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Updated: Jan 24, 2026
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Sustained Administration of β-cell Mitogens to Intact Mouse Islets Ex Vivo Using Biodegradable Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Microspheres
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Enhancing Local Anesthetic Efficacy: Controlled Release of Ropivacaine using Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) Acid-Polyvinyl
Jing-Ran Kong1,2, Wan-Yi Mo1,2, Hui Yao2
1Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524000, China.
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
|January 23, 2026
Summary
New nanocarriers extend the pain relief of ropivacaine (RPV), a local anesthetic. These poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)-PVA nanocarriers show promise for improved postoperative pain management due to their sustained release and biocompatibility.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ropivacaine (RPV) is a local anesthetic with limited duration for postoperative pain management.
- Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocarriers are explored to enhance RPV's efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize PLGA-PVA-RPV nanocarriers for prolonged drug release.
- To evaluate the biocompatibility and cellular effects of these nanocarriers.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of PLGA-PVA-RPV nanocarriers via emulsion technique.
- Characterization using electron microscopy, particle size analysis, and spectroscopy.
- Cytotoxicity, cell cycle, apoptosis, and migration assays on HaCaT cells.
Main Results:
- Spherical nanocarriers with small size (10.90 ± 2.19 nm) and stable zeta potential (-7.93 ± 0.81 mV).
- Excellent biocompatibility with >80% cell viability at 1000 μg/mL, significantly higher than free RPV.
- Nanoparticles induced cell cycle arrest and inhibited migration, indicating low toxicity and sustained-release potential.
Conclusions:
- PLGA-PVA-RPV nanocarriers offer enhanced efficacy and biocompatibility for prolonged ropivacaine release.
- These nanocarriers present a promising strategy for improved postoperative pain management.
- Further in vivo studies are needed for clinical translation.
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