Long term multiple sclerosis drug delivery using dendritic polyglycerol flower-like microspheres

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
• Current treatments for MS have limitations.
• Novel drug delivery systems are needed to improve therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To produce and characterize dendritic polyglycerol microspheres (DPGlyM) as a novel carrier for dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and curcumin (CUR).
• To evaluate the potential of DPGlyM loaded with DMF and CUR for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Molecular docking (MD) was employed to predict drug-carrier interactions.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine microsphere morphology and size.
• Encapsulation and loading efficiencies, zeta potential, cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility, and in vitro drug release were assessed.

Main Results:

• DPGlyM showed spontaneous interactions with DMF and CUR, with high encapsulation (94.1%) and loading (65.3%) efficiencies.
• Microspheres (30-40 μm) formed stable suspensions and exhibited no cytotoxicity or hemolysis.
• In vitro release studies demonstrated sustained release of DMF and CUR over 5 days, following super case II transport kinetics.

Conclusions:

• DPGlyM is a promising biocompatible carrier for DMF and CUR.
• This novel drug delivery system offers sustained release, potentially improving multiple sclerosis treatment.
• Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm therapeutic efficacy.