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Published on: August 31, 2019
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Chimeric lipid/block copolymer nanovesicles: Physico-chemical and bio-compatibility evaluation
Natassa Pippa1, Dimitris Stellas2, Athanasios Skandalis3
1Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece.
Summary
Novel chimeric nanocarriers, formed from lipids and block copolymers, show promise for drug delivery. These nanovesicles exhibit good stability and low toxicity, with potential for ibuprofen delivery.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology and Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pharmaceutics
Background:
- Chimeric nanovectors, combining different materials, offer unique functionalities.
- Amphiphilic block copolymers and lipids can self-assemble into nanostructures for potential drug delivery applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel chimeric nanocarriers composed of lipids and a poly(oligoethylene glycol acrylate)-b-poly(lauryl acrylate) block copolymer.
- To investigate the structural properties, component interactions, and drug delivery capabilities of these nanovesicles.
Main Methods:
- Co-assembly of hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine (HSPC), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), and POEGA-PLA block copolymer.
- Characterization using light scattering, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
- Biocompatibility assessment (in vitro and in vivo) and drug loading/release studies using ibuprofen (IBU).
Main Results:
- Differential scanning calorimetry indicated significant interaction between the block copolymer and lipid bilayers, suggesting inhomogeneous distribution and phase separation.
- Cryo-transmission electron microscopy revealed vesicle formation with chimeric membranes exhibiting kinks, consistent with DSC findings.
- Biocompatibility studies demonstrated good in vitro stability and low in vivo cytotoxicity for the developed nanocarriers.
Conclusions:
- The co-assembly of lipids and POEGA-PLA block copolymer successfully formed chimeric nanovesicles with distinct structural characteristics.
- These novel nanocarriers exhibit favorable biocompatibility and hold potential for effective drug delivery applications, as demonstrated with ibuprofen.
