I am currently trying to encapsulate a peptide into PLGA nanoparticles and use Poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) to coat the surface to add more carboxylic groups. However, I am having a hard time to make these two polymers interact with each other. I think its due to PLGA being delta negative and PEMA being also negatively charged so they repel each other.
I looked at previous literature regarding the double emulsion method. It seems like people just add PLGA solution into 1% PEMA and sonicate. I don't understand how come this method will make these two interact with each other. Can someone give me a hand here? Thank you in advance.
@ Wenchen, it can be done via solvent diffusion method or by emulsion technique.
Dear researcher,
Both of PLGA and PEMA have a acidic surface groups in which they want to conjugate with positively charge functional groups such as amine groups. Then, you should firstly modify the surface groups of PLGA or PEMA with appropriate groups such as amine groups in order to make surface groups suitable for cooperation in chemical reaction. You can use a linker to conjugate both of them with each other as well.
Hi,
Encapsulation is based on hydrophobicity and concentration of emulsifier (generally TPGS) and doesn't really require interaction of two polymers. However, the negative zeta potential of PLGA NPs and surface charge of PMMA can hinder the intended coating. Use of some covalent linker or charge marking ligand could be useful.
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