Layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly is the technology used in intermolecular static electricity, hydrogen bonds, covalent bonds and other polymer interactions during film assembling. This technology has been widely studied in the drug carrier field. Given their use in drug delivery systems, the biocompatibility of these potential compounds should be addressed. In this work, the primary biocompatibility of poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-(poly-L-orithine/fucoidan) [PLGA-(PLO/fucoidan)] core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) was investigated. Atomic force microscopy revealed the PLGA-(PLO/Fucoidan)4 NPs to be spherical, with a uniform size distribution and a smooth surface, and the NPs were stable in physiological saline. The residual amount of methylene chloride was further determined by headspace gas chromatography, in which the organic solvent can be volatilized during preparation. Furthermore, cell viability, acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, haemolysis and mouse systemic toxicity were all assessed to show that PLGA-(PLO/fucoidan)4 NPs were biocompatible with cells and mice. Therefore, these NPs are expected to have potential applications in future drug delivery systems.
Keywords: PLGA; anti-tumour; biocompatibility; fucoidan; layer-by-layer self-assembly; poly-ornithine.