Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 29, 2026
PLGA Nanoparticles Formed by Single- or Double-emulsion with Vitamin E-TPGS
Published on: December 27, 2013
Development of chitosan-functionalized PLGA/alginate polymeric nanoparticles for controlled doxycycline release in
1Children's Rehabilitation Department, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, 257091, China.
Insights
New chitosan-modified nanoparticles deliver doxycycline effectively against Streptococcus pneumoniae infections in children. This controlled delivery system enhances therapeutic effects and reduces treatment challenges for pediatric respiratory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a primary cause of severe pediatric respiratory infections requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment.
- Current treatments face challenges including dosing frequency and patient compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop chitosan-modified PLGA/alginate nanoparticles (CS-PLGA/Alginate@Doxy NPs) for controlled doxycycline delivery.
- To enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce treatment difficulties for pediatric pneumococcal infections.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication and characterization of CS-PLGA/Alginate@Doxy NPs.
- In vitro drug release studies under varying pH conditions.
- Evaluation of antibacterial activity against S. pneumoniae and biofilm disruption.
- Cytocompatibility assays on L929 and L-132 cell lines.
Main Results:
- NPs exhibited spherical morphology (50-70 nm), negative surface charge, and high drug encapsulation.
- Sustained doxycycline release over 72 hours was observed.
- Significantly enhanced bactericidal activity and S. pneumoniae biofilm disruption.
- Demonstrated safety profile for pediatric use via cytocompatibility assays.
Conclusions:
- CS-PLGA/Alginate@Doxy NPs show potential as a targeted delivery platform for pediatric pneumococcal infections.
- The developed NPs offer improved therapeutic outcomes and reduced treatment burden.
- This nanotechnology-based approach represents a promising strategy for managing childhood respiratory diseases.
Abstract:
Streptococcus pneumoniae continues to be a leading pathogen responsible for severe respiratory related diseases among children, often demanding prolonged treatment with antibiotics. In this study, we developed a chitosan-modified PLGA/alginate nanoparticles for controlled doxycycline delivery (CS-PLGA/Alginate@Doxy NPs) with the goal of improving therapeutic effect while reducing dosing frequency and treatment-related difficulties. The fabricated NPs demonstrated a well-defined spherical structure with an average diameter close to 50-70 nm, a stable negative surface charge, and a notably high drug encapsulation capability, confirming their suitability for inhalation-based antimicrobial therapy. In vitro drug release studies confirmed sustained Doxy release over 72 h under different pH conditions. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against of S. pneumoniae, showing significantly improved bactericidal activity compared to free Doxy and other combinations. Further, the crystal violet assay and fluorescent microscopy analysis reveals that, the S. pneumoniae biofilm thickness was significantly reduced with visible disintegration of EPS matrix when exposed to CS-PLGA/Alginate@Doxy NPs. Cytocompatibility assays on fibroblast (L929) and human lung epithelial cells (L-132) confirmed the safety profile of the CS-PLGA/Alginate@Doxy NPs for pediatric use. The results proposed that the fabricated CS-PLGA/Alginate@Doxy NPs signifies a promising targeted delivery platform for the effective management of pediatric pneumococcal infections.
