Efficacy assessment of self-assembled PLGA-PEG-PLGA nanoparticles: Correlation of nano-bio interface interactions, biodistribution, internalization and gene expression studies.

The aim of our study was to develop and compare the biological performance of two types of biodegradable SN-38 loaded nanoparticles (NPs) with various surface properties, composed of low and high Mw triblock PLGA-PEG-PLGA copolymers, applying rational quality and safety by design approach. Therefore, along with the optimization of crucial physico-chemical properties and in order to evaluate the therapeutical potential and biocompatibility of prepared polymeric nanoparticles, analysis of nano-bio interactions, cell internalization, gene expression and biodistribution studies were performed. The optimized formulations, one of low Mw and one composed of high Mw PLGA-PEG-PLGA copolymer, exhibited different characteristics in terms of surface properties, particle size, zeta potential, drug loading, protein adsorption and biodistribution, which may be attributed to the variations in nano-bio interface interactions due to different NP building blocks length and Mw. On the contrary to protein adsorption and biodistribution studies, both types of NPs exhibited similar results during cell internalization and gene expression studies performed in cell culture medium containing serum proteins. This pool of useful data for internalization and efficacy as well as the notable advance in the circulation time of low Mw NPs may be further employed for shaping the potential of the designed nanocarriers.

Synthesis and in vivo evaluation of (11) C-labeled (1,7-dicarba-closo-dodecaboran-1-yl)-N-{[(2S)-1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-yl]methyl}amide.

Boron clusters, and especially dicarba-closo-dodecaboranes, can be used as hydrophobic pharmacophores in the design of new drugs and radiotracers because of their hydrophobic character, spherical structure, and excellent chemical and photochemical stability. In the present paper, the synthesis and in vivo evaluation of (11) C-labeled (1,7-dicarba-closo-dodecaboran-1-yl)-N-{[(2S)-1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-yl]methyl}amide, an analog of the D2 receptor ligand [(11) C]raclopride, is described. The radiosynthesis was approached by reaction of the demethylated precursor with [(11) C]CH3 I in basic media; moderate radiochemical yields (18.2 ± 2.8%, decay corrected), and excellent radiochemical purities (>98%) were obtained in overall synthesis time of ~50 min. In vivo assays showed a biodistribution pattern with significant uptake in liver, kidneys and lungs at short times (t = 4 min) after administration and increasing accumulation in bladder at longer times (t ≥ 14.5 min). Although brain positron emission tomography scans showed good blood brain barrier penetration, the high unspecific uptake observed in different brain regions impedes its applicability as D2 receptor ligand.