Molecularly imprinted nanoparticles as drug carriers to the brain

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Figueiredo, EC (Author) Other; Seabra, CL (Author) Other; Mendes, TV (Author) Other; Rosa, MA (Author) Other; Pinho, CDLN (Author) Other; Figueiredo, DMD (Author) Other; Boralli, VB (Author) Other; Aquino, MK Jr (Author) Other; de Lima, MET (Author) Other; Salette Reis (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Materials Science

Vol. 58

ISSN: 0022-2461

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

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Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Z-DDS

DOI: 10.1007/s10853-023-09053-7

Abstract (EN): Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have a high potential for use as drug delivery carriers. These materials exhibit beneficial properties such as stability, low toxicity, biodegradability, and the ability to form specific binding sites. New systems capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are important for the development of new treatments for nervous central system diseases. Due to the presence of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) receptors in the BBB, some nanomaterials functionalized with ApoE may be efficient systems for the drug delivery in the brain. In this way, a nano-MIP conjugated with ApoE (MIP-ApoE) was synthesized, characterized and evaluated as a possible drug nanocarrier to the brain. A non-imprinted polymer (NIPs) and a NIP conjugated with ApoE (NIP-ApoE) were also synthesized and compared with MIP and MIP-ApoE. The nanoparticles were loaded with donepezil (drug used for a proof-of-principle study), and the formulations were tested for cytocompatibility, in vitro release, and permeability through BBB model using hCMEC/D3 cells. Free donepezil, donepezil-loaded nanoparticles, and unloaded nanoparticles had a hemolytic activity lower than 15% and cell viability greater than 70%. The quantified donepezil in the plasma samples of animals treated with MIP and MIP-ApoE supported the in vitro results of sustainable donepezil release by these nanoparticles. When the nanoparticles were functionalized with ApoE, the permeability in the hCMEC/D3 monolayer increased (1.9 times). The brain samples of animals treated with MIP-ApoE had a slightly lower concentration of donepezil than the MIP treatment. One possible explanation is that, only the MIP-ApoE, with part of the donepezil complexed at its binding sites, can penetrate the brain. As a result, a reduced amount of donepezil remains free to be quantified.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 16