Synthesis of multilayered microparticles for targeted drug delivery

Microparticles have been shown to be valuable in targeted drug delivery which can lead to an increased dose delivered to a targeted location, reduced patient side effects, and improved patient outcomes. The designed multilayered microparticles have the clinical application to deliver hydrophobic drugs to a targeted area. The composition of the microparticles consists of a poly-lactic acid (PLA) polymer core surrounded by a polymeric shell composed of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-Poly(ethylene glycol)-Maleimide(PLGA-PEG-Mal). The maleimide promotes conjugation of the collagen binding peptide, SILY. Targeting to type I collagen allows for this microparticle system to attach to exposed collagen in atherosclerotic vessels. A novel templating method was used to synthesize uniform microparticles with manufacturing scale-up potential. Modification of the templating method was necessary to synthesize hydrophilic, multi-layered microparticles. The experimental results verified and quantified the presence of attached fluorescent SILY to the maleimides present on the surface of the microparticles as well as the microparticles\u27 attachment to type I collagen. These results signify that the designed microparticles have the potential to deliver hydrophobic drugs to type I collagen throughout the body and potentially target atherosclerotic regions