Akinalytics
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Polymer Blog
Technical Blog
John Garner, General ManagerA blog dedicated to answering technical questions in an open format relating to products from PolySciTech, a division of Akina, Inc.
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PCL from PolySciTech used in development of pH responsive nanocarriers for arthritis treatment
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1:19 PM ET
Psoralen is a naturally occurring furanocoumarin which can interact with DNA chains and is highly light sensitive. Due to it’s interactions with DNA, any medical use of it must be carefully localized to prevent unwanted side effects. Researchers at China Three Gorges University used PCL (AP257, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP257#h) from PolySciTech : Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop pH sensitive nanocarriers which deliver psoralen to the site of arthritis. This research holds promise to develop a treatment for this debilitating disease. Read more: Zhu, Lixian, Zhijie Gao, Tengyue Zhang, Hechao Zhao, Dexian Zeng, and Yanhua Wang. "Psoralen-loaded polycaprolactone microspheres: A pH-responsive drug carrier for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis." Materials Chemistry and Physics 354 (2026): 132185. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254058426001768
“Developing novel drug carriers for delivery of psoralen (PSO) is crucial to inhibit the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This work aims to develop PSO-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres through a single emulsion solvent evaporation route, improving the bioavailability and controllable release of PSO. The resulting PCL@PSO microspheres are characterized by multiple physicochemical techniques. Results show the loading of PSO onto PCL, via surface adsorption, increases the size and specific surface area. Accordingly, the encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of PCL@PSO microspheres are (87.77 ± 0.07)% and (12.28 ± 0.01)%, respectively. Strikingly, such microspheres exhibit pH-responsive drug kinetics, predominantly releasing PSO in alkaline environments in contrast with neutral or acidic conditions. This release pattern, mostly caused by diffusion, is conducive to inhibit inflammatory response whilst promote osteanagenesis in bone microenvironment. Cell experiments confirm PCL@PSO microspheres are cytocompatible with BMSCs cell but strongly toxic to RBL-2H3 cell. Mechanistically, mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, as evidenced by the up-regulation of pro-apoptosis proteins such as Caspase3, Cyto-c and Bax, is activated by PCL@PSO via increased ROS and reduced mitochondria membrane potentials. Further, the up-regulation of APC and LATS1, and the down-regulation of OIP5 are contributed to the apoptosis of RBL-2H3 cell. Moreover, PCL@PSO could down-regulate the expression of histamine receptor HRH1 in RBL-2H3 cell, thereby inhibiting inflammation expansion. However, the study is limited by the absence of in vivo animal validation, and the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. In particular, the upstream regulatory pathways governing ROS generation have yet to be comprehensively investigated. Conclusively, it is feasible to use PCL@PSO microspheres as candidate micro-carriers to deliver PSO, terminally inhibiting inflammatory response whilst promoting osteanagenesis, especially for individuals suffered from rheumatoid arthritis.”
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PLA-PCL-PEG-PCL-PLA from PolySciTech used in development of dexamethasone loaded nanoparticles to investigate glaucoma
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 8:57 AM ET
Steroidal anti-inflammatories are a powerful class of drugs for management of inflammation however these have serious side-effects. Steroid-induced glaucoma (SIG) is a secondary, often silent, form of open-angle glaucoma caused by elevated eye pressure (intraocular pressure, or IOP) from prolonged corticosteroid use. Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Duke University, and Spelman College, utilized PLA-PCL-PEG-PCL-PLA (AK099, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK099#h) from PolySciTech : Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to research the pathology of glaucoma by inducing the disease state in a mouse model and exploring the factors contributing to IOP. This research holds promise to provide a better understanding of this often blinding disease. Read more: Wong, Cydney A., A. Thomas Read, Guorong Li, Amia Loveless, Nina Sara Fraticelli Guzman, Andrew J. Feola, Todd Sulchek, W. Daniel Stamer, and C. Ross Ethier. "Segmental outflow and trabecular meshwork stiffness in an ocular hypertensive mouse model." bioRxiv (2026): 2026-02. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.03.703547.abstract
“Purpose Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) due to increased outflow resistance through the trabecular meshwork (TM) is a major risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma. Outflow through the TM is segmental, consisting of high flow (HF) and low flow (LF) regions. Here, we investigate how ocular hypertension impacts segmental outflow using a dexamethasone (DEX) mouse model and compare TM stiffness between HF and LF regions. Methods Nanoparticles containing DEX or vehicle were injected twice weekly in 2–4-month-old C57BL/6J mice (n=14), and IOP was measured weekly. At week 4, mouse eyes were perfused in vivo with fluorescent nanospheres to assess flow patterns and the circumferential percentage of high, intermediate, and low flow regions in each eye. Sagittal sections were collected from HF and LF regions, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to measure tissue stiffness. Immunofluorescent labeling was used to compare fibronectin and α-SMA protein levels. Results DEX treatment significantly elevated IOP by an average of 33.3% and altered tracer distribution but not the percentage of HF and LF regions around the circumference. No significant differences in TM stiffness were detected between DEX-treated and control mice, or between HF and LF regions. Increased fibronectin in LF regions of DEX-treated eyes suggested subtle TM structural changes that were not detected by AFM. Conclusions Dexamethasone alters segmental flow distribution and may impact cell contractility rather than ECM stiffness to cause IOP elevation in young mice. These findings better characterize the nature of segmental outflow and TM mechanics in this model of steroid-induced glaucoma.”
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Website Notice: 2/11/2026
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 9:36 AM ET
Akina, Inc.'s web server is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Thank you for your patience as we work on this issue. To place orders or make inquiries, please call 765-464-0501. For sales inquiries please contact salesakinainc@gmail.com and for technical inquiries please contact jgakinainc@gmail.com
mPEG-PLA from PolySciTech used in research on micelle formation and behavior.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 8:53 AM ET
“Polymeric micelles have the potential to improve the efficacy and safety of drug delivery by improving drug solubility, enhancing bioaccumulation and reducing off-target toxicity. Despite excellent safety profiles, a major limitation with polymeric micelles is their inability to rapidly release their payload once they have reached their target, leading to the inadequate delivery of therapeutic doses. To address this limitation, we have developed a novel strategy to impart pH-responsiveness in non-responsive micelles through the co-encapsulation of oligoelectrolytes with drugs. Herein, we investigate the influence of copolymer composition and drug identity in combination with oligoelectrolyte—oligo(2-vinyl pyridine) (OVP)—loading on pH-triggered drug release from micelles and their cytotoxicity. A library of OVP-loaded micelles was prepared using conventional and well-established non-responsive block copolymers. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used to monitor the changes in the micelles as a function of pH. Regardless of the copolymer composition, an abrupt decrease in the hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) was observed as the pH was reduced due to OVP expulsion from the core, which was also confirmed by release studies. In general, co-encapsulation of OVP and model drugs (doxorubicin (DOX), gossypol (GP), paclitaxel (PX), and 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN38)) in the micelles provided good to excellent encapsulation efficiency percentage (EE%) values. In vitro studies revealed the pH triggered release of drugs from the OVP-loaded micelles regardless of the drug identity, which increased as the OVP loading increased. This general behaviour was observed in all cases, largely independent of the copolymer composition, albeit with subtle differences in the release profile for different drugs. Compared to their blank counterparts, the drug-loaded micelles displayed a slight increase in cytotoxicity against a panel of cancer cell lines, in a dose dependent manner. However, drug- and OVP-loaded micelles displayed a significant increase in cytotoxicity (up to 8-fold increase) that was independent of the copolymer composition. These results demonstrate the versatility of the oligoelectrolyte-mediated approach to furnish non-responsive micelles with a pH-trigger that allows the rapid release of drugs, regardless of the micelle composition or the drug identity. Keywords: diblock copolymer, polymeric micelles, oligoelectrolyte, pH-responsive, triggered release, drug delivery”
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PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of delivery system for mallotumide A as a treatment for triple negative breast cancer
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 2:09 PM ET
Mallotumide is a cycloheptapeptide with anticancer activity. To this date, triple-negative breast cancer remains resistant to most treatment options. Researchers at Mahidol University and Academia Sinica, PLGA (AP059, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP059#h) from PolySciTech : Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop a targeted, nanoparticle for anticancer therapy towards this form of breast cancer. This research holds promise to provide for treatment against breast cancer. Read more: Manohong, Preeyanuch, Natthapat Sawektreeratana, Sopon Nuchpun, Tipaporn Kumkoon, Pattaree Payomhom, Chayanee Laowittawat, Sarawut Jitrapakdee et al. "Encapsulation of Plant‐Derived Cycloheptapeptide Mallotumide A in Riboflavin‐Modified Poly (Lactic‐Co‐Glycolic Acid)/Chitosan Nanoparticles." Macromolecular Materials and Engineering 311, no. 1 (2026): e00385. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/mame.202500385
“Mallotumide A (MA) is a novel cycloheptapeptide isolated from the roots of Mallotus spodocarpus Airy Shaw. It exerts anticancer activity by downregulating several lipogenic enzymes and cellular respiration, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer. However, MA has poor water solubility and is highly toxic to both cancer and normal cells, limiting its therapeutic applications. To address these drawbacks, MA was encapsulated within poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) and coated with riboflavin (Rf)-modified chitosan (CR), creating (MA)PLGA/CR NPs. This study characterized the NPs and investigated their encapsulation efficiency of MA, cellular uptake, and anticancer activity in two breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and normal (MCF-10A) cell lines. The NPs were spherical with an average size of 300 ± 6.64 nm and a zeta potential of +11.96 mV. The PLGA/CR NPs exhibited enhanced cellular uptake in both cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, while reducing toxicity in normal cells. Furthermore, the (MA)PLGA/CR NPs inhibited the viability, migration, and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells, thereby demonstrating their potential as a targeted anticancer delivery system.”
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PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of bone-tissue scaffolding for tissue regeneration
Thursday, January 22, 2026, 2:01 PM ET
In order to heal defects in bone caused by either disease or trauma, there needs to be a scaffold or a structure for bone cells to attach to and grow. Ideally this structure would mimic the properties of the natural extracellular matrix of bone. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University and Westlake University (China) Used PLGA (Cat# AP230, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP230#h) from PolySciTech : Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) as part of their development of bone tissue scaffolding. This research holds promise to improve regenerative medicine. Read more: Wang, Yuqi, Su Yan, Xinyu Tan, Ethan Gerhard, Hui Xu, Haiyue Jiang, and Jian Yang. "The genesis of citrated ultrathin hydroxyapatite nanorods." Science Advances 12, no. 3 (2026): eaeb6538. https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/sciadv.aeb6538
“Ideal orthopedic biomaterials should replicate both the hierarchical structure and exceptional mechanical strength of natural bone. Traditional polymer-hydroxyapatite composites, typically limited up to 40 wt % hydroxyapatite, offer only modest mechanical improvements. Efforts to enhance strength by using stiffer polymers have largely failed, as increased polymer stiffness does not translate to improved composite mechanics. In contrast, natural bone’s load-bearing capability arises from the synergy between citrate, soft collagen, and ultrathin hydroxyapatite nanocrystals (~3 nanometers). Here, we show that elastic poly(octamethylene citrate) enables up to 60 wt % hydroxyapatite incorporation, mimicking the bone’s mineral content. Through a top-down “citrification” process and hot pressing, hydroxyapatite microparticles are partially dissolved and recrystallized into superthin (~5 nanometers) nanorods, enhancing organic-inorganic integration and replicating bone’s Ca/P ratios and architecture. The resulting composites exhibit compressive strengths exceeding 250 megapascals, unprecedented in polymer-mineral systems, offering a molecular design strategy for next-generation load-bearing orthopedic implants.”
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PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of bone-targeting nanoparticles for treatment of MRSA
Monday, January 12, 2026, 9:07 AM ET
Bacterial infection of bone tissue is extremely difficult to treat due to poor drug delivery. Researchers at Temple University (Philadelphia) used PLGA (Cat# AP022, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP022#h) ) from PolySciTech : Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop bone-targeting nanoparticles for treatment of bone-MRSA. This research holds promise to provide treatment for this disease. Read more: Guo, Pengbo, Bettina A. Buttaro, Hui Yi Xue, Ngoc T. Tran, and Ho Lun Wong. "Bone-targeting lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for less invasive, injectable local antibiotic treatment of bone infections by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)." International Journal of Pharmaceutics (2025): 126539. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378517325013766
“Effective treatment of osteomyelitis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) requires sufficiently high antibiotic concentrations at the infected bone sites. Local drug therapy such as antibiotic-impregnated beads or cement is a valuable option but requires invasive surgical procedures for implantation and sometimes removal. In this study, lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles decorated with alendronate, known as bone-targeting nanoparticles (BTN), were tailored for local antibiotic treatment of MRSA-osteomyelitis in a bone-targeting fashion. BTN loading linezolid demonstrated size around 100 nm in diameter that remained stable in serum- or calcium- supplemented medium, encapsulation efficiency around 60 % and controlled drug release properties, and were shown to be significantly more effective than free linezolid against MRSA both in their biofilm and intracellular forms. Significant bone-targeting affinity was demonstrated in hydroxyapatite screening (5.5-fold enhancement over no-alendronate nanoparticles) and ex vivo porcine bone model. BTN injected into animal legs resulted in lasting local bone-accumulation of nanoparticles with minimal distribution to most remote organs, leading to up to 34.9-fold antibiotic level enhancement at the injected bone legs over free drug group. In animal osteomyelitis model, BTN groups achieved multiple log10 scale reduction (p < 0.01) in bacteria CFU counts post-treatment with less blood platelet count reduction (p < 0.05) when compared with free drug group. Overall, this study highlights the excellent potential of a more active, less invasive nanodelivery-based approach for targeting those poorly accessible MRSA pathogens of osteomyelitis.”
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PLGA from Akina, Inc. used in development of microneedle patches for transdermal delivery of biologics.
Thursday, January 8, 2026, 4:37 PM ET
Microneedles are a series of small, polymeric pointed features that penetrate the skin very slightly and allow for transdermal drug delivery. Researchers at University of Missouri-Kansas City used PLGA (Cat# AP320, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP320#h) from PolySciTech : Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop microneedles loaded with peptides or proteins. This research holds promise to provide for transdermal delivery of these medicines. Read more: Hasan, Reaid, Yuhan Guo, Zhen Zhao, Yongren Li, Umar-Farouk Mamani, and Kun Cheng. "An Emulsion-Based Microneedle Formulation for Transdermal Delivery of Peptide Therapeutics." ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering (2025). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.5c01566
“Polymeric microneedle patches represent a promising noninvasive platform for the transdermal delivery of peptide and protein therapeutics, and FDA-approved polymers are widely used for this purpose. However, maintaining peptide and protein stability during microneedle fabrication remains a significant challenge. Conventional strategies involve encapsulating within polymer nanoparticles/microparticles, or codissolving them with polymers in organic solvents before microneedle fabrication. These approaches are time-consuming and often lead to low loading efficiency and drug loss. In this study, we developed a novel direct emulsion-based encapsulation strategy that integrates peptides within the PLGA matrix during microneedle formation. This approach generates a uniform water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion that ensures homogeneous peptide dispersion while minimizing interfacial stress, eliminating the need for multistep spraying or postloading processes. The optimized PLGA-based microneedles exhibited uniform geometry, high drug-loading capacity, and strong mechanical integrity suitable for skin penetration. The encapsulated peptide maintains its biological activity after fabrication and during storage, confirming excellent peptide stability. In vivo studies demonstrated successful skin insertion and sustained peptide release for up to 72 h, supporting the potential of this platform for prolonged transdermal peptide delivery. Overall, this work presents a scalable, biocompatible, and solvent-safe microneedle fabrication strategy that preserves peptide functionality while enabling controlled drug release, making it a promising strategy for transdermal peptide therapeutics.”
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PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of antigen delivery system for diagnostic applications
Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 11:35 AM ET
Immune system response is a critical parameter in inflammatory diseases, autoimmunity, cancer, and other pathological conditions. Researchers at University of Michigan and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute used PLGA (cat# AP125 and AP073) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to create antigen-conjugated scaffolds for T-cell analysis. This research holds promise to provide for diagnostic applications regarding the immune state in various pathological states. Read more: Wheeler, Sydney N., Mary E. Dickenson, Connor N. Joyce, Samantha N. Lukpat, Leon JMW Wagner, Andrés R. Muñoz-Rojas, and Aaron H. Morris. "Antigen-conjugated scaffolds enable sustained delivery of antigen and enrichment of antigen-specific T-cells." Journal of Controlled Release (2025): 114564. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168365925011782
“Conjugation of peptide to polymer enables precise loading of biomaterial scaffolds. Ag-conjugated scaffolds exhibit sustained release of biologically active antigen. Ag delivery enriches specific CD4 T-cell clones at defined locations in vivo. Platform can deliver various antigens, including autoantigens. Approach has potential utility to monitor rare Ag-specific cells without expansion. Abstract: A thorough understanding of T-cell dynamics and interactions could improve patient care in autoimmunity, cancer immunotherapy, and myriad other conditions, yet monitoring antigen-specific T-cell clones is challenging. T-cells recognize antigens presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the context of major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs). Specific T-cell clones are rare in the blood (<1 in 100,000), and thus cell expansion which consequently alters cell phenotype and function is typically necessary before analysis. This motivates the development of new methods for enriching T-cell populations of interest without phenotypically altering them. Recent work has demonstrated that implantable biomaterial systems can recruit disease-relevant cells in autoimmune conditions, and that if antigens are present, antigen-specific T-cells become enriched in these materials. To date, antigen-loaded materials have exhibited uncontrolled loading, burst release, and subsequent T-cell exhaustion. In this report, we engineer a novel biomaterial antigen delivery system by conjugating antigens to the polymer backbone prior to porous scaffold fabrication. We demonstrate that this technique enables precise antigen loading via ratiometric mixing of modified and unmodified polymer. We show controlled release of antigen into the microenvironment and demonstrate that released antigen is processed and presented by APCs. Using this fabrication method, we achieve sustained release of peptide antigens over a period of 3 weeks in vitro. When implanted in healthy mice, these antigen-conjugated scaffolds are invaded by host myeloid and lymphoid cells and exhibit a dose-dependent enrichment of systemically circulating antigen-specific T-cell populations, while avoiding significant T-cell exhaustion. Finally, we apply this system to an autoantigen from multiple sclerosis (MS) and show release and interaction with autoantigen-specific T-cells. Using this technique, disease-relevant T-cells can be recruited for diagnostic assessment or for immunological research. Future work will investigate the potential of these systems to monitor disease onset and progression in vivo, co-deliver multiple antigens for assessment of epitope spreading, therapeutically target disease-relevant cells within a local niche in situ, and expand the platform for controlled delivery of therapeutic peptides in models beyond autoimmunity.”
PLGA (https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP125#h , https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP073#h)
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PLGA-PEG-NHS from PolySciTech:Akina used in development of camptothecin-loaded nanoparticles for cancer therapy
Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 11:43 AM ET
One method to treat cancer is to induce apoptosis, programmed cellular death, of the cancer cells. Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast and Juntendo University School of Medicine used PLGA-PEG-NHS (Cat# AI064) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to create targeted nanoparticles for treatment of cancer. This research holds promise to provide for improved cancer therapies in the future. Read more: Boland, Anna J., Michelle K. Greene, Úna M. Herron, Michael C. Johnston, Peter Smyth, Hideo Yagita, Daniel B. Longley, and Christopher J. Scott. "Antitumor Activity of Death Receptor 5-Targeted Camptothecin-Loaded Nanoparticles in Murine Syngeneic Models." Biomacromolecules (2025). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.biomac.5c01884
“Death receptor 5 (DR5) is a key mediator of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway that is often upregulated in tumors, rendering it an attractive target for cancer therapy. Activation of DR5 requires oligomerization, which can be achieved through multivalent presentation of DR5 ligands on nanoparticles. DR5-targeted nanoparticles can efficiently agonize DR5 to inhibit the growth of human xenografts, although it remains unclear whether these effects would translate to a syngeneic tumor model with an immunocompetent microenvironment. Here, we develop camptothecin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles coated with the murine DR5 antibody MD5–1 and demonstrate their pro-apoptotic effects in murine cell lines in vitro. Moreover, we show that these nanoparticles inhibit the growth of MC38 colorectal allografts in vivo by >90% relative to control nanoparticles. Collectively, our work confirms that the antitumor efficacy of DR5-targeted nanoparticles extends to syngeneic models, paving the way for future studies to explore their impact on tumor immunity and the surrounding microenvironment.”
