Akinalytics
Midwest GMP
Polymer Blog
Technical Blog
John Garner, General ManagerA blog dedicated to answering technical questions in an open format relating to products from PolySciTech, a division of Akina, Inc.
Index
Select a topic to hide all other entries.
The most recent item is at the top.
Thermogelling PLGA-PEG-PLGA polymer used in development of Q-fever vaccine
Friday, May 9, 2025, 8:55 AM ET
Q fever is a potentially disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetiid that infects farm animals and can cross to humans. Researchers at University of California used PLGA-PEG-PLGA (cat# AK012, AK019, AK091) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop a thermogel delivery system for antigen delivery. This research holds promise to prevent this disease. Read more: Wang, Lu, Aaron Ramirez, Jiin Felgner, Enya Li, Jenny E. Hernandez-Davies, Anthony E. Gregory, Philip L. Felgner, Ali Mohraz, D. Huw Davies, and Szu-Wen Wang. "Development of a single-dose Q fever vaccine with an injectable nanoparticle-loaded hydrogel: effect of sustained co-delivery of antigen and adjuvant." Drug Delivery 32, no. 1 (2025): 2476144. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10717544.2025.2476144
“Q fever is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, and there is currently no FDA-approved vaccine for human use. The whole-cell inactivated vaccine Q-VAX, which is only licensed in Australia, has a risk of causing severe adverse reactions, making subunit vaccines a good alternative. However, most subunit antigens are weak immunogens and require two or more immunizations to elicit an adequate level of immunity. We hypothesized that by combining a nanoparticle to co-deliver both a protein antigen and an adjuvant, together with a hydrogel depot for sustained-release kinetics, a single-administration of a nanoparticle-loaded hydrogel vaccine could elicit a strong and durable immune response. We synthesized and characterized a protein nanoparticle (CBU-CpG-E2) that co-delivered the immunodominant protein antigen CBU1910 (CBU) from C. burnetii and the adjuvant CpG1826 (CpG). For sustained release, we examined different mixtures of PLGA-PEG-PLGA (PPP) polymers and identified a PPP solution that was injectable at room temperature, formed a hydrogel at physiological temperature, and continuously released protein for 8 weeks in vivo. Single-dose vaccine formulations were administered to mice, and IgG, IgG1, and IgG2c levels were determined over time. The vaccine combining both the CBU-CpG-E2 nanoparticles and the PPP hydrogel elicited a stronger and more durable humoral immune response than the soluble bolus nanoparticle vaccines (without hydrogel) and the free antigen and free adjuvant-loaded hydrogel vaccines (without nanoparticles), and it yielded a balanced IgG2c/IgG1 response. This study demonstrates the potential advantages of using this modular PPP hydrogel/nanoparticle system to elicit improved immune responses against infectious pathogens.”
PLGA-PEG-PLGA (Cat# AK012, AK019, AK091): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK019#h
Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
Fluorescent PLGA-CY5 from PolySciTech used in development of nanoparticles targeting pancreatic cancer
Friday, May 9, 2025, 8:54 AM ET
Pancreatic cancer has poor prognosis due to little symptoms in the early stages and difficulty of treatment due to poor drug uptake. Recently, researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem used PLGA-CY5 (cat# AV034) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) in development of nanoparticles for SiRNA delivery. This research holds promise to provide for treatment of a highly lethal form of cancer. Read more: Agbaria, Majd, Doaa Jbara-Agbaria, and Gershon Golomb. "Localized delivery of gel-embedded siRNA nanoparticles for pancreatic cancer treatment: Formulation, biodistribution and bioactivity in mice." Precision Nanomedicine 8, no. 2 (2025): 1482-1500. https://precisionnanomedicine.com/article/136412.pdf
“Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal malignancies, primarily due to its dense extracellular matrix and poor vascularization, which limit effective drug accumulation and therapy. Here, we describe a local siRNA delivery system using thermosensitive hydrogel-embedded nanoparticles (NPs). siRNA against VAV1 (siVAV1), a key protein implicated in PC, was encapsulated in poly(lactic-coglycolic acid) (PLGA)-based NPs decorated with an ApoB-derived peptide as the targeting ligand. The ApoB-targeted NPs exhibited optimal physicochemical properties, including nanoscale size, low poly- dispersity index, and a neutral charge. The sustained-release siRNA-NPs were incorporated into a thermosensitive hydrogel (poloxamer) and locally injected into the pancreas of tumor-bearing mice. Treatment with targeted NPs in gel (tNPs@G) resulted in a notable increase in accumulation within the tumor (1.9-fold) and spleen (1.3-fold) 72 hours post-injection, with minimal systemic exposure and no local cytotoxicity. Intra-tumoral implantation of the gel-laden siVAV1 NPs in PC-bearing mice led to a significant reduction in tumor growth and volume (2.6-fold), mediated by the inhibition of both VAV1 mRNA and protein, and improved survival rates. The developed local siRNA delivery system provides a minimally invasive and effective therapeutic approach for PC, addressing key drug delivery barriers.”
PLGA (Cat# AV034): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AV034#h
Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of oral delivery of insulin
Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 9:07 AM ET
Insulin is an important drug molecule in diabetes management, however its oral delivery is limited. Researchers at The University of Queensland and Hainan Beautech Stem Cell Anti-Aging Hospital used mPEG-PLGA (cat# AK026) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) in development of nanoparticles for oral delivery of insulin. This research holds promise to improve diabetes treatment in the future. Read more: Pang, Huiwen, Wenxuan Yu, Youzhi Wu, Xuqiang Nie, Guojun Huang, Zhi Ping Xu, Chen Chen, and Felicity Y. Han. "Enhanced Epithelial Cell Uptake of Glycol Chitosan‐Coated PLGA Nanoparticles for Oral Drug Delivery." Advanced Therapeutics (2025): 2400547. https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adtp.202400547
“It is reported that poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) coated with chitosan and its derivatives, such as glycol chitosan (GC), can enhance the targeted uptake of PLGA NPs by intestinal epithelial cells. However, the optimal amount of GC for coating and the specific mechanisms by which it facilitates PLGA endocytosis remain unclear. In this study, PLGA-NPs are prepared using either single- or double-emulsion methods and coated with varying amounts of GC. The results confirmed that GC-coated PLGA NPs are internalized via both clathrin-mediated and caveolae-mediated endocytosis, whereas uncoated NPs relied on only clathrin-mediated endocytosis in Caco-2 and HT-29 cells. The optimized GC-coated PLGA-NPs formulation is further modified by layering alginate to enhance the oral delivery of insulin. In subsequent in vivo studies, the GC and alginate-coated PLGA NPs demonstrated stability and prolonged efficacy, achieving approximately a 50% reduction in blood glucose levels at 6 h post-administration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. These findings provide compelling evidence of the optimal coating amount and molecular mechanisms for GC in the PLGA oral platform, underscoring the feasibility and commercial potential of oral delivery platform based on the optimized GC- and alginate-coated PLGA NPs.”
