Enhanced cellular association of paclitaxel delivered in chitosan-PLGA particles.

We have previously demonstrated that the cellular association, cytotoxicity, and in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of paclitaxel are significantly greater when delivered in PLGA microparticles compared to nanoparticles. The purpose of this research is to test the hypothesis that mucoadhesive chitosan promotes adhesion of PLGA particles to mucus on the tumor epithelium, resulting in enhanced cellular association and cytotoxicity of paclitaxel. PLGA particles containing paclitaxel or Bodipy(®) were prepared and chitosan was either adsorbed or chemically conjugated to the particle surface.

Comparison of anti-tumor efficacy of paclitaxel delivered in nano- and microparticles.

This research compares the anti-tumor efficacy of paclitaxel delivered intratumorally in PLGA nanoparticles, microparticles, or the commercial Paclitaxel Injection((R)). The hypothesis of the research is that larger PLGA microparticles adhere to mucus on the cell surface, release paclitaxel locally, and enhance cellular association of paclitaxel. PLGA-paclitaxel particles of mean diameters 315 nm, 1 microm, and 10 microm were prepared and their drug content, in vitro release, and cellular association of paclitaxel into 4T1 cells quantified.

Polymer degradation and in vitro release of a model protein from poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nano- and microparticles.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of particle size of nano- and microparticles formulated from poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (50:50 PLGA) on polymer degradation and protein release. Since the surface area to volume ratio is inversely proportional to the particle size, it is hypothesized that the particle size would influence the polymer degradation as well as the release of the encapsulated protein. PLGA nano- and microparticles of approximate mean diameters of 0.