title: Chitosan/PLGA particles for controlled release of α-tocopherol in the GI tract via oral administration.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The physiochemical properties, controlled release characteristics, stability and cellular uptake of chitosan (Chi)/poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PGLA) and PLGA particles with entrapped α-tocopherol were investigated to understand the behavior of these nanoparticles in the GI tract.
  
  
  METHODS
  Chi/PLGA and PLGA particles stabilized by lecithin were synthesized and fully characterized for oral gastrointestinal delivery via transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence microscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Particle stability was pH- and system-dependent. In vitro release profiles showed a higher percentage of drug released in the intestinal domain by Chi/PLGA as opposed to the PLGA nanoparticles. Fluorescent counterparts of these particles were confirmed to associate with the surface of the intestinal villi, and penetrate deep in the endothelial lining of rabbit intestinal explants, indicating uptake.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In vitro and ex vivo results showed that PLGA and Chi/PLGA nanoparticles were efficiently taken up by the GI tract and could be optimized to deliver α-tocopherol to the intestine and improve its bioavailability.
authors.affiliation: Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
authors.forename: Abitha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Murugeshu
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Astete
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Leonardi
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: Cristina M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Sabliov
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry*; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000378:metabolism*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011817:Rabbits; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid; D048271:Chitosan; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol