This study is focused on the uptake of PLGA particles with different coatings and its influences on the functions and toxicity of human endothelial cells. The PLGA particles coated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) were prepared via a one-step emulsion method, which had a similar diameter of ~420nm in water and ~170nm in a dry state but oppositely charged surfaces. Both types of the particles were readily internalized into ells within a short time regardless of their surface chemistry. Uptake of the positively charged particles caused apparently decrease of cell viability, but did not significantly influence mitochondrial membrane potential. The cell adhesion and migration were significantly affected, especially after uptake of the PLGA-PEI particles. Quantitative RT-PCR results indicated down-regulation of the mRNA expression of adhesion relevant genes, i.e. fibronectin, laminin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) after particles internalization.  The secretion levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and 6-k-PGF_1α were not significantly influenced regardless of the surface coating.

Dahai Yu †, Yuying Zhang †, Xiangyan Zhou , Zhengwei Mao *, and Changyou Gao *. Influence of Surface Coating of PLGA Particles on the Internalization and Functions of Human Endothelial Cells. Biomacromolecules, 2012, 13 (10), pp 3272–3282. DOI: 10.1021/bm3010484