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PLGA/Liposome Hybrid Nanoparticles for Short-Chain Ceramide Delivery

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ABSTRACT

Purpose

Rapid premature release of lipophilic drugs from liposomal lipid bilayer to plasma proteins and biological membranes is a challenge for targeted drug delivery. The purpose of this study is to reduce premature release of lipophilic short-chain ceramides by encapsulating ceramides into liposomal aqueous interior with the aid of poly (lactic-coglycolicacid) (PLGA).

Methods

BODIPY FL labeled ceramide (FL-ceramide) and BODIPY-TR labeled ceramide (TR-ceramide) were encapsulated into carboxy-terminated PLGA nanoparticles. The negatively charged PLGA nanoparticles were then encapsulated into cationic liposomes to obtain PLGA/liposome hybrids. As a control, FL-ceramide and/or TR ceramide co-loaded liposomes without PLGA were prepared. The release of ceramides from PLGA/liposome hybrids and liposomes in rat plasma, cultured MDA-MB-231 cells, and rat blood circulation was compared using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between FL-ceramide (donor) and TR-ceramide (acceptor).

Results

FRET analysis showed that FL-ceramide and TR-ceramide in liposomal lipid bilayer were rapidly released during incubation with rat plasma. In contrast, the FL-ceramide and TR-ceramide in PLGA/liposome hybrids showed extended release. FRET images of cells revealed that ceramides in liposomal bilayer were rapidly transferred to cell membranes. In contrast, ceramides in PLGA/liposome hybrids were internalized into cells with nanoparticles simultaneously. Upon intravenous administration to rats, ceramides encapsulated in liposomal bilayer were completely released in 2 min. In contrast, ceramides encapsulated in the PLGA core were retained in PLGA/liposome hybrids for 4 h.

Conclusions

The PLGA/liposome hybrid nanoparticles reduced in vitro and in vivo premature release of ceramides and offer a viable platform for targeted delivery of lipophilic drugs.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND DISCLOSURES

This work was partially supported by the National Institutes of Health (RO1 CA120023 and R21 CA143474); University of Michigan Cancer Center Research Grant (Munn); and University of Michigan Cancer Center Core Grant to DS.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48108, USA

    Peng Zou & Duxin Sun

  2. Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, SAIC-Frederick, Inc. NCI-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, 21702, USA

    Stephan T. Stern

  3. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Michigan, Room 2020, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA

    Duxin Sun

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  1. Peng Zou
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Correspondence to Duxin Sun.

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Zou, P., Stern, S.T. & Sun, D. PLGA/Liposome Hybrid Nanoparticles for Short-Chain Ceramide Delivery. Pharm Res 31, 684–693 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-013-1190-5

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