Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

PLGA Nanoparticles Formed by Single- or Double-emulsion with Vitamin E-TPGS
Published on: December 27, 2013
Chitosan/PLGA particles for controlled release of α-tocopherol in the GI tract via oral administration
Abitha Murugeshu1, Carlos Astete, Claudia Leonardi
1Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
Aim:
The physiochemical properties, controlled release characteristics, stability and cellular uptake of chitosan (Chi)/poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PGLA) and PLGA particles with entrapped α-tocopherol were investigated to understand the behavior of these nanoparticles in the GI tract.
Materials & Methods:
Chi/PLGA and PLGA particles stabilized by lecithin were synthesized and fully characterized for oral gastrointestinal delivery via transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence microscopy.
Results:
Particle stability was pH- and system-dependent. In vitro release profiles showed a higher percentage of drug released in the intestinal domain by Chi/PLGA as opposed to the PLGA nanoparticles. Fluorescent counterparts of these particles were confirmed to associate with the surface of the intestinal villi, and penetrate deep in the endothelial lining of rabbit intestinal explants, indicating uptake.
Conclusion:
In vitro and ex vivo results showed that PLGA and Chi/PLGA nanoparticles were efficiently taken up by the GI tract and could be optimized to deliver α-tocopherol to the intestine and improve its bioavailability.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Delayed-Release Systems
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Continuous-Release Systems
Routes of Drug Administration: Enteral
Enteral administration involves drug administration via the mouth in two ways: orally or sublingually.
Unlike sublingually drugs, drugs that are taken orally pass through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and get metabolized by the liver. Once metabolized, the drug is absorbed into the systemic circulation, reaching different body parts via the bloodstream. However, while passing through the stomach,...
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

