title: A novel nanoparticle delivery system for in vivo targeting of the sciatic nerve: impact on regeneration.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Innovative solutions in the development of drug delivery systems targeting the nerve tissue are awaited. In this regard, a novel system for the delivery of drugs to the sciatic nerve was created using nanomedical principles.
  
  
  METHODS
  Chitosan was the vehicle material used in the experiment. Heparin bound to growth factors has been administered to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration, and since heparin possesses the appropriate charge to be able to form nanoparticles with chitosan, it appears to be a good candidate to base this new delivery system on.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Maximal absorption took place throughout the extracellular matrix at day 15. No major inflammatory response was observed, indicating that this is a safe and biocompatible system for drug delivery to nerves. Sensorimotor performance and nerve regeneration of mice receiving these nanoparticles were superior as compared with controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our work demonstrates a versatile nanoparticle delivery system that successfully targets drugs 'in vivo' to the sciatic nerve, opening novel avenues in the field of nanomedicine to the design of therapeutic strategies that enhance axonal regeneration.
authors.affiliation: Unidade de Neurobiologia Molecular, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular - 4150-180 Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Nádia Pereira
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Gonçalves
authors.forename: Hugo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: Ana Paula
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Pêgo
authors.forename: Maria João
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Saraiva
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007249:Inflammation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051379:Mice; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D006493:Heparin; D048271:Chitosan