PLGA (Cat# AK026): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK026#h
Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
PLGA from PolySciTech used in ultrasonic-driven fluid transfer research for drug-delivery applications
Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 9:06 AM ET
Ultrasound can be used to have a variety of effects in a
living organism including directing the flow of fluids. Researchers at The
University of Texas at Arlington PLGA (AP040) from PolySciTech Division of
Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com)
used in development of fluorescently tagged nanoparticles to track fluid
behavior under ultrasound. This research holds promise to improve understanding
of ultrasound fluid-flow effects in living organisms. Read more: Ren,
Liqin, Na Thi Vy Nguyen, Tingfeng Yao, Kytai T. Nguyen, and Baohong Yuan.
"Experimental studies on squeezing interstitial fluid via transfer of
ultrasound momentum (SIF-TUM) in ex vivo chicken and porcine
tissues." Journal of Applied Physics 137, no. 13 (2025). https://pubs.aip.org/aip/jap/article/137/13/135103/3340188
“The ultrasound-assisted transport of drugs or
fluorophore-loaded nanoagents plays an important role in the desirable drug
delivery and imaging contrasts. Unlike conventional ultrasound techniques that
rely on thermal or cavitation effects, this study aims to conduct an
experimental investigation into the dynamics of interstitial fluid streaming
and tissue recovery in ex vivo chicken breast and porcine loin muscle tissues
during and after ultrasound exposures, which has not been experimentally
investigated in the literature. Biological tissues consist of both a fluid and
a solid matrix, and an ultrasound beam compresses the tissues within a small
focal volume from all directions, which generates macroscopic streaming of
interstitial fluid and compression of the tissue's solid matrix. After the
ultrasonic exposure, the solid matrix undergoes recovery, leading to a backflow
of the fluid matrix. Temperature-insensitive sulforhodamine-101 encapsulated
poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles with an average diameter size of
175 nm were locally
injected into ex vivo chicken breast and porcine loin muscle tissues to study
the ultrasound-induced dynamics in the tissues during and after ultrasound
exposure by analyzing the distribution of fluorescence. The changes in
fluorescence over time caused by the streaming and backflow of interstitial
fluid were studied with two ex vivo tissue models, and a faster recovery was
observed in porcine tissues compared with chicken tissues. The
ultrasound-induced transportability of the nanoagent in porcine muscle tissues
was much higher (∼8.75 times) than in chicken breast tissue likely due to
structural differences. The study reveals a promising, non-invasive strategy
for enhancing drug delivery in dense tissues by leveraging mechanical
ultrasound effects, potentially advancing therapeutic and diagnostic
applications.”
PLGA (Cat# AP040): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP040#h
Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service
available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
Video: https://youtu.be/EPCZiTiIwhw
PLGA from PolySciTech used in delivery system for dexamethasone for treatment of vocal cord damage
Monday, April 14, 2025, 1:27 PM ET
Damage and scarring to the vocal cord tissue can come from diseases, such as local infections or cancer, as well as trauma due to intubation or neck/throat injuries. This leads to speech problems and other issues depending on severity. Researchers at University of Cincinatti used PLGA (AP063) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) as part of a dexamethasone delivery system. This research holds promise to improve tissue repair options in the future. Read more: Zheng, Avery, Nour Awad, Denzel Ryan D. Cruz, Ruchika Pissay, Charles Farbos de Luzan, Gregory Dion, and Yoonjee Park. "Controlled-Release of Dexamethasone via Light-Activated Implant for Potential Vocal Fold Scar Treatment." ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering (2025). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c02231
This study investigates a novel light-activated implant system designed for injectable, dose-controlled, sustained drug delivery. The light-activated implant was developed by incorporating light-activated drug-releasing liposomes into a biodegradable polymeric capsule. The drug release kinetics from the implant at 0, 1, and 2 min of light activation were determined in vitro using a tissue mimic with varying depths. A pulsed near-infrared laser at 1064 nm, connected to an optical fiber, was used as the light source. The dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) release was tunable depending on the laser irradiation time, with an approximately 4% reduction in release as tissue depth increased by 2 mm. The implant was injected using a needle into ex vivo porcine vocal folds, and drug release kinetics were quantified by real-time fluorescence imaging. Mathematical models were also developed to understand diffusion mechanisms of the light-activated, controlled drug release profiles from the cylindrical implant. Finally, in vivo evaluations in a healthy rabbit vocal fold model confirmed comparable drug release through light activation. Histological assessments demonstrated the safety of the drug delivery system and the structural integrity of the implant within biological tissues after 6 weeks of implantation. These results support the potential clinical application of the drug delivery system, offering a promising solution for conditions requiring precise, controlled therapeutic delivery. Future work will focus on scaling the technology for clinical trials, including construct and tissue reactions in human tissue, to enhance treatment efficacy for various medical conditions.
PLGA (Cat# AP063): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP063#h
Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in the development of nanoparticles to cross the blood-brain-barrier for treatment of Lou Gehrig's disease
Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 1:26 PM ET
ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) affects the nervous system leading to loss of muscle control. Researchers at University of Porto and University of Santiago de Compostela used mPEG-PLGA (AK106) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop nanoparticles to transport edaravone across the blood brain barrier. This research holds promise to improve therapeutic options against Lou Gehrig’s disease in the future. Read more: Aguiar, Brandon, Ana Rita Alfenim, Cláudia Sofia Machado, Joana Moreira, Miguel Pinto, Francisco J. Otero-Espinar, Fernanda Borges, and Carlos Fernandes. "Exploring Nano-Delivery Systems to Enhance the Edaravone Performance in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26, no. 5 (2025): 2146. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11900301/
“Edaravone is one of the treatment options for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, but its therapeutic efficacy is limited due to the incapacity to cross the blood–brain barrier, as well as its short life span and poor stability, which is ultimately caused by its tautomerism in physiological condions. This work presents an overview about the use of several nanoformulations based on polymeric, protein, lipidic, or hybrid structure as suitable and stable drug delivery systems for encapsulating edaravone. We also evaluated the functionalization of nanoparticles with pegylated chains using the polyethylene glycol or tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate and the possibility of preparing polymeric nanoparticles at different pH (7.4, 9, and 11). Edaravone was sucessfully encapsulated in polymeric, lipid–polymer hybrid, and lipidic nanoparticles. The use of higher pH values in the synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles has led to a decrease in nanoparticle size and an increase in the percentage of encapsulation efficiency. However, the resulting nanoformulations are not stable. Only polymeric and hybrid nanoparticles showed good stability over 80 days of storage, mainly at 4 °C. Overall, the nanoformulations tested did not show cytotoxicity in the SH-SY5Y cell line except the nanostructured lipid carrier formulations that showed some cytotoxicity possibly due to lipidic peroxidation. In conclusion, this work shows that edaravone can be encapsulated in different nanocarriers that could act as an interesting alternative for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Keywords: edaravone, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hybrid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers”
PLGA (Cat# AK106): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK106#h
Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of Ocular delivery system
Thursday, March 27, 2025, 3:42 PM ET
“Posterior segment-related diseases are among the leading causes of irreversible blindness and loss of vision globally. These diseases are extremely difficult to treat due to the drug delivery barriers posed by the eye, among other challenges. One delivery method that bypasses many of these obstacles, albeit not without risk, is ocular injections, and long-acting formulations such as implants can improve patient compliance by allowing for longer intervals between injections. Here, we report our development of a preclinical in situ-forming implant dosage form that provides sustained release of a novel compound, DKR-1677, with a target in the retina. An in situ-forming implant based on polylactic co glycolic acid (PLGA) was chosen in this preclinical stage because it is readily translatable to a preformed implant product. The formulations were tested in vitro, in rat and rabbit animal models for drug release and pharmacokinetics. A two-step in vitro dissolution method with implant formation in a biorelevant gel followed by incubation in release media showed a 30-day three-phase release profile with an initial burst release of 36.04 ± 4.23 %, a plateau, and a controlled release up to 93.75 ± 4.68 % at day 30, typical of PLGA-based implant formulations. Immediate and controlled-release formulations were tested in rat and rabbit animal models and confirmed that DKR-1677 is taken up by the retina after intravitreal administration. Furthermore, the in situ-forming implant was found to prolong drug presence in the retina to 30 days following a single administration, confirming that a PLGA-based implant is a viable approach for this drug candidate.”
PCL (Cat# AP040): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP040#h
Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
Polycaprolactone from PolySciTech used in development of Cell scaffold.
Thursday, March 27, 2025, 3:41 PM ET
“Abstract: Vascular grafts are often used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Desired properties of next-generation graft materials include artery-like mechanics, clinically feasible manufacturing processes, and a bioactive interface that facilitates rapid and deep infiltration of neighboring cells to support tissue regeneration. These requirements inspired the design, fabrication, and post-processing of our graft materials. In terms of material design, we evaluated the performance of three microfiber graft materials composed of a hydrophobic polymer and photo-clickable, 4-arm thiolated polyethylene glycol-norbornene (PEG-NB). The materials included two coaxially nanostructured fiber designs, each featuring a PEG-NB sheath and different cores—polycaprolactone (PCL) and polycaprolactone-co-lactic acid (PLCL), respectively—and a mixed composition created by directly blending the sheath and core solutions during electrospinning. For post-processing, the constructs were either air-dried or freeze-dried. Surface morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy, while mechanical properties were characterized through tensile testing and dynamic mechanical analysis. Subcutaneous implants were evaluated at 1, 4, and 16 weeks using histological, immunofluorescent, and multiphoton microscopy analyses to examine cellular distribution, material structure, and tissue remodeling. Results showed that the freeze-drying post-processing method enhanced overall porosity, stiffness, and ultimate tensile strength. Among all tested conditions, the freeze-dried core-sheath structure with PCL most closely matched the mechanical properties of native vessels. Using PLCL as a core material increased degradation and cell infiltration during the first month of subcutaneous studies. Ultimately, graft strength, porosity, and bioactivity were effectively modulated by the choice of core material and post-processing method. The distinct strengths of PCL and PLCL as a core polymer suggest that combining these materials could potentially optimize material degradation, cell infiltration and tissue remodeling along with mechanical performance.”
PCL (Cat# AP257): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP257#h
Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
Fluorescent PLGA from PolySciTech used in tracking lymph node drainage in rodent model as part of allergy research
Friday, March 14, 2025, 3:12 PM ET
Allergic reactions are a T-cell mediated condition which is typified by a pathological immune response yet remains not fully understood. Researchers at University of Pittsburgh used fluorescent PLGA-FPR648 (Cat# AV008) PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to prepare fluorescent microparticles for the study which were used to track drainage through the lymph nodes in rodent model during allergic interactions. This research holds promise to improve understanding of allergic interactions and work towards improved treatment options. Read more: Bentley, Elizabeth R., Stacia Subick, Jake Doran, Julie Kobyra, Stephen C. Balmert, and Steven R. Little. "Local delivery of an adenosine receptor agonist reduces inflammation associated with contact hypersensitivity." Drug Delivery and Translational Research (2025): 1-16. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13346-025-01831-x
“Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), a T-cell mediated inflammatory skin condition, is prompted by multiple, subsequent exposures to contact allergens (e.g., nickel). Current treatment approaches for ACD include repeated topical application or systemic delivery of immunosuppressants. These treatment strategies have many limitations, including non-specific mechanism of actions and the occurrence of side effects due to their delivery method. For this reason, we developed a novel therapeutic approach that is based upon adenosine (Ado) receptor signaling, a known anti-inflammatory pathway. Specifically, we developed a polymer microparticle-based controlled release system capable of presenting IBMECA (IBMECA-MPs), an Ado receptor agonist, to the local environment. In this study, we first sought to study the immunosuppressive effects of IBMECA on immune cells implicated in the pathogenesis of ACD (e.g., dendritic cells) in vitro. Subsequently, we examined the effects of enhancing adenosine signaling in contact hypersensitivity (CHS), an in vivo model of ACD, through local administration of IBMECA-MPs. We observed that IBMECA-MPs were capable of reducing the inflammatory response associated with CHS by reducing maturation markers of antigen-presenting cells, altering cytokine secretion, and reducing relative frequencies of effector T cell populations. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of therapeutic efficacy of IBMECA in CHS, as well as the first proof-of-principle demonstration of IBMECA application in the context of a local drug delivery system. Ultimately, this delivery system has the potential to be adapted for use in other T-cell mediated inflammatory conditions (e.g., transplant rejection), suggesting broader implications of this study.”
