Microfluidic-Assisted Formulation of ε-Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Properties and In Vitro Cell Uptake

The nanoprecipitation method was used to formulate epsilon-polycaprolactone (PCL) into fluorescent nanoparticles. Two methods of mixing the phases were evaluated: introducing the organic phase into the aqueous phase dropwise and via a specially designed microfluidic device. As a result of the nanoprecipitation process, fluorescein-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) with a mean diameter of 127 +/- 3 nm and polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.180 +/- 0.009 were obtained. The profiles of dye release were determined in vitro using dialysis membrane tubing, and the results showed a controlled release of the dye from NPs. In addition, the cytotoxicity of the NPs was assessed using an MTT assay. The PCL NPs were shown to be safe and non-toxic to L929 and MG63 cells. The results of the present study have revealed that PCL NPs represent a promising system for developing new drug delivery systems.

Automated summary

The nanoprecipitation method was used to successfully formulate fluorescent PCL nanoparticles with small average diameter and low polydispersity index. In vitro experiments showed controlled dye release from these nanoparticles. Furthermore, MTT assays confirmed the non-toxicity of the PCL nanoparticles to cells. Thus, PCL nanoparticles have the potential for developing new drug delivery systems.