Engineering of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol delivery systems based on surface modified-PLGA nanoplatforms

Area of Science:

• * Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology
• * Polymer Science
• * Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• * Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) possesses significant antiproliferative and antiemetic properties.
• * Its high lipophilicity and poor oral bioavailability limit therapeutic efficacy.
• * Novel delivery systems are crucial to overcome these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To engineer biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles for potentiating oral Δ9-THC administration.
• * To investigate surface modifications for improved intestinal cell uptake and reduced protein adsorption.
• * To establish optimal formulation conditions for efficient Δ9-THC oral delivery.

Main Methods:

• * Nanoparticle formulation via nanoprecipitation using poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide).
• * Surface modification with polyethylene glycol (PEG), chitosan, or PEG-chitosan shells.
• * Comprehensive characterization including particle size, surface charge, drug loading, release kinetics, hemocompatibility, cellular uptake, and cytotoxicity.

Main Results:

• * Optimized nanoparticle formulations demonstrated efficient encapsulation and controlled release of Δ9-THC.
• * Surface-modified nanoparticles exhibited enhanced cellular uptake by intestinal cells.
• * Formulations showed good hemocompatibility and low cytotoxicity, indicating safety.
• * Successful development of a nanoplatform for oral Δ9-THC delivery.

Conclusions:

• * Biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles offer a promising strategy for enhancing oral Δ9-THC bioavailability.
• * Surface engineering plays a critical role in optimizing nanoparticle performance for drug delivery.
• * This represents the first formulation of biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles for Δ9-THC delivery.