Cell interaction studies of PLA-MePEG nanoparticles.

ABSTRACT

Poly(D,L-lactic acid)-methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-MePEG) copolymers were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of D,L-lactide in the presence of MePEG of different molecular weights and stannous octoate as the catalyst. The chemical composition of the diblock-copolymer PLA-MePEG was confirmed by 1H-NMR and the molecular weight and distribution were assessed by gel permeation chromatography. Nanoparticles containing Nile red as a fluorescent dye were prepared using poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PLA), blends of PLA and PLA-MePEG or PLA-MePEG alone. Incubation of nanoparticles with human blood monocytes was performed in serum or in PBS and the cell-associated fluorescence was analyzed by flow cytometry. In serum, a protective effect was obtained and the interaction of particles with mononuclear leukocytes decreased to 40%.