PLGA-PEG-NHS (https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AI064#h)
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PEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used to develop nanoparticles for broad-acting antiviral vaccine
Thursday, December 11, 2025, 1:26 PM ET
Eliciting an immune response suitable enough for a vaccine to be effective typically requires the use of adjuvants. These compounds are not the antibody target, directly, but act to increase the action of the immune system against the antibody targets they are packaged with. Researchers at University of Texas Austin, Indiana University School of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Virgina Polytechnic Institute, used mPEG-PLGA (Cat# AK010) available from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to create TLR7 loaded nanoparticles to work as adjuvants increasing vaccine efficacy. This research holds promise to develop potent vaccines against a wide array of viral diseases. Read more: Huang, Sijin, Kanella M. Cohen, Liqiang Chen, Xiaowo Kang, Chang Liu, Megan E. Demouth, Wenxia Jiang et al. "Nanoparticle Adjuvant Design Enhances Germinal Center Responses Targeting Conserved Subdominant Epitopes for Pan‐Coronavirus Vaccine Development." Advanced Science (2025): e12100. https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/advs.202512100
“Current SARS-CoV-2 vaccines primarily elicit antibodies targeting the variable receptor-binding domain in the S1 subunit of the spike protein, resulting in limited cross-reactivity and short-lived immunity against emerging variants. The conserved S2 subunit presents a promising vaccine target for broad and durable protection, but the immunodominance in vaccine-induced germinal center (GC) responses hinders effective antibody generation against S2. Here, a polymeric toll-like receptor 7 agonist nanoparticle (TLR7-NP) adjuvant is reported, well designed to enhance lymph node targeting and more efficiently activate S2-specific B cells. When combined with Alum-adsorbed SARS-CoV-2 HexaPro spike protein, TLR7-NP promotes early GC recruitment of S2-specific B cells and overcomes the immunodominance, leading to early and robust S2-specific antibody responses. Compared to conventional TLR7-Alum adjuvanted subunit vaccine and clinically used SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine, TLR7-NP adjuvant induces stronger humoral immune responses across sarbecoviruses and betacoronaviruses and promotes long-lived plasma cell and memory B cell formation. These findings present a direct B cell-activating adjuvant approach for effective pan-coronavirus vaccine development.”
mPEG-PLGA (https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK010#h)
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Purasorb(R) PLGA purchased from PolySciTech used in development of microfluidic nanoparticles for delivery of siRNA
Thursday, December 11, 2025, 11:56 AM ET
Silencing RNA (siRNA) is a powerful tool which can inhibit
the expression of select genes by binding to the respective counter-coded messenger
RNA and preventing its transcription. It is, however, limited by its
susceptibility to degradation by endogenous enzymes requiring a delivery system
to transport it to the cell. Researchers at University of Napoli, University of
Campania, University of Milano (Italy) used Purasorb (R) PLGA (Cat# CB001) available
from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com)
as a distributed product from Corbion to develop a microfluidic system for
delivery of siRNA. This research holds promise to provide for improved
therapies in the future. Read more: Villano, Ersilia, Teresa Silvestri, Susy
Brusco, Erika Esposito, Chiara Infolfi, Thomas L. Moore, Emma Mitidieri et al.
"Emulsion-Solvent diffusion in a double-chip microfluidic platform for
scalable production of Lipid@ PLGA nanoparticles delivering siRNA
therapeutics." International Journal of Pharmaceutics (2025):
126440. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378517325012773
“Abstract: Scalable nanoparticle manufacturing remains
a key bottleneck in the clinical translation of RNA-based nanomedicines. In
this study, we demonstrate the successful adaptation of a conventional
emulsion–solvent diffusion protocol into an automated microfluidic workflow,
illustrating its potential for streamlined and scalable nanoparticle
production. Using the Sunshine™ microfluidic platform (Unchained Labs), we
systematically optimized formulation and process parameters to produce
siRNA-loaded hybrid lipid–polymer nanoparticles, featuring a
poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) core and a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine
shell (mDPPC@PLGA hNPs). Optimised mDPPC@PLGA hNPs exhibited key technological
features, matching or exceeding the quality of their benchtop equivalents
(bDPPC@PLGA hNPs). Using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a stabilizer,
monodisperse mDPPC@PLGA hNPs with controlled size (<170 nm) and consistent
zeta potential (–30 mV) were achieved with production yields ≥ 40 %. The
ability of mDPPC@PLGA hNPs to effectively entrap and slowly release a siRNA
targeting nuclear factor NF-κB (siNFκB) was successfully demonstrated.
Structural characterization through thermodynamic and SAXS analyses confirmed
that the microfluidic produced hNPs retained comparable internal architecture
to their benchtop counterparts. Most notably, siNFκB-loaded mDPPC@PLGA hNPs
resulted in effective in vitro downregulation of NFκB in
lipopolysaccharide-stimulated A549 lung epithelial cells. Collectively, these
results establish a novel and robust approach for the scalable fabrication of
functional, siRNA-loaded hybrid nanoparticles via emulsion–solvent diffusion,
leveraging a commercially available, automated microfluidic system with a
serial chip configuration. Schematic representation of the adaptation of the
bench-top emulsion–solvent diffusion protocol to a microfluidic automated
nanoparticle synthesis system with a double-chip in series configuration for
the preparation of siRNA-loaded lipid@PLGA hNPs.”
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PLGA from PolySciTech : Akina used in development of discoidal particles for treatment of blood-clots
Tuesday, November 25, 2025, 11:45 AM ET
Blood clots can form in vessels leading to thromboembolism which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Researchers at Yonsei University, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, and Korea University used PLGA (Cat# AP082) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop disc-shaped particles loaded with Fucoidan drug to prevent clotting. This research holds promise to provide for treatment of blood-clotting related diseases. Read more: Choi, Wonseok, Hyeyoun Cho, Hwijin Jang, Hyewon Park, Inchan Youn, Sungmin Han, and Jaehong Key. "A Dual-Targeted Therapy with Fucoidan-Functionalized Thrombolytic Discoidal Microparticles for Pulmonary Thromboembolism." Drug Design, Development and Therapy (2025): 10281-10297. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2147/DDDT.S527596
“Pulmonary thromboembolism, a pathological condition characterized by the occlusion of pulmonary vasculature by free-circulating thrombus, constitutes the third leading cause of cardiovascular-related mortality. Among conventional therapeutic approaches to manage the disease, systemic intravenous thrombolysis is hindered by inherent pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic limitations, including a short biological half-life, high requisite dosages, and an increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation. Given the critical need for prompt pulmonary reperfusion, this study introduces a dual-targeted therapeutic strategy employing fucoidan-functionalized, thrombolytic discoidal polymeric microparticles. This dual-targeted approach leverages the physicochemical properties of disc-shaped particles, which exhibit shape-dependent accumulation in the lungs, together with the biological binding affinity provided by the marine-derived component, fucoidan. A top-down lithographic fabrication technique was employed to synthesize discoidal microparticle systems for physicochemical targeting to the pulmonary vasculature, providing precise control over the system’s geometry and uniform drug encapsulation efficiency. Furthermore, a PLGA polymeric matrix was positively modified to incorporate fucoidan onto its matrix surface, which is a sulfated polysaccharide with high-affinity interactions for P-selectin expressed on activated platelets in the nanomolar range. In vitro and in vivo thrombolysis assays were conducted to assess the therapeutic efficacy of microparticles. The proposed discoidal systems coupled with the fucoidan showed rapid accumulation due to their shape and selective interaction with activated platelets. Approximately 50% of the injected microparticles exhibited preferential accumulation within 15 minutes post-injection, and a significant portion remained over assay times. The fucoidan functionalization enhanced the targeting potential, yielding a 4.65- and 1.48-fold increase under static and dynamic flow assays, respectively (all p<0.01). Although dramatic dissolution was not achieved using the proposed system in comparison with rtPA, alongside in vitro and in vivo investigations, the systems exhibited a more prolonged and dose-dependent lytic potential. The proposed systems may offer an alternative to conventional systemic thrombolysis coupled with adjunctive pharmacological interventions.”
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Fluorescent PLGA-Cyanine-5 from PolySciTech:Akina used in research on nanoparticle transportation in body.
Tuesday, November 25, 2025, 11:15 AM ET
“Intravenously delivered nanoparticle (NP) therapies have the potential to cure a variety of diseases; however, their clinical use has been stunted by undesirable levels of immune cell clearance. This clearance is attributed to protein adsorption onto the outside of the NPs, leading to recognition by immune cells and subsequent accumulation in the liver and spleen. Membrane-wrapped nanoparticles (MWNPs) offer a potential solution to reducing immune clearance by incorporating immune evasion/marker-of-self-proteins, although they too exhibit protein corona-mediated clearance. While various opsonin proteins can bind to MWNPs, complement proteins are particularly problematic as they play a crucial role in innate immunity, triggering immune cell recognition and clearance and causing inflammation. We hypothesized that introducing a complement regulatory protein into the membranes of MWNPs could minimize complement-mediated clearance, but the opposite effect was observed experimentally. In this study, before membrane collection, source cells were genetically modified to express the complement regulatory protein, CD55, which inhibits C3 convertases, key enzymes in the complement cascade. We confirmed that the active protein was transferred onto MWNPs and determined that CD55-modified MWNPs incubated in mouse serum significantly reduced C3 convertase concentration by 33% compared to unmodified MWNPs. Unexpectedly, in vivo analysis of biodistribution and immune cell uptake showed that CD55-modified MWNPs exhibited 2.1× higher spleen accumulation and elevated immune cell uptake in blood and spleen, specifically in monocyte/macrophage populations, as compared to unmodified MWNPs. This may be due to nonprotein corona-mediated mechanisms, such as the secondary role of CD55 as a ligand for CD97 (expressed in monocytes, macrophages, and other immune cells). Supporting this theory, studies examining ex vivo MWNP binding to spleen cells pretreated with IgG or CD97 antibodies showed that CD55-modified MWNPs had 18% lower binding after CD97 blockade, whereas unmodified MWNP binding was not reduced by CD97 blockade. These findings highlight the importance of considering both serum protein interactions and ligand/receptor interactions when designing genetically engineered MWNPs that overexpress a protein of interest, as well as the importance of testing modified MWNPs in both ex vivo and in vivo settings. In the future, the CD55 modification described here could be utilized to promote spleen tropism of MWNPs when desired. More broadly, this work demonstrates the ability to tune MWNP cellular interactions and biodistribution through genetic engineering of source cells─a technique that can be adapted for a plethora of uses in precision medicine.”
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Akina PolySciTech and Corbion Biomaterials Expand Distribution Agreement to Broaden Access to PURASORB® Resorbable Polymers
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 10:05 AM ET
Press Release
Akina PolySciTech and Corbion Biomaterials Expand Distribution Agreement to Broaden Access to PURASORB® Resorbable Polymers
West Lafayette, IN, USA, and Gorinchem, The Netherlands — 11/18/2025 –
Akina Inc., through its PolySciTech division, and Corbion Biomaterials today announced an expansion of their distribution agreement to cover Corbion’s complete off-the-shelf PURASORB® portfolio. This agreement reflects both companies’ commitment to advancing innovation in drug delivery and other medical applications.
The PURASORB® portfolio comprises resorbable polymers based on lactide, glycolide, and caprolactone, manufactured under GMP conditions. With decades of proven clinical performance, PURASORB® polymers are trusted worldwide by leading biopharmaceutical companies, generic medicine producers, and medical device manufacturers for their safety, quality, and consistency in drug delivery systems and medical devices. PURASORB® polymers support a broad range of long‑acting medicines and next‑generation medical devices.
By enabling researchers to initiate projects with GMP-equivalent polymers, the partnership ensures continuity from discovery through scale-up, reducing development risks and safeguarding product performance during critical transitions.
Through PolySciTech’s e-commerce platform, academic and industry scientists can order PURASORB® polymers in the quantities they need, with flexible purchasing options including credit card payment. This approach shortens delivery times and simplifies procurement, allowing researchers to focus on advancing their science rather than managing sourcing hurdles.
Researchers utilizing innovative research-grade polymers developed by PolySciTech also benefit from the partnership, with Corbion’s proven process for scaling up to GMP production bridging the gap to clinical use.
“This agreement expands the current Purasorb product offering currently carried by Akina, Inc. to include the entire standard catalog. For researchers, this means easy access to development grade materials currently produced in large-scale GMP format offered with the additional support of Akina, Inc’s comprehensive physicochemical characterization data. With little more than three clicks and a credit card, researchers can obtain gram-scale quantities of Purasorb polymers within as little as 1 business day. This will enable translational research to generate and test drug-delivery or biomedical device prototypes utilizing the exact same materials as available for the finished clinic-ready products” said John Garner, (Akina, Inc. General Manager).
“Corbion is committed to supporting our partners’ success with GMP-grade resorbable polymers produced to the highest standards of quality and consistency,” said Julien Bérard, Global Head of Business Biomaterials at Corbion. “Extending our collaboration with PolySciTech ensures that innovators worldwide can access PURASORB® polymers at the earliest stages of development, laying the foundation for faster, more predictable advancement into clinical application.”
About PolySciTech (Akina, Inc.) PolySciTech, a division of Akina, Inc., is a leading global provider of research-grade biodegradable polymers, reagents, and related services for biomedical research. Headquartered in West Lafayette, Indiana, PolySciTech supports academic institutions and industry innovators in advancing drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. For more information, visit www.akinainc.com.
About Corbion Biomaterials Corbion Biomaterials is a global leader in resorbable polymers for medical and pharmaceutical applications. With decades of expertise in lactic acid and lactide chemistry, Corbion Biomaterials develops and manufactures its PURASORB® polymers under GMP conditions, providing trusted solutions for a wide range of partners worldwide advancing long acting drug delivery systems and medical devices. For more information, visit www.corbion.com.
