2011 Volume 48 Issue 3 Pages 173-179
We prepared surface-modified poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanospheres (NS) by an emulsion solvent diffusion method for intracellular drug delivery system. PLGA NS were modified using chitosan (CS) and polysorbate 80 (P80) as a surface modifier to improve their cellular uptake. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is commonly used as emulsifier and dispersion stabilizer in the formulation of PLGA NS. The objective of this study was to determine the factors that influence the amount of adsorbed PVA and surface modifier associated with PLGA NS and its effect on the physical properties and cellular uptake of NS. Adsorbed polymer (PVA, CS and P80) with PLGA NS and physicochemical properties such as zeta potential and surface hydrophobicity were examined. The amount of adsorbed PVA and surface modifiers that remains associated with PLGA NS can be controlled by altering the concentration in the external phase. NS cellular uptake with J774.1 cells was increased by CS or P80 surface modification. Surface property is an important formulation parameter for the cellular uptake of PLGA NS.
