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Scientific Article

Polymeric nanoparticles as an oral delivery system for biocontrol agents for the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

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Pages 370-377 | Received 23 Jan 2009, Accepted 29 Sep 2009, Published online: 16 Feb 2011
 

Abstract

AIM: To investigate polymeric nanoparticles as an oral delivery system for protein biocontrol agents for control of the brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula.

METHODS: Insulin-loaded poly(ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate) (PECA) nanoparticles were prepared using interfacial polymerisation, and characterised for size, zeta potential, and efficiency of encapsulation of insulin. In-vitro release of insulin-loaded PECA nanoparticles was quantified using reverse-phase highpressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The in-vivo pharmacokinetics of insulin in PECA nanoparticles was investigated following I/V administration, and when injected directly into the caecum alone or in conjunction with the permeation enhancer EDTA. Blood samples were collected at intervals from −5 to 180 minutes, and the concentration of insulin in plasma was quantified using a radioimmunoassay (RIA) validated for possum plasma.

RESULTS: Poly(ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles were produced with a uniform particle size of 200–300 nm, and the mean entrapment of insulin was 78%. In-vitro release of insulin from the PECA nanoparticles was controlled, although incomplete, and approximately 30% of the insulin remained entrapped. The bioavailability of insulin when administered in a PECA nanoparticulate formulation injected directly into the caecum was <1%, and was not increased by addition of the permeation enhancer.

CONCLUSIONS: The nanoparticulate formulations investigated as part of this study resulted in low bioavailability of the peptide insulin in the brushtail possum.

Acknowledgements

We thank Euan Thompson (AgResearch, Invermay) for his expert care of the animals and assistance with cannulations and surgery, and Ulrike Jüse for assisting with the in-vitro release studies. Funding for this project was provided by FRST New Zealand, as part of the National Research Centre for Possum Biocontrol.

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