Akina Media Contact: John Garner, General Manager, Akina: PolySciTech, jg@akinainc.com 765-464-0501
Corbion Media Contact: Lucas Wiarda, Marketing Director, lucas.wiarda@corbion.com ,+31 (0) 610334360
PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of timed release patch for treatment of heart disease
Monday, November 10, 2025, 2:08 PM ET
“Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major global health challenge. Surgical interventions address the acute phase but often fail to support long-term recovery. Sequential post-operative drug delivery offers promise but is constrained by release methods. Here, we developed TIMED (temporal intervention with microparticle encapsulation and delivery), a polymeric device enabling programmed sequential release through spatially patterned microparticles in a tough hydrogel matrix. TIMED demonstrated excellent mechanical performance and biocompatibility for long-term implantation and retained strong stability after storage. A sequential dosing regimen aligned with the innate post-MI response was first validated in hiPSC-derived cardiac tissues, where it enhanced cell viability and vascularization while reducing collagen deposition. In vivo, delivery via the TIMED improved survival, reduced injury markers and infarct size, and enhanced cardiac output, outperforming equivalent i.v. dosing. This work establishes a first-of-its-kind cardiac implantable polymeric platform with modular sequential release and provides a framework for programmed multi-dosing across diverse applications.”
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mPEG-PLGA from Akina utilized in research on nanoparticle-protein interactions
Monday, November 10, 2025, 2:08 PM ET
When nanoparticle drug delivery system enters the body it gathers a cluster of proteins which naturally cluster around its surface forming a protein corona. Researchers at University of Napoli Federico II used mPEG-PLGA (Cat# AK090) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to investigate the interactions between proteins and nanoparticles. This research helps elucidate the behavior of nanoparticle delivery systems. Read more: Spinelli, Lucio, Pasquale D’Anna, Elva Morretta, Chiara Cassiano, Virgilio Piccolo, Martina De Rosa, Rebecca Amico et al. "PEGylation-Driven Remodeling of the Protein Corona on PLGA Nanoparticles: Implications for Macrophage Recognition." Biomacromolecules (2025). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.biomac.5c01369
“The formation of a Protein Corona (PC) on the surface of nanoparticles (NPs) is a critical event that shapes their biological identity and governs interactions with the immune system. In this study, we investigated the composition of the PC formed on mixtures of PLGA and PEG–PLGA NPs, aiming to elucidate the link between NPsurface chemistry, proteomic fingerprint in cell culture medium, and uptake by bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). NPs showed different sizes but comparable actual PEG amount exposed on the surface, which is significantly lower than the theoretical values. The PC, isolated using a standardized microfiltration protocol, revealed distinct patterns of protein adsorption as a function of the PEG density. Uptake studies in BMDMs revealed a strong inverse relationship between PEG surface density, PC composition, and macrophage internalization, supporting the hypothesis that the opsonin/dysopsonin balance is more critical than a single protein interaction. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that the PEG surface density is not the only determinant of PC composition. These findings underscore the importance of rigorous surface characterization and PC profiling to predict and tune nanocarrier performance in vivo.”
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Fluorescent PLGA-FKR648 used in development of urease powered oral dosage nano-therapy.
Monday, October 20, 2025, 1:49 PM ET
In order for a swallowed tablet or pill to work, the relevant medicine must cross the intestinal lumen into the bloodstream. Researchers at Universidade do Porto (University of Portugal), Harvard Medical School, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology used Fluorescent PLGA-FKR648 (cat# AV015) as part of a novel, urease-powered motile nanoparticle for oral dosage. This research holds promise to provide for delivery of poorly-absorbed drugs. Read more: Almeida, Helena, Cecília Cristelo, Juliana Viegas, Giovanni Traverso, Bruno Sarmento, and José das Neves. "Gastrointestinal distribution of engineered biodegradable urease-powered nanomotors." Acta Biomaterialia (2025). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1742706125007287
“Abstract: The oral route is the most patient-friendly option for drug administration, yet biological barriers often limit its effectiveness. Chief among these is the mucus layer along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which restricts the transport of drugs and carriers. Strategies such as mucolytics, mucus-inert materials, and anisotropic nanosystems have been employed to enhance penetration. We developed urease-powered poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanomotors for drug delivery, featuring either random (isotropic) or spatially localized (anisotropic, Janus-like) urease surface functionalization. Anisotropic nanomotors were prepared by immobilizing PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) at the oil-water interface of Pickering emulsions, followed by urease conjugation via carbodiimide chemistry. Cryogenic scanning electron microscopy confirmed NPs interfacial localization, and immunoelectron microscopy unveiled urease spatial distribution. The resulting nanomotors catalyzed the conversion of urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide, enabling enhanced diffusion in urea-containing environments. Isotropic NPs showed a two-fold higher enzymatic conversion rate compared to anisotropic ones, attributed to higher enzyme availability, with negligible levels observed for passive PLGA NPs. All NPs were coated with poloxamer 407 (P407) for stabilization, yielding particles under 200 nm with low polydispersity and near-neutral charge. The P407 coating slightly reduced nanomotor mobility in fluids at the single-particle level, while it seems to have improved in vitro cell uptake in the presence of urea. In vivo studies in rats revealed that urease-functionalized nanomotors transited the GI tract and appeared to show enhanced localization at the epithelial surface, when compared to passive counterparts and regardless of urease distribution configuration. These findings highlight the potential of both isotropic and anisotropic urease-powered PLGA nanomotors to overcome GI barriers and serve as drug delivery platforms. New designs for urease-powered polymeric nanoparticles (nanomotors) are proposed in this work to circumvent hurdles introduced by mucosae. Nanomotors featured either random or spatially oriented distribution of urease at their surface. The latter was achieved by means of Pickering emulsion and partial surface modification. Using these approaches, we demonstrated that both nanomotors convert urea into carbon dioxide and ammonia, resulting in enhanced diffusion in aqueous media. Nanomotors were safe in vitro, and capable of providing extensive distribution throughout the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration to rats, accumulating in the vicinity of the epithelium. The main findings suggest that such bioresorbable nanosystems have the potential to tackle important biological barriers and presumably be used as oral drug delivery vehicles.”
