Poly(lipoic acid)-Based Nanoparticles as Self-Organized, Biocompatible, and Corona-Free Nanovectors
Jakub Trzciński, Lucía Morillas-Becerril, Sara Scarpa, Marco Tannorella, Francesco Muraca, Federico Rastrelli, Chiara Castellani, Marny Fedrigo, Annalisa Angelini, Regina Tavano, Emanuele Papini, Fabrizio Mancin
Abstract
Herein we present an innovative approach to produce biocompatible, degradable, and stealth polymeric nanoparticles based on poly(lipoic acid), stabilized by a PEG-ended surfactant. Taking advantage of the well-known thiol-induced polymerization of lipoic acid, a universal and nontoxic nanovector consisted of a solid cross-linked polymeric matrix of lipoic acid monomers was prepared and loaded with active species with a one-step protocol. The biological studies demonstrated a high stability in biological media, the virtual absence of "protein" corona in biological fluids, the absence of acute toxicity in vitro and in vivo, complete clearance from the organism, and a relevant preference for short-term accumulation in the heart. All these features make these nanoparticles candidates as a promising tool for nanomedicine.