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Polymeric nanoparticles for pulmonary protein and DNA delivery
Jyothi U Menon1, Priya Ravikumar2, Amruta Pise1
1Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA; Graduate Biomedical Engineering Program, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA.
Acta Biomaterialia
|February 12, 2014
Summary
Polymeric nanoparticles offer a promising way to deliver proteins and DNA to the lungs. Gelatin and PLGA nanoparticles demonstrated excellent stability and cellular uptake for effective pulmonary delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Pulmonary Drug Delivery
Background:
- Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are advantageous for pulmonary delivery due to biocompatibility and targeted action.
- Limited comparative studies exist on polymeric NPs for lung protein/DNA delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen and compare six types of polymeric NPs for inhalational protein/DNA delivery.
- To evaluate NP behavior in vitro and in vivo for pulmonary applications.
Main Methods:
- Screened gelatin, chitosan, alginate, PLGA, PLGA-chitosan, and PLGA-PEG NPs.
- Assessed NP size, release profiles, stability in various media, and cellular uptake.
- In vivo study involved inhalational delivery of DNA/protein-loaded NPs to rats.
Main Results:
- Gelatin, PLGA, and PLGA-PEG NPs showed good stability in simulated lung conditions.
- PLGA-based NPs exhibited high cytocompatibility; natural polymer NPs showed dose-dependent uptake.
- In vivo, inhaled gelatin and PLGA NPs facilitated sustained protein distribution and gene expression in rat lungs.
Conclusions:
- Gelatin and PLGA nanoparticles are effective and stable carriers for pulmonary protein and DNA delivery.
- These NPs show potential for targeted lung therapies with reduced systemic toxicity.