mPEG-PLGA (Cat# AV008): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AV008#h
Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech Used in Development of anti-TNF-alpha therapy for Crohn’s disease treatment.
Monday, March 3, 2025, 4:29 PM ET
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease caused by over immune response. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University used PEG-PLGA (AK106) ) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop nanoparticles which deliver monoclonal antibodies for anti-TNF-alpha which reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and signals the body to take a less aggressive immune response. This research holds promise to improve treatment of IBS. Read more: Zhang, Yicheng, Ling Li, Jiayuan Kong, Yuanmuhuang Long, Xiaoya Lu, Christopher J. Erb, Yurun Miao et al. "Long-acting injectable nanoparticle formulation for sustained release of anti-TNF-α antibody therapeutic in ulcerative colitis treatment." Journal of Controlled Release 380 (2025): 1005-1016. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168365925001567
“Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic, remitting, and relapsing conditions of the gastrointestinal tract with incompletely elucidated etiology. The anti-TNF-α mAbs represent one of aflash nanocomplexation and flash nanoprecipitation process, resulting in particles with a narrow size distribution and tunable release profile, with the longest in vitro release lasting over four months. These mAb-releasing NPs are then incorporated into hyaluronic acid hydrogel microparticles (MPs) to enhance tissue retention, thus extending the duration of mAb release in vivo. A single i.m. injection of the LAI can maintain the serum mAb level above the therapeutically effective concentration for over 100 days in healthy mice. In a 9-week study using a dextran sulfate-induced chronic colitis model, the anti-TNF-α LAI formulation demonstrates substantial therapeutic efficacy and a better safety profile than free mAb injections. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of this LAI system in maintaining a persistent serum mAb level and its potential as a versatile, safer, and effective delivery system for antibody therapeutics.”
mPEG-PLGA (Cat# AK106): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK106#h
Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
MidWest GMP for scaled clinical formulation manufacturing
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 2:05 PM ET
PLGA from PolySciTech : Akina used in development of hydrogel for treatment of heart disease
Monday, February 17, 2025, 1:55 PM ET
Heart disease is the main cause of death worldwide. Researchers at University of Texas at Arlington and The University of Akron used PLGA (cat# AP154) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop SDF-1a releasing particles to load in with hydrogel matrix to repair damaged heart tissue. This research holds promise to improve treatments against heart-attacks and related cardiovascular diseases. Rear more: Xu, Jiazhu, Jacob Brown, Rubia Shaik, Luis Soto-Garcia, Jun Liao, Kytai Nguyen, Ge Zhang, and Yi Hong. "Injectable myocardium-derived hydrogels with SDF-1α releasing for cardiac repair." Biomaterials Advances (2025): 214203. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772950825000305
“Developed a nanocomposite hydrogel by encapsulating SDF-1α-loaded PLGA NPs into a cdECM hydrogel. Achieved sustained SDF-1α release over four weeks in vitro, compared to one week for direct encapsulation. PLGA NPs incorporation enhanced cdECM hydrogel mechanics, significantly improving both stiffness and strength. Demonstrated the ability to accelerate angiogenesis and restore cardiac function in a rat MI model. Myocardial infarction (MI) is a predominant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Therapeutic chemokines, such as stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α), present a promising opportunity to treat the profibrotic remodeling post-MI if they can be delivered effectively to the injured tissue. However, direct injection of SDF-1α or physical entrapment in a hydrogel has shown limited efficacy. Here, we developed a sustained-release system consisting of SDF-1α loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) and an injectable porcine cardiac decellularized extracellular matrix (cdECM) hydrogel. This system demonstrated a sustained release of SDF-1α over four weeks while there is one week release for SDF-1α directly encapsulated in the cdECM hydrogel during in vitro testing. The incorporation of PLGA NPs into the cdECM hydrogel significantly enhanced its mechanical properties, increasing the Young's modulus from 561 ± 228 kPa to 1007 ± 2 kPa and the maximum compressive strength from 639 ± 42 kPa to 1014 ± 101 kPa. This nanocomposite hydrogel showed good cell compatibility after 7 days of culture with H9C2 cells, while the released SDF-1α retained its bioactivity, as evidenced by its chemotactic effects in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo studies further highlighted its significant ability to promote angiogenesis in the infarcted area and improve cardiac function after intramyocardial injection. These results demonstrated the therapeutic potential of combining local release of SDF-1α with the cdECM hydrogel for MI treatment.”
PLGA (Cat# AP154): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP154#h
Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
Video Guide to PST Website
Friday, February 14, 2025, 2:30 PM ET
PolySciTech Website is very large with many products and a great deal of information and functions. Learn more about how to navigate it with Akina’s video guide here: https://youtu.be/Tjlorp1lH0s
Swag for 2025: T-shirt, Multi-tool
Friday, February 14, 2025, 2:28 PM ET
Qualifying orders from PolySciTech (www.PolySciTech.com) can receive a TSA compliant branded multitool, perfect for opening packages and doing other odd-jobs around the lab. Larger orders can receive a nerdy T-shirt. When you want something to release immediately use WD40. When you want it to release never use duct tape. When you want it to release later use PolySciTech.
