Macrophage response to chitosan/poly-(γ-glutamic acid) nanoparticles carrying an anti-inflammatory drug

The inflammatory response to biomaterials, traditionally viewed as detrimental, is nowadays considered essential for tissue repair/regeneration, being macrophages recognized as the key players in resolving inflammation. Here, the preparation of chitosan (Ch)/poly-(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) nanoparticles (NPs) as vehicle for a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac (Df), is described and the response of primary human macrophages to this system is evaluated. Df was incorporated in Ch/γ-PGA NPs at controlled pH (5.0) (maximum 0.05 mg/ml). The components molar ratio and order of addition revealed to be critical to obtain NPs (315 ± 50 nm with 0.36 ± 0.06 polydispersion index). Df was released at physiological pH and this drug-delivery system was proved to be non toxic to macrophages, being rapidly internalized (95 %). Importantly, efficacy of Df-NPs was confirmed by their ability of inhibit/revert PGE2 production of activated macrophages. Therefore, Df-NPs could contribute to stifle local inflammatory reactions, namely those associated with biomaterials.