Biodistribution and toxicity of orally administered poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles to F344 rats for 21 days

Aim: Quantify the biodistribution and assess the toxicity of PLGA (poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid) and surface-modified PLGA chitosan (PLGA/Chi) nanoparticles (NPs) orally administered for 7, 14 and 21 days to F344 rats. Materials & methods: Fluorescent NPs were tracked in F344 rat tissues, and toxicity was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminase levels, and by histologic examination of tissue samples. Results: Biodistribution of PLGA and PLGA/Chi were similar, with highest amounts found in the intestine and liver. Alkaline phosphatase increased significantly in treated rats. Mild histological differences were detected in the intestine and liver. Conclusion: PLGA and PLGA/Chi NPs behaved similarly presenting minimal toxicity in the liver and intestine, but not in kidney, lung and brain.