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PLGA-Rhodamine from PolySciTech used in development of novel immunotherapy for cancer
Monday, October 20, 2025, 1:48 PM ET
Immunotherapy is a promising field where the bodies own defense system is used to fight cancer. Researchers at The University of Oklahoma used PLGA-Rhodamine B (Cat# AV011) from Akina from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop a novel immunotherapy platform. This research holds promise to improve treatment against cancer. Read more: Ajeeb, Rana, Chloé Catelain, Harsh A. Joshi, Danuta Radyna, and John R. Clegg. "Recombinant Cytokine Bioconjugates with Degradable Nanogel Substrates for Macrophage Immunotherapy." Acta Biomaterialia (2025). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1742706125004015
“Cytokines are potent endogenous modulators of innate immunity, making them key mediators of macrophage plasticity for immunotherapy. However, the clinical translation of recombinant cytokines as therapeutics is limited by systemic side effects, caused by cytokines’ pleiotropy, potency, and non-specific biodistribution following systemic dosing. We developed a cytokine delivery platform utilizing poly(acrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) synthetic nanogels as a biodegradable substrate for conjugated recombinant cytokines (i.e., IFNγ, IL4, or IL10), called Synthetic Nano-CytoKines or “SyNK”. We evaluated the phenotypic response of macrophages to these conjugates following prophylactic or therapeutic dosing, in the presence or absence of soluble inflammatory signals. Our data confirmed that SyNK is highly cytocompatible with murine macrophages, preserves the activity of conjugated recombinant cytokines to both macrophages and dendritic cells, and minimizes systemic exposure to freely soluble recombinant cytokines. Intrinsic activity of the nanomaterial was modest, acting in combination with the conjugated cytokine, and resulted in unique phenotypes with IL4-SyNK and IL10-SyNK stimulation that could potentially be leveraged for therapeutic applications. We further demonstrated that RAW264.7 macrophages adopt distinct alternative phenotypes upon IL4 or IL10 stimulation in different classically polarizing microenvironments, as measured by spectral flow cytometry and secretome multiplex, which are similar for soluble recombinant cytokine and the corresponding SyNK. These findings offer a potential mechanism through which IL4 or IL10-SyNK can redirect the classically activated macrophage antigen presentation, T cell co-stimulation, or microenvironment regulatory functions for therapeutic purposes. Cytokines have been extensively investigated as immune therapies, but their clinical translation is limited by their systemic toxicity and frequent dosing regimens. Existing approaches have improved cytokine stability and local delivery but still face challenges in systemic administration and controlling immune response. We developed a cytokine delivery platform using biodegradable poly(acrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) nanogels to conjugate cytokines (e.g. IFNγ, IL4, or IL10) aimed at systemic macrophage immunotherapy. We show that our platform preserves cytokine activity and eliminates the release of free cytokine. We further explore, for the first time, how different stimuli in the macrophage environment influence their response to the cytokine bioconjugates. Our work provides thorough insights into macrophage plasticity and addresses key limitations of current strategies.”
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Thermogelling PLGA-PEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of cataract therapy.
Thursday, October 2, 2025, 4:43 PM ET
Post-surgical cataracts can reduce vision in patients. Researchers at Rowan University used PLGA-PEG-PLGA (AK097) from Akina from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to deliver doxorubicin as part of cataract treatment. This research holds promise to provide for improved blindness treatment. Read more: Vardar, Camila, Giavanna Trojan, and Mark E. Byrne. "Treating Post-Cataract Posterior Capsule Opacification: The Relationship Between Myofibroblast Concentration on Lens Capsule Wrinkling." Regenerative Engineering and Translational Medicine (2025): 1-12. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40883-025-00476-z
“The present study aimed to determine the relationship between the concentration of myofibroblasts on bovine lens capsules and loss of visual acuity due to monolayer coverage and wrinkling, in a model of an accelerated timeline of posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Bovine lens capsule explants were cultured on 12-well plates and treated with five different concentrations of myofibroblasts, while optical clarity was measured using UV-spectroscopy for a period of 4 days. Immunolocalization studies were carried out to confirm loss of transparency from wrinkling caused by myofibroblastic contractile forces. Novel, injectable, thermosensitive poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) triblock copolymer hydrogels were engineered for the sustained release of targeted, nucleic acid nanocarriers loaded with cytotoxic doxorubicin (G8:3DNA:Dox). Targeted depletion of myofibroblast precursors using these hydrogels was evaluated. Both 25 k and 40 k myofibroblasts/well delivered onto the lens capsule exhibited almost total loss of optical clarity, whereas 5 k and 10 k myofibroblasts/well still showed a significant decrease in transparency. Capsules that received 2 k myofibroblasts/well did not experience a significant reduction in transmittance. For the first time, the relationship between myofibroblast concentration, as a result of prolonged exposure to active transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) and pro-inflammatory conditions, and its effect on lens capsule transparency is shown. The findings of this study can be taken into consideration when designing sustained release devices to prevent the onset of post-surgical complications of cataract surgery.”
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PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of triggered nanoparticles for brain cancer treatment.
Thursday, October 2, 2025, 4:42 PM ET
One route of treatment for brain cancer is to apply nanoparticles through the nose and to trigger them to deliver inside the brain tissue. Researchers at Nagoya City University used PLGA (AP018) from Akina from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com). This research holds promise to provide drug delivery directly to the brain. Read more: Sato, Kazuki, Koki Ogawa, Sawaki Nabeshima, Susumu Suwabe, and Tetsuya Ozeki. "Fabrication and Application of Iron Oxide-Encapsulated PLGA Nanoparticles with Dual Responsiveness to Magnetic Fields and Light for Nose-to-Brain Drug Delivery." Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology (2025): 107535. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1773224725009384
“Nose-to-brain delivery has been widely investigated as a potential strategy for glioma therapy. However, the nasal epithelial barrier remains a major obstacle to drug transport from the nasal cavity to the brain, particularly for macromolecular agents such as peptides, nucleic acids, and nanoparticles. Therefore, strategies to enhance epithelial permeability are required. In this study, we developed a drug delivery system to improve nose-to-brain transport through transcranial magnetic field application, with the aim of contributing to glioma treatment. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), which possess both superparamagnetic and photothermal properties, were utilized to enhance brain penetration and to enable photothermal therapy (PTT). IONPs were encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles to form IONPs@PLGA, with an average size of approximately 200 nm. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that IONPs were located inside PLGA nanoparticles, and laser irradiation (660 nm) raised the temperature to 50 °C, suggesting that IONPs@PLGA generated sufficient heat to induce cancer cell death. Moreover, IONPs@PLGA were efficiently internalized by cells under a magnetic field, and laser irradiation induced strong cytotoxicity against C6 glioma cells. Notably, applying a magnetic field after intranasal administration increased brain accumulation by ∼2.5-fold, confirming enhanced delivery via magnetic targeting. In summary, we developed IONPs@PLGA, a dual magnetic- and light-responsive system, and demonstrated its potential to improve nose-to-brain delivery. Given their drug-loading capacity, IONPs@PLGA represent a promising platform for magnetically guided, non-invasive brain drug delivery.”
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PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of hyaluronic-acid conjugated nanocarriers for colorectal cancer therapy
Monday, September 15, 2025, 2:21 PM ET
“Although various colorectal cancer (CRC)-targeted nanoparticles have been developed to selectively deliver anticancer agents to tumor tissues, severe off-target side effects still persist due to unwanted systemic nanoparticle distribution, limiting the therapeutic outcome. Here, by elucidating a tumor-selective nanoparticle delivery mechanism occurring at the colorectal lumen–tumor interface, an alternative CRC-targeted delivery route is proposed, which enables highly tumor-selective delivery without systemic distribution, through direct drug delivery from the outside of the body (colorectal lumen) to tumors in the colorectum. Owing to the presence of accessible tumor-specific receptors such as CD44 at the colorectal lumen–tumor interface, but not at the colorectal lumen–normal tissue interface, colorectal luminal surface (CLS)-targeting ligand-functionalized nanoparticles selectively accumulate in CRC tissues without systemic distribution, resulting in successful local CRC therapy. The findings suggest that CLS-targeted lumen-to-tumor delivery can be a suitable strategy for highly CRC-specific drug delivery for precise local CRC therapy.”
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PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of rivaroxaban delivery for diabetes treatment
Monday, September 15, 2025, 2:18 PM ET
Diabetes is related to chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction. Researchers at Assiut University, University of Tabuk, Taibah University, University of Cincinnati, and Badr University in Assiut used PLGA (AP104) from Akina from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop a delivery system for rivaroxaban. This research holds promise to provide for treatment of diabetes. Read more: Elbadr, Mohamed M., Heba A. Galal, Helal F. Hetta, Hassabelrasoul Elfadil, Fawaz E. Alanazi, Shereen Fawzy, Hashim M. Aljohani et al. "Immunomodulatory Effect of Rivaroxaban Nanoparticles Alone and in Combination with Sitagliptin on Diabetic Rat Model." Diseases 13, no. 3 (2025): 87. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9721/13/3/87
“Background: Chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation are key drivers of diabetes complications. Rivaroxaban (RX) and sitagliptin (SITA) are established therapies for thromboembolism and glycemic control, respectively. This study evaluated the novel therapeutic potential of nano-rivaroxaban (NRX) alone and in combination with sitagliptin (SITA) in mitigating inflammation and restoring immune balance in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Type 2 diabetes was induced in rats using a single injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). Animals were divided into five groups: control, STZ-diabetic, RX-treated (5 mg/kg), NRX-treated (5 mg/kg), and NRX+SITA-treated (5 mg/kg + 10 mg/kg). After 4 weeks of treatment, blood glucose, coagulation markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-35, TGF-β1, IL-10) were analyzed. Histopathological examination of the liver, kidney, pancreas, and spleen was conducted. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess hepatic NF-κB expression. Results: STZ significantly elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-35, TGF-β1, IL-10), along with increased hepatic NF-κB expression and histopathological abnormalities in immune organs. NRX significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines, improved histopathological changes in organs, and decreased hepatic NF-κB expression. The combination therapy (NRX + SITA) achieved superior immune modulation, with enhanced cytokine profile restoration, reduced hepatic NF-κB expression, and near-complete histopathological normalization. Conclusions: This study underscores the promise of combining nanoparticle-based drug delivery with established therapies like sitagliptin to achieve superior immune modulation and inflammation control, presenting a potential therapeutic strategy for managing diabetes complications. Keywords: diabetes; nano-rivaroxaban; rivaroxaban; sitagliptin; streptozotocin”
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PEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of treatment for Lou Gehrig’s disease
Monday, September 15, 2025, 2:17 PM ET
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease can potentially be treated by a drug known as edaravone, however this drug does not transport into the brain tissue where it is needed due to the blood-brain-barrier. Researchers at University of Porto and University of Santiago de Compostela used PEG-PLGA (AK106) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop encapsulation techniques for the brain delivery of edaravone as part of ALS treatment. Read more: Aguiar, Brandon, Ana Rita Alfenim, Cláudia Sofia Machado, Joana Moreira, Miguel Pinto, Francisco J. Otero-Espinar, Fernanda Borges, and Carlos Fernandes. "Exploring Nano-Delivery Systems to Enhance the Edaravone Performance in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26, no. 5 (2025): 2146. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11900301/
“Edaravone is one of the treatment options for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, but its therapeutic efficacy is limited due to the incapacity to cross the blood–brain barrier, as well as its short life span and poor stability, which is ultimately caused by its tautomerism in physiological condions. This work presents an overview about the use of several nanoformulations based on polymeric, protein, lipidic, or hybrid structure as suitable and stable drug delivery systems for encapsulating edaravone. We also evaluated the functionalization of nanoparticles with pegylated chains using the polyethylene glycol or tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate and the possibility of preparing polymeric nanoparticles at different pH (7.4, 9, and 11). Edaravone was sucessfully encapsulated in polymeric, lipid–polymer hybrid, and lipidic nanoparticles. The use of higher pH values in the synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles has led to a decrease in nanoparticle size and an increase in the percentage of encapsulation efficiency. However, the resulting nanoformulations are not stable. Only polymeric and hybrid nanoparticles showed good stability over 80 days of storage, mainly at 4 °C. Overall, the nanoformulations tested did not show cytotoxicity in the SH-SY5Y cell line except the nanostructured lipid carrier formulations that showed some cytotoxicity possibly due to lipidic peroxidation. In conclusion, this work shows that edaravone can be encapsulated in different nanocarriers that could act as an interesting alternative for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Keywords: edaravone, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hybrid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers”
mPEG-PLGA (https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK106#h)
Benchtop to Bedside with MidWest GMP https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
BPR Akina's Free Scientific Conference (West Lafayette, 4/29/26: (https://akinainc.com/bprconference/)
PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of targeted, oral delivery of dexamethasone for ulcerative colitis treatment
Monday, September 15, 2025, 2:16 PM ET
Leukocyte esterase is an enzyme with pronounced upregulation near sights of inflamed colonic tissue. Researchers at Pusan National University, Korea Univesrsity, and Daegu Catholic University used PLGA (AP037) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop dexamethasone conjugated prodrugs for oral delivery. This research holds promise to provide for treatment against a wide range of irritable bowel disease (IBD) states. Read more: Lee, Juho, Aruzhan Saparbayeva, Jihyun Kim, Dongmin Kwak, Hyunwoo Kim, Muneeb Ullah, Md Lukman Hakim et al. "Leukocyte Esterase-Activated Nanoconjugates Enables Precise Local Therapy of Ulcerative Colitis via Inflamed Tissue-Selective Drug Delivery." ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2025). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsami.5c11808
“Leukocyte esterase (LE), markedly upregulated in inflamed colonic tissues, offers a unique enzymatic trigger for selective drug activation in ulcerative colitis (UC). To exploit this pathological hallmark, we developed LE-activated nanoconjugates that enable inflamed tissue-selective drug delivery as a strategy to achieve precise local therapy for UC. Dexamethasone (DEX) was covalently conjugated to poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) via ester bonds to form nanoconjugates (DPNCs) with suppressed drug release during gastrointestinal transit. These nanoconjugates accumulated in inflamed colonic tissues via the epithelial enhanced permeability and retention (eEPR) effect and selectively released DEX in response to elevated LE activity. In a dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis model, orally administered DPNCs achieved superior colonic drug accumulation, minimized systemic distribution, and significantly improved therapeutic outcomes compared with free DEX. These findings highlight the potential of LE-activated nanoconjugates as an effective oral platform for precise and safe treatment of UC.”
PLGA (https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP037#h)
Benchtop to Bedside with MidWest GMP https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/
BPR Akina's Free Scientific Conference (West Lafayette, 4/29/26: (https://akinainc.com/bprconference/)
These posts are syndicated from John Garner's blog at http://jgakinainc.blogspot.com/ where you can post a question or comment. (Load took 0.32662177085876 seconds)
