Microfluidics-generated PLA nanoparticles: impact of purification method on macrophage interactions, anti-inflammatory effects, biodistribution, and protein corona formation

Abstract

Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are traditionally formulated using batch methodologies that are poorly scalable and require time consuming, hands-on purification procedures. Here, we prepared poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based polymeric NPs using a scalable microfluidics-based method and systematically investigated the impact of purification method (centrifugation versus tangential flow filtration (TFF)) to remove poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) on macrophage uptake, anti-inflammatory effects, biodistribution, and protein corona formation. TFF purification demonstrated significantly higher recovery of NPs compared to the centrifugation method, with little-to-no aggregation observed. PVA removal efficiency was superior with centrifugation, although TFF was comparable. NP cellular association, in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, and in vivo biodistribution studies suggested purification method-dependent alterations, which were correlated with protein corona profiles. This study underscores the potential of TFF, combined with microfluidics, as an efficient and high-yield purification method for NPs, and reveals the need for extensive confirmation of NP biological activity alongside physicochemical properties when developing NP therapeutics at-scale.