title: Size dependency of PLGA-nanoparticle uptake and antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Itraconazole and coumarin-6 loaded polylactic-co-glycolic acid-nanoparticles (PLGA-ITZ- and PLGA-C6-NPs) were synthesized and tested for fungal cell uptake and antifungal ability based on particle size.
  
  
  METHODS
  PLGA-ITZ- and PLGA-C6-NPs were synthesized using an oil-in-water emulsion evaporation method. Fungal cell uptake and antifungal activity of the polymeric NPs was tested on Aspergillus flavus.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PLGA-C6-NPs of 203 nm associated with fungal cell surfaces and internalized efficiently, while 1206 nm NPs associated with cell surfaces were internalized less efficiently. Antifungal studies of PLGA-ITZ-NPs of 232, 630 and 1060 nm showed differences in inhibitory activity with 232 nm NPs showing superior activity at the lowest ITZ concentration of 0.003 mg/ml, followed by 630 and 1060 nm NPs. No differences in antifungal activity were observed at higher ITZ concentrations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The PLGA-ITZ-NP system can increase bioavailability of ITZ by improving its aqueous dispersibility and efficiently delivering ITZ to fungal cells via endocytosis.
authors.affiliation: Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA.
authors.forename: Nipur R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Damann
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Leonardi
authors.forename: Cristina M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Sabliov
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001231:Aspergillus flavus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid