In vitro/in vivo evaluation of gamma-aminobutyric acid-loadedN,N-dimethylacrylamide-based pegylated polymeric nanoparticles for brain delivery to treat epilepsy

Objectives of this study were the delivery of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) into the brain by means of developing brain targeted, nanosized, non-toxic and biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles, and investi- gating their effectiveness in epilepsy. For this purpose, GABA conjugated N,N-dimethylacrylamide-based pegylated nanoparticles were designed and characterised for particle size, zeta potential, pH, morphology, DSC, XRD, FTIR, GABA quantification and in vitro release. Formulations showed smaller particle size, cationic zeta potential characteristic, possible GABA polymeric matrix interaction and prolonged release pattern. Brain responses were examined using epileptic rats. Both formulations prepared were found to increase latency of seizure, decrease ending time of convulsion, duration of severe convulsion and mortal- ity rate significantly compared with GABA solution. When GABA concentration was measured in Stratum corsatum, there was no statistical difference between GABA solution and formulations. All findings sug- gested enhancement in all phases of seizures indicating efficient delivery of GABA into the brain via formulations