Nanoparticles Based on Novel Carbohydrate-Functionalized Polymers

Polymeric nanoparticles can be used for drug delivery systems in healthcare. For this purpose poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) offer an excellent polymeric matrix. In this work, PLGA and PEG polymers were functionalized with coumarin and carbohydrate moieties such as thymidine, glucose, galactose, and mannose that have high biological specificities. Using a single oil in water emulsion methodology, functionalized PLGA nanoparticles were prepared having a smooth surface and sizes ranging between 114–289 nm, a low polydispersity index and a zeta potential from −28.2 to −56.0 mV. However, for the corresponding PEG derivatives the polymers obtained were produced in the form of films due to the small size of the hydrophobic core.