PLGA-PEG-NH2 from PolySciTech used in research on protein corona on nanoparticle transport
Monday, February 10, 2025, 1:12 PM ET
“Neuronanomedicine harnesses nanoparticle technology for the treatment of neurological disorders. An unavoidable consequence of nanoparticle delivery to biological systems is the formation of a protein corona on the nanoparticle surface. Despite the well-established influence of the protein corona on nanoparticle behavior and fate, as well as FDA approval of neuro-targeted nanotherapeutics, the effect of a physiologically relevant protein corona on nanoparticle-brain cell interactions is insufficiently explored. Indeed, less than 1% of protein corona studies have investigated protein coronas formed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid surrounding the brain. Herein, we utilize two clinically relevant polymeric nanoparticles (PLGA and PLGA-PEG) to evaluate the formation of serum and CSF protein coronas. LC–MS analysis revealed distinct protein compositions, with selective enrichment/depletion profiles. Enhanced association of CSF precoated particles with brain cells demonstrates the importance of selecting physiologically relevant biological fluids to more accurately study protein corona formation and subsequent nanoparticle-cell interactions, paving the way for improved nanoparticle engineering for in vivo applications.”
PLGA-PEG-NH2 (Cat# AI169): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AI169#h
Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in delivery of mRNA for treatment of breast cancer
Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 3:23 PM ET
Triple-negative breast cancer references a specific type of cancer which does not express common cancer receptors such as Herceptin. This makes treatment of this kind of cancer very difficult. Recently, researchers at University of Ottawa, National Research Council Canada used mPEG-PLGA (cat# AK010) PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to create nanoparticles for delivery of mRNA. This research holds promise to provide for improved cancer therapy in the future. Read more: El-Sahli, Sara, Shireesha Manturthi, Emma Durocher, Yuxia Bo, Alexandra Akman, Christina Sannan, Melanie Kirkby et al. "Nanoparticle-Mediated mRNA Delivery to Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Tumors." ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science (2025). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsptsci.4c00597
“mRNA-based therapies can overcome several challenges faced by traditional therapies in treating a variety of diseases by selectively modulating genes and proteins without genomic integration. However, due to mRNA’s poor stability and inherent limitations, nanoparticle (NP) platforms have been developed to deliver functional mRNA into cells. In cancer treatment, mRNA technology has multiple applications, such as restoration of tumor suppressors and activating antitumor immunity. Most of these applications have been evaluated using simple cell-line-based tumor models, which failed to represent the complexity, heterogeneity, and 3D architecture of patient tumors. This discrepancy has led to inconsistencies and failures in clinical translation. Compared to cell line models, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models more accurately represent patient tumors and are better suitable for modeling. Therefore, for the first time, this study employed two different TNBC PDX tumors to examine the effects of the mRNA-NPs. mRNA-NPs are developed using EGFP-mRNA as a model and studied in TNBC cell lines, ex vivo TNBC PDX organotypic slice cultures, and in vivo TNBC PDX tumors. Our findings show that NPs can effectively accumulate in tumors after intravenous administration, protecting and delivering mRNA to PDX tumors with different genetic and chemosensitivity backgrounds. These studies offer more clinically relevant modeling systems for mRNA nanotherapies in cancer applications. Keywords: nanoparticles mRNA delivery gene restoration TNBC patient-derived xenograft Cancer Cancer therapy Cells Imaging probes Tumors”
mPEG-PLGA (Cat# AK010): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK010#h
Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of particle based delivery system for glaucoma therapy.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 11:42 AM ET
“Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is implicated in the structural and functional damage to the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Topical IOP lowering agents provide short-term relief, necessitating frequent dosing. Moreover, non-adherence to frequent eyedrops administration contributes significantly to visual field loss and worsens the disease outcome. We optimized the poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles encapsulation of hybrid antioxidant-nitric oxide donor SA-2 (SA-2NP), investigated its bioavailability, duration of IOP lowering efficacy, and effects on retinal function in the microbead model of ocular hypertension (OHT). SA-2 was bioavailable in the anterior and posterior segments after 1, 8, and 24 h post-single topical eyedrop administration. SA-2NP significantly lowered IOP (∼25-34%) and preserved the RGC function after weekly eyedrop administration for 3 weeks in C57BL/6J mice. In conclusion, the optimized SA-2NP formulation demonstrated the desired bioavailability, ocular safety, and prolonged IOP-lowering efficacy in the mouse microbead occlusion model of OHT. SA-2 is a small hybrid molecule with both nitric-oxide donating (in blue) and superoxide dismutase mimetic (in red) activities. Compound SA-2 improves mitochondrial respiration in human trabecular meshwork cells and neuroprotective retinal ganglion cells. Here, we report that an optimized SA-2 loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticle formulation, when instilled as an eye drop, improved the delivery and bioavailability of SA-2 in the mouse eye. Topical administration of SA-2NPs eye drops was efficacious in lowering intra-ocular pressure (IOP) in a rodent microbead occlusion model of ocular hypertension with ∼6 days of sustained IOP lowering (25-32%) after a single dose. Keywords: PLGA nanoparticles SA-2 intraocular pressure primary open-angle glaucoma bioavailability retinal protection sustained release”
PLGA (Cat# AP082): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP082#h
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of triphasic bone tissue scaffold
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 2:47 PM ET
Healing of bone tissue is difficult and requires some form of scaffolding or other support structure for cells to grow on. Researchers at University of California (Riverside) used PLGA (AP049) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop a multicomponent bone tissue scaffold. This holds promise to provide for treatment of injuries or other bone defects. Read more: Wetteland, Cheyann, Changlu Xu, Sebo Michelle Wang, Chaoxing Zhang, Elizabeth Juntilla Ang, Cole Gabriel Azevedo, and Huinan Hannah Liu. "Engineering the Ratios of Nanoparticles Dispersed in Triphasic Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications." ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2025). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsami.4c14712
“Polymer/ceramic nanocomposites integrated the advantages of both polymers and ceramics for a wide range of biomedical applications, such as bone tissue repair. Here, we reported triphasic poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA, LA/GA = 90:10) nanocomposites with improved dispersion of hydroxyapatite (HA) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles using a process that integrated the benefits of ultrasonic energy and dual asymmetric centrifugal mixing. We characterized the microstructure and composition of the nanocomposites and evaluated the effects of the HA/MgO ratios on degradation behavior and cell–material interactions. The PLGA/HA/MgO nanocomposites were composed of 70 wt % PLGA and 30 wt % nanoparticles made of 20:10, 25:5, and 29:1% by weight of HA and MgO, respectively. The results showed that the nanocomposites had a homogeneous nanoparticle distribution and as-designed elemental composition. The cell study indicated that reducing the MgO content in the triphasic nanocomposite increased the BMSC adhesion density under both direct and indirect contact conditions. Specifically, after the 24 and 48 h of culture, the PLGA/HA/MgO group with a weight ratio of 70:29:1 (P70/H29/M1) exhibited the greatest average cell adhesion density under direct and indirect contact conditions among triphasic nanocomposites. During a 28-day degradation study, the mass loss of triphasic nanocomposites was 18 ± 2% for P70/H20/M10, 9 ± 2% for P70/H25/M5, and 7 ± 1% for P70/H29/M1, demonstrating that MgO nanoparticles accelerated the degradation of the nanocomposites. Postculture analysis showed that the pH values and Mg2+ ion concentrations in the media increased with increasing MgO content in the nanocomposites. Triphasic nanocomposites provided different degradation profiles that can be tuned for different biomedical applications, especially when a shorter or longer period of degradation would be desirable for optimal bone tissue regeneration. The concentration and ratio of nanoparticles should be adjusted and optimized when other polymers with different degradation modes and rates are used in the nanocomposites.”
PLGA (Cat# AP049): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP049#h
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
mPEG-DMAEMA from PolySciTech used in development of pH Sensitive thermogel for treatment of ovarian cancer
Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 4:38 PM ET
Ovarian cancer is asymptomatic in early stages and has a poor prognosis once it has received an advanced stage. Delivery of chemotherapeutic agents in a localized manner can provide for treatment especially of drug-resistant forms of ovarian cancer. Researchers at Chungbuk National University, University of Oklahoma, Sookmyung Women’s University, and CTCBIO Inc. used mPEG-DMAEMA (AO019) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to create thermogel solution for delivery of paclitaxel and olaparib. This research holds promise to improve treatment of ovarian cancer. Read more: Jo, Min Jeong, Moon Sup Yoon, Seo Yeon Kim, Jae Min Lee, Su Jeong Kang, Chun-Woong Park, Jin-Seok Kim, Je-Hyun Yoon, and Dae Hwan Shin. "A combination formulation of TPGS micelles loaded with paclitaxel and olaparib and a pH-thermosensitive hydrogel for treating peritoneal metastasis and drug-resistant ovarian cancer." Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation (2025): 1-17. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40005-024-00705-7
“Purpose: Ovarian cancer (OC) is difficult to detect early; therefore, it is highly likely to advance to peritoneal metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Moreover, multi-drug resistance (MDR) results in a high recurrence rate. To address these issues, the present study aimed to design an intraperitoneally administered formulation combining a d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) micelles loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) and olaparib (OLA) and a pH-thermosensitive hydrogel. Methods: To assess PTX and OLA’s synergistic effects, we evaluated the combination index (CI) at various molar ratios and physicochemical properties of the formulations and carried out both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results: PTX and OLA showed a synergistic effect at all ratios, and considering the various physicochemical properties, a 1:4 ratio using 50 mg of TPGS and a gel polymer concentration of 12.5% w/v was identified as the optimum formulation. In vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake assays demonstrated high cytotoxicity of the TPGS micelles compared to those of the free drug and methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (mPEG-PCL) micelles (control) in all formulation groups; TPGS micelles also increased cellular uptake efficiency. Drug release profiles in vitro demonstrated that both PTX and OLA had a release pattern influenced by pH levels, with the slowest release observed at pH 7.4. In vitro and in vivo drug release profiles showed similar release patterns, with PTX showing slower release than OLA. Conclusion: The final formulation of this study represents a promising therapeutic strategy for OC; however, due to potential toxicity issues of the polymer, its clinical application needs to be further studied.”
PDMAEMA-PEG (Cat# AO019): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AO019#h
NEW: Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
NEW: Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
PLGA from PolySciTech used in developing hyaluronic acid-PLGA-irinotecan to create nanoconjugates for colorectal cancer treatment
Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 4:37 PM ET
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most prevalent cancers with high mortality rates globally. There is limited potential for therapy due to toxic side effects from systemic delivery of chemotherapeutics. Researchers at Pusan National University and Korea University used PLGA (AP037) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to chemically conjugate hyaluronic acid and irinotecan together to make prodrug nanoconjugates. This research holds promise to provide for treatment of colorectal cancer. Read more: Lee, Juho, Jihyun Kim, Dongmin Kwak, Hyunwoo Kim, Muneeb Ullah, Min Chan Kim, Kyu Hyun et al. "On-site sol-gel-sol transition of alginate enables reversible shielding/deshielding of tumor cell-activated nanoconjugates for precise local colorectal cancer therapy." Chemical Engineering Journal 505 (2025): 158935. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894724104263
“Highlights: Alg/CTNCs were developed as an orally administrable precise local CRC therapeutic. Alg/CTNCs exhibited on-site sol-gel-sol transition during GI tract passage. Interactions with the small intestinal epithelium and premature drug loss were prevented. In the colorectum, CTNCs liberated from Alg/CTNCs selectively accumulated in CRC tissues. Tumor esterase facilitated drug release from the CTNCs, resulting in potent antitumor effects. Abstract: Although local colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy can be achieved by delivering CRC-targeted nanoparticles directly to the tumor tissues within the colorectal cavity, bypassing systemic circulation through the oral administration route, physical entrapment of the nanoparticles by the small intestinal epithelium, and premature drug loss before reaching the colorectal cavity results in limited local therapeutic efficacy. To overcome these limitations, this study aimed to develop CRC cell-activated nanoconjugates (CTNCs)-in-alginate (Alg/CTNCs). After oral administration, Alg/CTNCs undergo a sol-gel transition upon exposure to gastric acid, and the alginate gel matrix effectively shields the incorporated CTNCs, preventing unwanted interactions with the intestinal epithelium and drug loss before reaching the colorectum. Upon reaching the colorectum, the elevated pH triggers a gel-sol transition in the gelated Alg/CTNCs, and the deshielded CTNCs from the alginate gel matrix show highly CRC-selective accumulation. Finally, drugs are released in response to intracellular esterase, ultimately leading to potent local antitumor effects without systemic side effects. These findings suggest that the reversible shielding/deshielding of nanomaterials during gastrointestinal tract passage, along with intratumoral environment-activated drug release strategies, enables precise local CRC therapy.”
PLGA (Cat# AP037): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP037#h
NEW: Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
NEW: Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
PLGA-PEG-PLGA nanogel system used in development of brain cancer treatment.
Friday, December 20, 2024, 2:23 PM ET
Glioblastoma is a common form of brain cancer which is difficult to treat. One way to bypass the blood-brain-barrier to deliver therapeutics to the site is to implant a nanogel system into the cranial cavity directly. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University, St. John’s University, and OncoGone, Inc. used PLGA-PEG-PLGA ( cat# AK012, AK019) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop a pellet system for controlled delivery of Temozolomide and paclitaxel to brain tumors. This research holds promise to improve cancer therapy in the future. Read more: Slika, Hasan, Aanya Shahani, Kranthi Gattu, Varsha Mundrathi, Ameilia A. Solan, Brianna Gonzalez, Tasmima N. Haque et al. "Intracranial Nanogel Pellets Carrying Temozolomide and Paclitaxel for Adjuvant Brain Cancer Therapy." Molecular Pharmaceutics (2024). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00708
“Glioblastoma multiforme is the most frequently diagnosed primary malignant brain tumor. Despite multimodal therapy with surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, recurrence of the tumor is almost always guaranteed due to the infiltrative nature of the disease. Moreover, the blood brain barrier imparts an additional layer of complexity by impeding the delivery of therapeutic agents to the tumor, hence limiting the efficacy of systemically delivered drugs. Hence, to overcome this obstacle and avoid treatment resistance, the local delivery of combination therapies has risen as an appealing adjuvant treatment. The present study describes the creation of a novel PLGA–PEG-PLGA-based nanogel pellet system for the interstitial delivery of Temozolomide (TMZ) and paclitaxel (PTX) to the brain. The nanogel pellet was shown to be stable as a pellet at ambient temperature, absorb water, change to a gel formulation at physiological temperature, and achieve gradual long-term release of TMZ and PTX in vitro. Additionally, in vivo testing of the TMZ/PTX-loaded nanogel pellets in an orthotopic CT2A mouse model and an orthotopic 9L rat model has shown an acceptable safety profile when implanted intracranially and a significant improvement in overall survival.”
PLGA-PEG-PLGA (Cat# AK012, AK019): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK012#h
https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK019#h
NEW: Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
NEW: Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
Fluorescent PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of carrier system for cell immunotherapy as treatment of infection.
Friday, December 13, 2024, 11:15 AM ET
Although periodontitis is an oral infection affecting teeth, it has been strongly associated with diseases of significantly higher morbidity and mortality such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Macrophages (immune cells) can be directed to control immune response as well as healing and other biological processes by attaching cellular backpacks to them. Researchers at Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Niigata University used PLGA-rhodamine and PLGA-CY5 (AV011, AV034) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop particles which can control macrophage behavior. This research holds promise to treat a wide range of disease states. Read more: Nakajima, Mayuka, Neha Kapate, John R. Clegg, Mayumi Ikeda-Imafuku, Kyung Soo Park, Ninad Kumbhojkar, Vinny Chandran Suja et al. "Backpack-carrying macrophage immunotherapy for periodontitis." Journal of Controlled Release 377 (2025): 315-323. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016836592400782X
“Highlights: M2 macrophages can suppress inflammation in periodontitis. IL-4 loaded cellular backpacks (BPs) were engineered for maintaining macrophages in M2 phenotype. M2 cells carrying IL-4 BPs (BP-M2 cells) were injected into the inflamed gingiva. M2 cells remained in the injected tissue and their therapeutic efficacy was observed. BP-M2 cells offer a promising local therapy for treating periodontitis. Abstract: Cell immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic modality to combat unmet medical needs. Macrophages offer a prominent cell therapy modality since their phenotypic plasticity allows them to perform a variety of roles including defending against pathogens, inducing/suppressing adaptive immunity, and aiding in wound healing. At the same time, this plasticity is a major hurdle in implementation of macrophage therapy. This hurdle can be overcome by cellular backpacks (BPs), discoidal particles that adhere on the macrophage surface and regulate M1/M2 phenotypic shift in an environment-independent manner. In this study, we engineered IL-4 BPs for maintaining macrophages in the M2 phenotype to regulate excess inflammation in periodontitis, a major oral infectious disease. IL-4 BPs induced and maintained M2 phenotype in macrophages in vitro for several days. After injection of macrophages carrying IL-4 BPs into the gingiva, the cells stayed in the tissue for over 5 days and maintained the M2 phenotype in the disease sites. Furthermore, treatment with IL-4 BP-macrophages significantly suppressed the disease progression. Altogether, a treatment with BP-carrying macrophages offers a promising local therapy against periodontitis.”
PLGA-Rhodamine (Cat# AV011): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AV011#h
PLGA-Rhodamine (Cat# AV034): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AV034#h
NEW: Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
NEW: Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of advanced radiotherapy of brain cancer
Monday, November 25, 2024, 9:29 AM ET
Glioblastoma is a form of brain cancer which has high mortality and limited treatment options. Currently only surgery and radiotherapy are available as treatments. Radiotherapy can be enhanced by delivery of radiosensitizers to the glioblastoma region. Researchers at Fuzhou University, Fujian Medical University School, and Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University utilized mPEG-PLGA (AK037) to delivery hemin to glioblastoma to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy. This research holds promise to improve therapy of brain tumors in the future. Read more: Yang, Bo, Xiaohang Jiang, Yifan Liu, Guangwei Zheng, Yanjuan Li, Fuli Xin, and Feng Lu. "Erythrocyte Membrane-Camouflaged Hemin-Based Nanoplatform for Radiotherapy of Glioblastoma." ACS Applied Nano Materials (2024). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsanm.4c04992
“Glioblastoma, accounting for 44% of all malignant brain tumors, is characterized by a dismal prognosis due to high mortality, recurrence, and limited survival time. Current standard treatment, radiotherapy, is resistant to the tumor hypoxic microenvironment, which reduces the effect of radiotherapy. Here, we present a nanoplatform, PLGA-Hemin@RBCM (PHR), which leverages the catalase mimetic activity of hemin to convert tumor-elevated H2O2 into oxygen and hydroxyl radicals, improving tumor oxygenation and enhancing radiotherapy sensitivity. The PEG-PLGA nanomicelle delivery platform improves the biocompatibility and stability of the drug and delays the release of the drug. Camouflaging the nanoparticles with red blood cell membranes not only avoids immune clearance but also prolongs circulation time and enhances tumor accumulation via the EPR effect. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate the efficacy of our nanoplatform, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma management in the clinic.”
