Biodegradable Sirolimus-loaded Poly(lactide) Nanoparticles as Delivery Systems for the Prevention of Restenosis in Coronary Stent Application

Abstract

Restenosis is one of the most frequent long-term complications after implantation of coronary stents. The scope of our studies was to evaluate to which extent Sirolimus-loaded poly(lactide) nanoparticles are suitable as delivery systems for stent application to prevent in-stent restenosis. Initially in vitro drug release kinetics studies and in vitro HCAEC and HCASMC cell culture tests were conducted. Nanoparticles of biodegredable poly(lactide) (PLA) were loaded with the pharmaceutical Sirolimus for drug delivery. Nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (size approx. 250 nm). The time course of Sirolimus release from Sirolimus loaded PLA nanoparticles was determined in medium at 37 °C by high performance liquid chromatography. Biocompatibility studies were performed in vitro in cell culture tests (viability and proliferation). Nanoparticle ingestion into cells was tracked via dye loaded nanoparticles by confocal laser scanning microscopy.