Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
07:32
Preparation and Characterization of Individual and Multi-drug Loaded Physically Entrapped Polymeric Micelles
Published on: August 28, 2015
Modulation of polyplex release from biodegradable microparticles through poly(ethylenimine) modification and varying
Clark J Needham1, Sarita R Shah, Paschalia M Mountziaris
1Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6500 Main St, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA.
Pharmaceutical Research
|July 26, 2013
Summary
Hyaluronic acid (HA) modification of branched poly(ethylenimine) (bPEI) enhanced DNA loading and release from poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles, significantly improving gene transfection efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Gene Delivery Systems
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles are widely used for controlled drug and gene delivery.
- Branched poly(ethylenimine) (bPEI) is a common non-viral gene delivery vector, but its efficiency can be limited.
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a biocompatible polymer with potential for targeted delivery and enhanced cellular interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of conjugating hyaluronic acid (HA) onto branched poly(ethylenimine) (bPEI) for DNA complexation.
- To evaluate the effect of varying polymer/DNA loading concentrations on PLGA microparticle characteristics.
- To assess the influence of HA-modified bPEI on DNA release kinetics and transfection efficiency from PLGA microparticles.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles encapsulating DNA/polymer complexes.
- Characterization of microparticle morphology, size, and loading efficiency.
- In vitro assessment of polymer and DNA release profiles.
- Evaluation of cellular transfection efficiency using HA-modified bPEI/DNA complexes.
Main Results:
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugation increased DNA loading capacity within the PLGA microparticle system.
- HA modification significantly altered the release kinetics of DNA from the microparticles.
- Microparticle morphology remained unchanged despite HA incorporation.
- The incorporation of HA onto bPEI significantly enhanced the transfection efficiency of released complexes.
Conclusions:
- Modification of bPEI with HA and control over loaded polymer/DNA complex concentration significantly impact entrapment and release from PLGA microparticles.
- This study provides valuable insights into tailoring gene delivery vectors for controlled release systems.
- HA-modified bPEI offers a promising strategy for enhancing gene delivery efficacy within PLGA-based controlled release platforms.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
01:19Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed II
Rate-programmed drug delivery systems release drugs in a controlled manner to maintain therapeutic levels. Three main designs include reservoir, matrix, and hybrid systems.Reservoir systems consist of a drug core enclosed within a membrane that controls drug release. In non-swelling reservoir systems, polymers like ethyl cellulose or polymethacrylates are used. These do not hydrate in aqueous media and control release through membrane thickness, porosity, or insolubility. This type includes...
01:22Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed I
Rate-programmed drug delivery systems (DDS) are designed to release drugs at specific, controlled rates to maintain consistent therapeutic levels. These systems are categorized based on their release mechanisms, including dissolution-controlled DDS, diffusion-controlled DDS, and combined dissolution-diffusion-controlled DDS.In dissolution-controlled DDS, the release rate depends on the slow dissolution of the drug itself or the surrounding matrix. Drugs with inherently slow dissolution rates,...
01:20Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Influencing Factors
Modified-release drug delivery systems are designed to optimize the therapeutic effect of drugs by minimizing side effects, reducing the dosage required, and controlling drug release to align with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic needs. The system depends on two key factors: the drug's release from the formulation and its movement through the body to the target site. Unlike conventional dosage forms, where absorption is the limiting step, the rate of drug release is the key determinant in...
01:30Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated
Stimuli-activated drug delivery systems are designed to release drugs in response to specific physical, chemical, or biological stimuli. These systems often utilize hydrogels—three-dimensional, hydrophilic polymer networks capable of swelling in aqueous environments and retaining significant fluid volumes. Upon exposure to particular stimuli, these hydrogels undergo structural transitions that allow the embedded drug to be released. Due to this adaptive behavior, such systems are also called...
01:23Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Classification
Modified-release drug delivery systems improve drug efficacy and minimize side effects by controlling the rate and location of drug release. These systems fall into three categories: rate-programmed, stimuli-activated, and site-targeted.Rate-programmed systems release drugs at a predetermined rate, maintaining consistent therapeutic levels and reducing fluctuations that could lead to toxicity or subtherapeutic effects. These systems use polymeric matrices, reservoir-based designs, or osmotic...