PEG Functionalized Gold Nanoparticle Loaded PLGA Films for Drug Delivery

A novel composite of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNP-PEG) dispersed within Poly (lactic-go-glycolic) (PLGA) films, were prepared to demonstrate the concept of a combined targeted and sustained implant material. This technology offers the promise of improved therapies for difficult to treat tumors such as Gliomas. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized via a modified Turkevich method, were functionalized with thiol terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG), washed using centrifugation, dried, re-suspended in a solution of PLGA in dichloromethane and finally vacuum dried to produce the solvent cast films. The degradation and nanoparticle release profile of these films were studied by immersion in PBS media at 37 °C over periods of up-to 58 days. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was conducted. The release of the AuNPs-PEG nanoparticles during degradation was studied using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). It was observed that the AuNP-PEG nanoparticles were individually dispersed within the PLGA and that their addition extended the degradation time of the PLGA film, but did not appear to alter the nature of degradation. The nanoparticle release from the composite films displayed an approximately zero-order release profile.