[Preparation and release efficiency of polylactic acid nanoparticle]

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Medical nanoparticles (NPs) offer advantages over microparticles for drug delivery due to their small size and ability to cross biological barriers.
• Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer frequently utilized as a carrier in nanoparticle formulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare polylactic acid (PLA) nanoparticles loaded with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).
• To characterize the morphology, size, and surface elements of the prepared 5-FU-PLA nanoparticles.
• To evaluate the in vitro drug release profile of 5-FU from PLA nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was encapsulated into biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) using matrix and ultrasound emulsification techniques.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for morphology observation.
• X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyzed surface elements.
• Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy determined drug loading (DL), embedding ratio (ER), and in vitro drug release.

Main Results:

• The prepared 5-FU-PLA nanoparticles were uniformly spherical with an average diameter of 191 ± 17 nm.
• The drug loading (DL) was 15.2% and the embedding ratio (ER) was 45.6%.
• In vitro studies showed sustained drug release, with a cumulative release rate of 94.3% in simulated body fluid by day 10.

Conclusions:

• PLA nanoparticles can serve as effective carriers for 5-FU, potentially altering its pharmacokinetics and slowing drug release.
• The developed 5-FU-PLA nanoparticles are suitable for intravenous injection, potentially extending in vivo circulation time.
• These findings suggest enhanced antitumor efficacy for 5-FU when delivered via PLA nanoparticles.