Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles – development, characterisation, and in vitro assessment of bioactivity for cardiac applications

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the formulation of a synthetic IGF-1 (pIGF-1) in PLGA microparticles (MP).

Methods: Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) MPs loaded with pIGF-1 were prepared, characterised and evaluated using double emulsion solvent evaporation method.

Results: Spherical MPs showed an average particle size of 2 µm, encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 67% and 50% degradation over 15 days. With a view to enhancing retention in the myocardium, the MP formulation was encapsulated in a cross-linked hyaluronic acid hydrogel. pIGF-1 released from MPs and from MPs suspended in hyaluronic acid hydrogel remained bioactive, determined by a significant increase in cellular proliferation of c-kit⁺ cells.

Conclusion: This formulation has potential for loco-regional delivery to damaged myocardium to promote the survival of cardiomyocytes.

Keywords:

• Myocardial infarction
• insulin-like growth factor-1
• PLGA
• microparticles
• human serum albumin
• hyaluronic acid
• hydrogel
• cardiac stem cells
• bioactivity

Acknowledgments

Synthetic IGF-1 (pIGF-1) was sourced from Pepscan, Zuidersluisweg 2, 8243 RC Lelystad, Netherlands (supplied through our collaborator Celyad, Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was part of the AMCARE (Advanced Materials for Cardiac Regeneration) project that has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no. 604531.