Stereocomplexed PLA microspheres: Control over morphology, drug encapsulation and anticancer activity

M Brzeziński1, B Kost1, S Wedepohl2

  • 1Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland.

Insights

Novel stereocomplexed microspheres offer a new approach for lung cancer treatment. These drug-loaded particles, administered nasally, show controlled release and antiproliferative activity against cancer cells.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer mortality, necessitating innovative treatment strategies.
  • Effective local delivery of anticancer drugs to tumor sites is crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes.
  • Current treatments face challenges in targeted drug delivery and minimizing systemic toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and characterize stereocomplexed poly(lactic acid) microspheres for nasal delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) in lung cancer therapy.
  • To investigate the influence of preparation methods and material functionalization on microsphere properties and drug release kinetics.
  • To evaluate the in vitro antiproliferative efficacy of DOX-loaded microspheres against lung cancer cells.

Main Methods:

  • Preparation of stereocomplexed poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(d-lactide) (PDLA) microspheres loaded with doxorubicin (DOX).
  • Systematic study of solvent effects and l-proline functionalization on microsphere morphology, size (0.5–10 μm), and drug loading.
  • In vitro assessment of DOX release profiles and antiproliferative activity using the A549 lung cancer cell line.

Main Results:

  • Microsphere size was identified as a key determinant of doxorubicin (DOX) release rate.
  • Smaller microspheres demonstrated enhanced uptake by A549 lung cancer cells, acting as local drug reservoirs.
  • DOX released from the microspheres exhibited significant in vitro antiproliferative activity against the tested cancer cell line.

Conclusions:

  • Stereocomplexed PLA microspheres provide a controllable platform for local anticancer drug delivery via the nasal route.
  • The size-tunable nature of these microspheres allows for tailored drug release and enhanced cellular interaction.
  • This approach presents a promising strategy for developing novel lung cancer therapies with improved localized drug delivery.

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