Preparation, Optimization and Activity Evaluation of PLGA/Streptokinase Nanoparticles Using Electrospray

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used for drug delivery.
• Streptokinase (SK) is a crucial enzyme for treating thrombotic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To encapsulate streptokinase (SK) into PLGA NPs using electrospray.
• To evaluate the impact of electrospray parameters on NP size and size distribution (SD).
• To assess the activity and release profile of encapsulated SK.

Main Methods:

• Electrospray encapsulation of SK within PLGA NPs.
• Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) for optimizing NP size and SD based on voltage, needle diameter, and polymer-to-protein ratio.
• In vitro drug release studies over 72 hours.
• Enzyme activity assays post-encapsulation.

Main Results:

• Optimized electrospray conditions yielded NPs with a mean size of 37 (12) nm and 90% encapsulation efficiency.
• Low polymer/enzyme ratio and needle ID favored smaller NP size.
• High voltage values minimized NP size distribution.
• Initial burst release of 20% SK within 30 minutes, followed by 41% over 72 hours.
• Encapsulated SK retained 19.2% activity immediately after preparation.

Conclusions:

• Electrospraying is a viable method for encapsulating enzymes like SK into PLGA NPs.
• Further research is needed to optimize electrospray conditions for maximum enzyme activity retention.