Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

PLGA Nanoparticles Formed by Single- or Double-emulsion with Vitamin E-TPGS
Published on: December 27, 2013
Amphiphilic polylactic acid-hyperbranched polyglycerol nanoparticles as a controlled release system for poorly
Xiujun Gao1, Xinge Zhang, Xuejiao Zhang
1Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
Objectives:
Quercetin was applied as a model drug to evaluate the potential application of amphiphilic polylactic acid-hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG-PLA) nanoparticles as carriers for poorly water-soluble drugs.
Methods:
The drug delivery systems were characterized by dynamic light scattering, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and so forth.
Key Findings:
The results showed the particle sizes ranged from 205.3 to 433.3 nm with low polydispersity index. XRD and FTIR demonstrated that the crystal of the drug was converted to an amorphous state in the matrices and formed intermolecular interaction with carriers. The drug encapsulation efficiency and drug loading could reach 91.8% and 21.0%, respectively. Cell viability assay suggested the nanoparticles had good cytocompatibility. The in-vitro drug release profiles showed a sustained quercetin release up to 192 h, indicating the suitability of nanoparticles in sustained drug release. Furthermore, the influence of many factors on release profiles could also be evaluated for the potential of using nanoparticles as controlled release systems.
Conclusions:
This system may be of clinical importance in both stabilizing and delivering hydrophobic drugs for the treatment of many diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed I
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Influencing Factors
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed II
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Classification
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Delayed-Release Systems

