Design of epigallocatechin gallate loaded PLGA/PF127 nanoparticles and their effect upon an oxidative stress model

Abstract The epigallocatechin gallate ( EGCG) is the most abundant and powerful antioxidant found in green tea. This polyphenol has been proven to have great therapeutic potential in different diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the limitations imposed by their low stability and rapid systemic elimination lessen their bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. To overcome the above problems, EGCG was incorporated into poly(lactic- co -glycolic acid) and Pluronic ® F127 based nanoparticles (PLGA/PF127). Nanoparticles were prepared using the emulsion/solvent evaporation method resulting in particles with a mean size around 100 nm, low polydispersity index ≤0.1, high drug encapsulation efficiency (∼86%) and in vitro sustained release. The antioxidant efficacy of the EGCG nanoparticulate formulation was evaluated upon an in vitro oxidative stress model. Remarkably, we found for the first time that EGCG encapsulated in PLGA/PF127 nanoparticles prevent the rotenone-induced ROS generation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA fragmentation in nerve-like cells. Therefore, our findings suggest the use of these nanoparticles system might be a great opportunity to test EGCG delivery as a potential therapeutic strategy in in vivo models of neurodegenerative diseases.