Ginkgo biloba extract-loaded PLGA microcapsules generated from microfluidics for Alzheimer's disease treatment

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common and challenging age-related neurodegenerative disease. Traditional Chinese medicines have certain therapeutic effects on AD intervention with low side effects and high efficiency resulting from the synergistic effect of the composite natural components. For example, ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is one of the most widely used Chinese medicine extracts in the clinic. Recent studies have revealed that GBE can act as a neuroprotective agent to prevent memory loss in a variety of neurodegenerative illnesses. However, the low bioavailability and short half-life of active components in vivo limit their applications. Here, we describe a class of microcapsules (MPs) for sustained GBE delivery that have gelatin methacrylate (GelMa) cores and poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) shells. The encapsulated GBE was slowly released from the solidified MPs along with the degradation of the polymer. In addition, the MPs showed good biocompatibility in cell experiments. When GelMa-PLGA MPs containing GBE were applied to APP/PS1 mice, they reduced amyloid deposition in the mouse brain and improved cognitive impairment. These results indicate that GBE-encapsulated MPs have potential clinical value in treating AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. [Display omitted] •Microcapsules (MPs) for sustained ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) delivery were recruited to overcome limitations associated with variability during MP production and generate functional MPs.•In vivo and in vitro experiments all showed a significant reduction in administration frequency (i.e., from daily medication to once every five days), superior therapeutic efficacy and sufficient safety of these MPs in cell culture and APP/PS1 mice.•GBE-encapsulated MPs could reduce amyloid deposition and improve cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 mice, which have potential clinical value in treating AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Boosting the birth rate of new neurons in the adult hippocampus is a possible treatment method for the management of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies have revealed that Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) can act as a neuroprotective agent to prevent memory loss in a variety of neurodegenerative illnesses. However, the low bioavailability and short half-life of active components in vivo limit their application. Here, we describe a class of microcapsules (MPs) for sustained GBE delivery that have gelatin methacrylate (GelMa) cores and poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide