PLGA nanoparticles formed by single- or double-emulsion with vitamin E-TPGS

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a FDA-approved, biocompatible, biodegradable polymer widely used in drug delivery.
• PLGA nanoparticles offer controlled release of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs over weeks to months.
• Reproducible nanoparticle formation with PLGA can be challenging due to variations in equipment, reagents, and emulsification methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a detailed protocol for the formation and characterization of PLGA microparticles and nanoparticles.
• To investigate the use of vitamin E-TPGS as an emulsifying agent for improved reproducibility.
• To demonstrate the adaptability of the protocol for different emulsifiers and solvents.

Main Methods:

• Utilized single- and double-emulsion techniques for encapsulating drugs within PLGA.
• Employed vitamin E-TPGS as the primary emulsifying agent.
• Characterized particle morphology and size using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Results:

• Successfully formed PLGA microparticles and nanoparticles with reproducible characteristics.
• SEM imaging provided detailed insights into particle morphology and size distribution.
• Identified imaging artifacts and conditions leading to failed emulsifications, aiding protocol optimization.

Conclusions:

• The described protocol offers a reliable method for producing PLGA nanoparticles for drug delivery applications.
• Vitamin E-TPGS facilitates consistent nanoparticle formation, overcoming common reproducibility challenges.
• The protocol is versatile and can be adapted using alternative emulsifiers like PVA or solvents like DCM.