Development of PLGA nanoparticles for sustained release of a connnexin43 mimetic peptide to target glioblastoma cells

Therapeutic development of peptides and proteins has been hindered due to in vivo susceptibility and chemical alterations. Biodegradable nanoparticles such as PLGA have been used extensively for controlled release of small molecules. In this study, the authors demonstrate the potential to deliver aCT1, a novel synthetic C-terminus connesin43 mimetic peptide via polymer nanoparticle release.

They evaluated the uptake of particles and intracellular distribution of aCT1 by using both single and double emulsion particles. Using the Bruker Opterra confocal microscope, they were able to evaluate particle uptake and measure uptake rates. Utilizing the Bruker Vutara super-resolution microscope, they used STORM microscopy to verify release of aCT1 by visualizing disruption of Cx43 interaction with ZO-1 in GBM cells.

This paper demonstrates the potential for developing nanoparticle delivery for aCT1, a compound that shows promise for therapy of wound healing and glioblastoma. It also shows the value to STORM microscopy for evaluating intracellular efficacy of release of compounds, especially peptides, in nanoparticle release studies.