Nanoparticles of biodegradable polymers for delivery of therapeutic agents and diagnostic sensitizers to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) for chemotherapy and MRI of the brain

Abstract

This project is to develop nanoparticles of biodegradable polymers for delivery of therapeutic agents or imaging sensitizers to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). Paclitaxel-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by a modified single emulsion method. Nanoparticles are characterized by laser light scattering for size and size distribution, SEM and AFM for morphology, HPLC for drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release kinetics. Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line is used to simulate the BBB for in vitro cellular uptake experiment. It is found that employing nanoparticles for drug delivery across the BBB seem feasible and the particle size and surface coating play key roles. Gadolinium-DTPA loaded nanoparticles of PLGA and PLA-PEG are prepared by the nanoprecipitation method for in vivo MRI evaluation. < 100nm PLA-PEG nanoparticles and < 200nm PLGA nanoparticles are manufactured with 0.92-1.74% loading of Gd-DTPA. In vivo MRI is still under development.