Characterization and biodistribution of Au nanoparticles loaded in PLGA nanocarriers using an original encapsulation process

Due to their imaging and radiosensitizing properties, ultrasmall gadolinium chelate-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNP) represent a promising approach in the diagnosis treatment of tumors. However, poor pharmacokinetic profile, especially rapid renal clearance prevents from an efficient exploitation potential for medical applications. The present study focuses on strategy which resides encapsulation AuNP large polymeric NP avoid glomerular filtration then prolong vascular residence time. An original procedure using polyethyleneimine (PEI) was set up electrostatically entrap biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polyethylene glycol -PLGA (PLGA-PEG) NP. Hydrodynamic diameters were dependent PEI/Au ratio comprised between 115 196 nm ratios equal or superior 4. Encapsulation yield close 90 % whereas no loading observed without PEI. No toxicity after 24 h exposure hepatocyte cell-lines. Entrapement nanocarriers facilitated passive uptake cancer cells only 2 incubation. In healthy rat, allowed increasing concentration blood within first hour intravenous administration. Polymeric sequestered liver spleen rather than kidneys. T1-weighted magnetic resonance demonstrated that process did not alter contrast agent properties gadolinium. PLGA particles paves way innovative imaging-guided anticancer therapies personalized medicine.