Using polymer chemistry to modulate the delivery of neurotrophic factors from degradable microspheres: delivery of BDNF.

Purpose: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in neuroprotection and repair, but long-term delivery from polymer systems has been challenging. We investigated the role the chemistry of the polymer played in loading and delivery of BDNF via microspheres, which are suitable for minimally invasive administration.

Methods: We synthesized polymers based on PLGA and PEG to determine what components augmented loading and delivery.