mPEG-PLGA (Cat# AK037): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK037#h
NEW: Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
NEW: Ashland-TM products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
Extrusion Process Optimization Research Performed Using Ashland PLGA Available for Distribution through PolySciTech
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 3:57 PM ET
Through a partnership with Ashland, PolySciTech provides distribution of PLGA products for non-clinical development purposes (https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/). Recently several of these polymers were utilized in research on hot-melt extrusion processing for development of long-acting implants. This research holds promise to provide for LAIs that can achieve desired drug release profiles for long-term patient care. Read more: Yang, Fengyuan, Ryan Stahnke, Kamaru Lawal, Cory Mahnen, Patrick Duffy, Shuyu Xu, and Thomas Durig. "Development of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA) based implants using hot melt extrusion (HME) for sustained release of drugs: The impacts of PLGA’s material characteristics." International Journal of Pharmaceutics 663 (2024): 124556. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378517324007907
“Hot melt extrusion (HME) processed Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) implant is one of the commercialized drug delivery products, which has solid, well-designed shape and rigid structures that afford efficient locoregional drug delivery on the spot of interest for months. In general, there are a variety of material, processing, and physiological factors that impact the degradation rates of PLGA-based implants and concurrent drug release kinetics. The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of PLGA’s material characteristics on PLGA degradation and subsequent drug release behavior from the implants. Three model drugs (Dexamethasone, Carbamazepine, and Metformin hydrochloride) with different water solubility and property were formulated with different grades of PLGAs possessing distinct co-polymer ratios, molecular weights, end groups, and levels of residual monomer (high/ViatelTM and low/ ViatelTM Ultrapure). Physicochemical characterizations revealed that the plasticity of PLGA was inversely proportional to its molecular weight; moreover, the residual monomer could impose a plasticizing effect on PLGA, which increased its thermal plasticity and enhanced its thermal processability. Although the morphology and microstructure of the implants were affected by many factors, such as processing parameters, polymer and drug particle size and distribution, polymer properties and polymer-drug interactions, implants prepared with ViatelTM PLGA showed a smoother surface and a stronger PLGA-drug intimacy than the implants with ViatelTM Ultrapure PLGA, due to the higher plasticity of the ViatelTM PLGA. Subsequently, the implants with ViatelTM PLGA exhibited less burst release than implants with ViatelTM Ultrapure PLGA, however, their onset and progress of the lag and substantial release phases were shorter and faster than the ViatelTM Ultrapure PLGA-based implants, owing to the residual monomer accelerated the water diffusion and autocatalyzed PLGA hydrolysis. Even though the drug release profiles were also influenced by other factors, such as composition, drug properties and polymer-drug interaction, all three cases revealed that the residual monomer accelerated the swelling and degradation of PLGA and impaired the implant’s integrity, which could negatively affect the subsequent drug release behavior and performance of the implants. These results provided insights to formulators on rational PLGA implant design and polymer selection.”
NEW: Ashland-TM products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
Video: https://youtu.be/h2JEHB5Uvz0
mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of mRNA delivery system for cancer therapy.
Tuesday, November 5, 2024, 4:09 PM ET
The ability to deliver mRNA to cells enable direct formation of desired therapeutic or immune-controlling proteins at the cells directly. This has previously been used as part of the covid vaccine though the technique can also be used for therapies against cancer as well. Researchers at University of Ottawa used mPEG-PLGA (cat# AK010) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop particles to deliver mRNA to tumor cells. This research holds promise to provide for further treatment options for cancer in the future. Read more: El-Sahli, Sara, Shireesha Manturthi, Emma Durocher, Yuxia Bo, Alexandra Akman, Christina Sannan, Melanie Kirkby et al. "Nanoparticle-mediated mRNA delivery to TNBC PDX tumors." (2024). https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-4892937/latest
“mRNA-based therapies can overcome several challenges faced by traditional therapies in treating a variety of diseases by selectively modulating genes/proteins without genomic integration. However, due to mRNA’s poor stability and inherent limitations, nanoparticle (NP) platforms have been developed to deliver functional mRNA into cells. In cancer treatment, mRNA technology has multiple applications, such as restoration of tumor suppressors and activating anti-tumor immunity. Most of these applications have been evaluated using simple cell line-based tumor models, which failed to represent the complexity, heterogeneity, and 3D architecture of patient tumors. This discrepancy has led to inconsistencies and failures in clinical translation. Compared to cell line models, Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models more accurately represent patient tumors and are better suitable for modeling. Therefore, for the first time, this study employed two different TNBC PDX tumors to examine the effects of mRNA-NPs. mRNA-NPs are developed using EGFP-mRNA as a model and studied in TNBC cell lines, ex vivo TNBC PDX organotypic slice cultures, and in vivoTNBC PDX tumors. Our findings show that NPs can effectively accumulate in tumors after intravenous administration, protecting and delivering mRNA to PDX tumors with different genetic and chemosensitivity backgrounds. These studies offer more clinically relevant modeling systems for mRNA nanotherapies for cancer applications.”
mPEG-PLGA (Cat# AK010): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK010#h
NEW: Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
NEW: Ashland-TM products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
These posts are syndicated from John Garner's blog at http://jgakinainc.blogspot.com/ where you can post a question or comment. (Load took 0.30044007301331 seconds)
