from PolySciTech : Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop NIR traceable nanoparticles for treatment of colorectal cancer. This research holds promise for improved therapies in the future. Read more: Baião, Ana, Flávia Castro, Juliana Viegas, Andreia S. Barros, Sofia Dias, Carla Oliveira, and Bruno Sarmento. "Targeted nanoparticle delivery of irinotecan enhances tumor response to PD-L1 blockade in colorectal cancer." Journal of Controlled Release (2026): 114609. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168365926000106

“Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality, with limited therapeutic options in advanced stages. CD44v6, a splice variant overexpressed in CRC, promotes tumor progression and immune evasion, representing a relevant target for selective drug delivery. In this work, irinotecan-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles functionalized with CD44v6 ligands (Iri@NP-v6) were developed to improve irinotecan delivery and therapeutic responses in CRC. Iri@NP-v6 showed controlled physicochemical properties, high drug loading, and sustained release. In vitro, targeted NPs achieved selective uptake and enhanced cytotoxicity in CD44v6+ CRC cell lines. In immune-stromal co-culture spheroids, Iri@NP-v6 combined with anti-PD-L1 reduced viability, promoted Th1-associated cytokines, and limited tumor-supportive MCP-1 production. While NP monotherapy induced mixed inflammatory signals, PD-L1 blockade redirected this response toward a Th1-dominated profile. In immunocompetent mice with MC38 tumors, combination therapy significantly reduced tumor burden and increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration without systemic toxicity. Importantly, free irinotecan triggered broad systemic inflammation, whereas NP-based delivery limited systemic cytokine release while maintaining intratumoral immune activation. These findings demonstrate that CD44v6-targeted irinotecan NPs in combination with PD-L1 blockade, reshape the CRC immune microenvironment while reducing systemic inflammation, supporting their potential as a tumor-selective chemo-immunotherapy platform. Graphical abstract: This study shows that specially designed nanoparticles can target colorectal cancer cells and deliver chemotherapy more effectively. When combined with immunotherapy, the treatment decreases tumor volume, boosts immune response, and causes no major side effects in mice. These results suggest a promising new approach to improve cancer treatment using targeted nanomedicine.”

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