Nanoparticles are a relatively novel tool of modern science. The synthesis of individual particles for biological use allows for a variability of a wide range of properties, such as: bioavailability, solubility, metabolic degradation, and many others. However, with such a high potential for dissimilarity, there have been surprisingly few articles comparing the properties of two different nanoparticles.
Scientists at the New Jersey Center for Biomaterials, including the Center’s Director, Joachim Kohn, recently published a paper in Scientific Reports comparing nanospheres made of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and tyrosine-derived nanoparticles (TyroSpheres), the latter developed in the NJCBM Laboratories, as carriers for cyclosporine A (CSA). By adapting well-documented protocols used for PLGA, similar procedures were followed/adapted to elucidate the properties associated with TyroSpheres.
Nanoparticles characterization, solubility of CSA, In vitro release of CSA, stability, preparation of dry formulations, and penetration studies were all evaluated. Rather than having this blog post becoming overly pedantic, it would be best for those interested in the individual results to read the article, “Formulation Strategy for the Delivery of Cyclosporine A: Comparison of Two Polymeric Nanospheres”. Both particles exhibited notable differences, however neither was a clear winner in all categories. For instance, In vitro release of CSA in TyroSpheres showed an initial burst followed by a sustained release for 7 days while PLGA released CSA in a sustained manner over 21 days. Both are therapeutically advantageous depending on the situation.
Both PLGA nanospheres and TyroSpheres have benefits for certain biological applications. When deciding which to use, it is imperative to understand the situation. Please read the “Formulation Strategy for the Delivery of Cyclosporine A: Comparison of Two Polymeric Nanospheres” in order to get a much clearer picture on the comparison of both nanoparticles.
