Surface engineering of resveratrol to improve neuro-protection and functional recovery after spinal cord injury in rat

To modify surface of resveratrol using nanotechnology that may ensure optimum drug availability at the spinal cord injury site and reduce its dosing frequency. Chitosan coated PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by double emulsion solvent evaporation method and characterized as spherical shape, tiny particles, smooth surface with 172.3 +/- 20.8 nm size and + 32.2 mV zeta potential. Nanoparticles did not show cytotoxicity at effective dose. Release rate of Res from NP was slow and controlled. Particles reduced the level of inflammatory cytokines (Il-1 beta and TNF-alpha) and increased level of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) significantly. Particles restored improved functional outcome of the animals and histopathological alterations (larger pseudocyst toward normal) and helped reduce the decrease in SCI driven apoptosis of the neurons as revealed by TUNEL and Bax florescent analysis. In conclusion, chitosan coated PLGA nanoparticles of Resveratrol we observed with prominent utility in treating post SCI like conditions by reducing secondary inflammation associated with SCI, protecting neurons from apoptosis and restoring normal behaviour of the animals. Results show clinical pertinency of particles in the treatment of post SCI.