PLGA-PEG-Folate from PolySciTech used in development of lutein-based treatment of encephalopathy

 

Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy is a limitation of oxygenated blood flow to the newborn’s brain during the birthing process which can lead to severe damage. Recently, researchers at The University of Texas El Paso, University of Missouri, University of the Science in Philadelphia, University of Utah, and Texas Tech University Used PLGA-PEG-Folate (AI168) to develop lutein delivery nanoparticle system. This research holds promise to improve the treatment of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. Read more: Pradeep Kumar Bolla, Vrinda Gote, Mahima Singh, Venkata Kashyap Yellepeddi, Manan Patel, Dhananjay Pal, Xiaoming Gong, Devaraj Sambalingam & Jwala Renukuntla (2020) Preparation and characterization of lutein loaded folate conjugated polymeric nanoparticles, Journal of Microencapsulation, DOI: 10.1080/02652048.2020.1809724 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02652048.2020.1809724

“Abstract: Aim: To prepare and characterise lutein-loaded polylactide-co-glycolide–polyethylene glycol–folate (PLGA-PEG-FOLATE) nanoparticles and evaluate enhanced uptake in SK-N-BE(2) cells. Methods: Nanoparticles were prepared using O/W emulsion solvent evaporation and characterised using DLS, SEM, DSC, FTIR and in-vitro release. Lutein-uptake in SK-N-BE(2) cells was determined using flow-cytometry, confocal-microscopy and HPLC. Control was lutein PLGA nanoparticles. Results: The size of lutein-loaded PLGA and PLGA-PEG-FOLATE nanoparticles were 189.6 ± 18.79 nm and 188.0 ± 4.06 nm, respectively. Lutein entrapment was ∼61%(w/w) and ∼73%(w/w) for PLGA and PLGA-PEG-FOLATE nanoparticles, respectively. DSC and FTIR confirmed encapsulation of lutein into nanoparticles. Cellular uptake studies showed ∼1.6 and ∼2-fold enhanced uptake of lutein from PLGA-PEG-FOLATE nanoparticles compared to PLGA nanoparticles and lutein, respectively. Cumulative release of lutein was higher in PLGA nanoparticles (100% (w/w) within 24 h) compared to PLGA-PEG-FOLATE nanoparticles (∼80% (w/w) in 48 h). Conclusion: Lutein-loaded PLGA-PEG-FOLATE nanoparticles could be a potential treatment for hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. Keywords: Lutein, PLGA-PEG-FOLATE, folate decorated nanoparticles, PLGA, perinatal asphyxia, hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, targeted delivery”