PLGA-based nanoparticles: Effect of chitosan in the aggregate stabilization. A dielectric relaxation spectroscopy study

• Published in: Colloids and surfaces, B, Biointerfaces Vol. 97; pp. 117 - 123
• Main Authors: Chronopoulou, L., Cutonilli, A., Cametti, C., Dentini, M., Palocci, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01-09-2012
• Subjects: biocompatibility; biodegradation; chitosan; Chitosan - chemistry; Chitosan-induced aggregation; colloids; Dielectric relaxation; drug delivery systems; Drug Delivery Systems - methods; Drug release; drugs; electrolytes; electrophoresis; Lactic Acid - chemistry; light scattering; nanoparticles; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Nanotechnology; PLGA nanoparticles; Polyglycolic Acid - chemistry; radio waves; spectroscopy; Drug release; Chitosan-induced aggregation; PLGA nanoparticles; Dielectric relaxation
• ISSN: 0927-7765; 1873-4367
• DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2012.04.016

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► Colloidal behavior of PLGA-nanoparticles. ► Effect of chitosan in particle stabilization. ► Influence of the chitosan coating layer in the drug release slowing-down.
Chitosan-modified polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles with average diameter of 200nm in PBS buffer solution have been investigated by means of dielectric relaxation spectroscopy measurements in the frequency range (1MHz–2GHz) where interfacial polarizations occur. PLGA-based nanoparticles offer remarkable advantages in different biotechnological fields, such as their biocompatibility, easiness of administration and rather complete biodegradation. However, despite the use of these drug delivery systems is increasing, little is known about the basic process involved in the formation of complexes and in the subsequent release kinetics. In the present work, we have characterized the colloidal behavior of PLGA-based nanoparticles in the presence of oppositely charged chitosan polyelectrolyte by means of dynamic light scattering, electrophoretic mobility and radiowave dielectric relaxation measurements. In particular, we have emphasized how the presence of a coating layer at the nanoparticle surface could exert a marked slowing-down in the drug release. The consequence of this finding is briefly discussed at the light of some biological implications.