Epiregulin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles increase human keratinocytes proliferation: preliminary data.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Epiregulin is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family produced by keratinocytes the aim of this study was to investigate the ability of biocompatible nanoparticles loaded with such growth factor to increase human keratinocytes proliferation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different PLGA (Poly-d,l-lactide-co-glycolide)-nanoparticles (NPs) formulations have been characterized in size and zeta potential by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The ability of the different PLGA-NPs formulations to adhere onto dental surfaces has been tested, and epiregulin-enriched PLGA-NPs has been produced. Epiregulin release from NPs has been tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay and the proliferative effects of epiregulin-NPs on human keratinocytes have been evaluated. RESULTS: DLS analysis revealed a different size distribution depending on the PLA/PGA (poly lactic acid/poly glycolic acid) ratio used. 5050 PLGA-NPs exhibited the smaller size and the best dental adhesive ability. Moreover, such epiregulin-loaded NPs was able to increase cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: Direct dental pocket drug delivery implies the NPs solution loading onto the dental surface at the cement-enamel junction level 5050 PLGA-NPs, with their small size and excellent adhesive ability, represent an interesting tool to deliver epiregulin directly where there is the need for epithelial proliferation. These results describe a possible strategy for periodontal pocket delivery of Epiregulin-loaded PLGA-NPs and might provide a new approach for the treatment of gingival recession, where gingival epithelium proliferation is needed.