title: Preparation and characterization of PLGA nanospheres loaded with inactivated influenza virus, CpG-ODN and Quillaja saponin.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was preparation and evaluation of PLGA nanospheres containing the influenza virus and different adjuvants, Quillaja saponin (QS) and CpG-ODN.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nanospheres were prepared using the double emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The morphological and physicochemical properties were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), determination of zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and release profile.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The particle size of formulations was less than 1000 nm, except for formulations containing antigen. The results were confirmed with SEM images. Encapsulation efficiency of antigen, QS and CpG ODN were 80%, 62% and 31%, respectively. The zeta potential of nanospheres was about -30 mV. The burst release was observed for all encapsulates and reached to about 48%, 44% and 35% within 90 min for antigen, CpG-ODN and Qs content, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The formulations showed proper physicochemical properties. These nanospheres have good potential to be used as delivery systems/adjuvants for immunization against influenza.
authors.affiliation: Student Research Committee, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mohajer
authors.affiliation: Department of Food and Drug Control, Students Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Bahman
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Khameneh
authors.affiliation: Nanotechnology Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohsen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tafaghodi
keywords: CpG-ODN; Influenza antigen; PLGA nanospheres; Quillaja saponin