Surface functionalization of nanoporous PLGA microparticles

Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microparticles are widely used for drug delivery. In a cancer cell, ion channels have been recognized to play important roles in cancer pathology, as these regulate key events in cell proliferation and cancer initiation and progression. Ion channels are ideal drug targets as the respective small molecules may be effective from the extracellular space and do not need to enter the target cells. The development of cancer treatment using ion channel targeting compounds is still in early stages, although some studies have shown that some voltage-gated ion channel (VGIC) blockers can inhibit cell behaviors associated with metastasis. We developed a simple and effective method to control nanoporous formation, size, density and the surface functionalization of PLGA microparticles. PLGA microparticles were synthesized using water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) double emulsion method. The synthesis of nanoporous microparticles with this novel, rapid, inexpensive method and easily controllable properties can be useful for applications in targeting one or multiple VGIC in cancer patients.