Evaluation of optimum conditions for pachyman encapsulated in poly(D,L-lactic acid) nanospheres by response surface methodology and results of a related in vitro study

This study aimed to optimize the preparation conditions of pachyman (PHY)-loaded poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PLA) (PHYP) nanospheres by response surface methodology, explore their characteristics, and assess their effects on splenic lymphocytes. Double emulsion solvent evaporation was used to synthesize PHYP nanospheres, and the optimal preparation conditions were identified as a concentration of poloxamer 188 (F68) (w/v) of 0.33%, a concentration of PLA of 30 mg/mL, and a ratio of PLA to drug (w/w) of 10.25:1 required to reach the highest encapsulation efficiency, which was calculated to be 59.10%. PHYP had a spherical shape with a smooth surface and uniform size and an evident effect of sustained release and relative stability. Splenic lymphocytes are crucial and multifunctional cells in the immune system, and their immunological properties could be enhanced significantly by PHYP treatment. This study confirmed that PHY encapsulated in PLA nanospheres had comparatively steady properties and exerted obvious immune enhancement.