Epiregulin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles increase human keratinocytes proliferation: preliminary data

OBJECTIVE:Epiregulin is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family produced by keratinocytes: the aim of this study was to investigate the ability of biocompatible nanoparticles loaded with such growth factor to increase human keratinocytes proliferation. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Different PLGA (Poly-d,l-lactide-co-glycolide)-nanoparticles (NPs) formulations have been characterized in size and zeta potential by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The ability of the different PLGA-NPs formulations to adhere onto dental surfaces has been tested, and epiregulin-enriched PLGA-NPs has been produced. Epiregulin release from NPs has been tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay and the proliferative effects of epiregulin-NPs on human keratinocytes have been evaluated. RESULTS:DLS analysis revealed a different size distribution depending on the PLA/PGA (poly lactic acid/poly glycolic acid) ratio used. 50:50 PLGA-NPs exhibited the smaller size and the best dental adhesive ability. Moreover, such epiregulin-loaded NPs was able to increase cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS:Direct dental pocket drug delivery implies the NPs solution loading onto the dental surface at the cement-enamel junction level: 50:50 PLGA-NPs, with their small size and excellent adhesive ability, represent an interesting tool to deliver epiregulin directly where there is the need for epithelial proliferation. These results describe a possible strategy for periodontal pocket delivery of Epiregulin-loaded PLGA-NPs and might provide a new approach for the treatment of gingival recession, where gingival epithelium proliferation is needed.