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Novel Injectable Fluorescent Polymeric Nanocarriers for Intervertebral Disc Application.

Michael R Arul¹, Changli Zhang², Ibtihal Alahmadi³

¹Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.

Journal of Functional Biomaterials

|February 24, 2023

Summary

This study introduces a new nanoparticle delivery system for intervertebral disc (IVD) treatments. The system efficiently delivers drugs to IVD cells, showing potential for localized pain relief and tissue repair.

Keywords:

cellulose drug delivery fluorescent nanoparticles injectable intervertebral disc polycaprolactone

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Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Drug Delivery Systems
Regenerative Medicine

Background:

Intervertebral disc (IVD) damage causes chronic pain and disability, with limited treatment options.
Current non-surgical treatments struggle with drug release control and precise delivery.
Developing effective localized therapies for IVD regeneration is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and evaluate a novel nanoparticle (NP) delivery system for efficient drug delivery to intervertebral discs (IVDs).
To assess the encapsulation, release kinetics, and in vivo behavior of drugs with varying solubilities within the NPs.
To explore the potential of fluorescent NPs as a platform for localized therapeutic agent delivery.

Main Methods:

Fabrication of cellulose acetate and polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol NPs conjugated with a fluorescent dye (PBC) via oil-in-water emulsion.
Encapsulation and release studies of water-insoluble indomethacin (IND) and water-soluble 4-aminopyridine (4-AP).
Characterization using electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential measurements; in vitro cytotoxicity and cell uptake assays; in vivo studies in mouse IVDs.

Main Results:

Nanoparticles exhibited spherical morphology with a hydrodynamic radius of ~150-162 nm and enhanced stability upon PBC conjugation.
IND encapsulation efficiency was higher than 4-AP, with release durations of up to 4 days (IND) and 7 days (4-AP).
NPs showed no cytotoxicity, were internalized by human IVD cells, and localized effectively within mouse IVDs after injection.

Conclusions:

The developed nanoparticle system demonstrates efficient delivery of both high- and low-solubility drugs to intervertebral disc cells.
The fluorescent nanoparticles provide a promising platform for localized therapeutic agent delivery in IVDs and other tissues.
This technology may overcome limitations of current treatments, offering potential for improved pain management and tissue repair.