Effect of size and surface properties of biodegradable PLGA-PMA: PLA:PEG nanoparticles on lymphatic uptake and retention in rats

Abstract summary The lymphatic system has been shown to be involved in cancer metastasis and HIV. Our work is aimed at understanding the properties of a carrier system that can be successfully targeted to the lymph. We have formed biodegradable PLGA nanoparticles of different sizes and surface properties, that will allow for sustained regional lymphatic delivery. Our results indicate that 50 nm, low hydrophobicity particles with neutral to high anionic surface charge density traffic through the lymphatic system best.