Release of anti-restenosis drugs from poly(ethylene oxide)-poly (DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles

Dexamethasone- or rapamycin-loaded nanoparticles based on poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(dl-lactic-co-glycolic acid) block copolymers (PEO-PLGA) were prepared without additional stabilizer using the salting-out method. A fast release of drug in PBS (pH 7.4) at 37 °C resulting in 100% release within 5 h was observed for both drugs. The rate of drug release was substantially reduced by treating the particles with gelatin or albumin after drug loading, resulting in a linear drug release in time. It was shown that the rate of drug release is related to the amount of protein associated with the nanoparticles. After gelatin treatment of drug-loaded nanoparticles, sustained release of dexamethasone for 17 days and of rapamycin for 50 days could be achieved.