Abstract
Objectives/Hypothesis: There is a need for a slow-release system for local delivery of therapeutics to the larynx. Most therapeutic substances, such as steroids or chemotherapeutic agents that are injected into the larynx are cleared rapidly. Repeated laryngeal injection of these substances at short intervals is impractical. Injectable encapsulated poly(lactide-coglycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles offer a potential slow-release delivery system for biologically active substances in the larynx.
Study Design: Controlled animal study.
Methods: PLGA nanoparticles were fabricated using a double emulsion method and were loaded with Texas Red-dextran (NPTR), hepatocyte growth factor (NPHGF), and bovine serum albumin (NPBSA). In vitro release of NPTR, NPBSA, and NPHGF was determined over approximately 2 weeks to assess potential duration of PLGA nanoparticle delivery. In vivo release of NPTR was assessed in a murine vocal fold injection model. The transcriptional effect of NPHGF on procollagen was measured in vitro to assess whether released growth factor retained functionality.
Results: In vitro release kinetics demonstrated slow release of NPTR, NPBSA, and NPHGF over 12 to 14 days. In vitro NPTR release correlated with in vivo results. In vivo presence of NPTR occurred up to 7 days compared to 1 day for Texas Red control. In addition, NPHGF ameliorated transforming growth factor-beta induced procollagen in vitro in 3T3 fibroblast cells.
Conclusions: The results demonstrate the potential utility of nanoparticle encapsulation as an effective method for long-term delivery of specific drugs and biologically active substances to the larynx.
