Abstract
Aim
To prepare and characterise lutein-loaded polylactide-co-glycolide–polyethylene glycol–folate (PLGA-PEG-FOLATE) nanoparticles and evaluate enhanced uptake in SK-N-BE(2) cells.
Methods
Nanoparticles were prepared using O/W emulsion solvent evaporation and characterised using DLS, SEM, DSC, FTIR and in-vitro release. Lutein-uptake in SK-N-BE(2) cells was determined using flow-cytometry, confocal-microscopy and HPLC. Control was lutein PLGA nanoparticles.
Results
The size of lutein-loaded PLGA and PLGA-PEG-FOLATE nanoparticles were 189.6 ± 18.79 nm and 188.0 ± 4.06 nm, respectively. Lutein entrapment was ∼61%(w/w) and ∼73%(w/w) for PLGA and PLGA-PEG-FOLATE nanoparticles, respectively. DSC and FTIR confirmed encapsulation of lutein into nanoparticles. Cellular uptake studies showed ∼1.6 and ∼2-fold enhanced uptake of lutein from PLGA-PEG-FOLATE nanoparticles compared to PLGA nanoparticles and lutein, respectively. Cumulative release of lutein was higher in PLGA nanoparticles (100% (w/w) within 24 h) compared to PLGA-PEG-FOLATE nanoparticles (∼80% (w/w) in 48 h).
Conclusion
Lutein-loaded PLGA-PEG-FOLATE nanoparticles could be a potential treatment for hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy.
Acknowledgements
Authors are thankful to Julian Franco, Abhishek Arnipalli, Stephanie Soto and Carlos Meraz for assisting during size analysis.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).