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PLGA Nanoparticles Formed by Single- or Double-emulsion with Vitamin E-TPGS
Published on: December 27, 2013
Antioxidant poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles made with α-tocopherol-ascorbic acid surfactant
Carlos E Astete1, Debra Dolliver, Meocha Whaley
1Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, United States.
ACS Nano
|October 25, 2011
Summary
A novel antioxidant surfactant, EC, derived from vitamin E and vitamin C, was synthesized to create poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles. These EC-PLGA nanoparticles exhibit superior antioxidant properties and cellular uptake compared to existing formulations.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Development of novel antioxidant delivery systems is crucial for combating oxidative stress.
- Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles are widely used for drug delivery but often lack intrinsic antioxidant properties.
- Surfactants play a key role in nanoparticle formation and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize a novel antioxidant surfactant (EC) from α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
- To utilize the EC surfactant for the fabrication of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles.
- To characterize the physical properties and antioxidant efficacy of EC nanostructures and PLGA-EC nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Nanoprecipitation method was employed for the synthesis of self-assembled EC nanostructures and PLGA-EC nanoparticles.
- Particle size, size distribution, and morphology were analyzed under varying conditions (salt concentration, surfactant concentration, polymer/surfactant ratio).
- Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay.
- Cellular internalization and localization were assessed in HepG2 cells.
Main Results:
- EC surfactant successfully formed self-assembled nanostructures (12-138 nm) and uniform PLGA-EC nanoparticles (90-126 nm).
- PLGA-EC nanoparticles demonstrated superior antioxidant activity compared to PLGA-Span80 nanoparticles and free vitamin C.
- EC surfactant formed monolayers at interfaces, unlike Span80 which formed bilayers, contributing to nanoparticle properties.
- PLGA-EC nanoparticles exhibited efficient cellular uptake and cytoplasmic localization in HepG2 cells.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized EC surfactant, composed of vitamin E and vitamin C, is effective in creating small, uniform PLGA nanoparticles.
- PLGA-EC nanoparticles possess intrinsic antioxidant properties, offering potential for enhanced therapeutic applications.
- The EC surfactant provides a promising alternative to conventional surfactants for developing functionalized nanoparticles.

