Merck provides plain and fluorescent Degradex® PLGA and PCL-based microspheres and nanoparticles. Plain PLGA microspheres and nanoparticles can be employed as control agents in drug and RNA delivery formulations or to verify system compatibility before loading an API into the carrier.
Fluorescent nanoparticles and microspheres have a wide range of imaging and diagnostic uses, including:
- The identification of binding events or signal augmentation
- Drug discovery research
- Drug carriers in which APIs can be attached to the particle surface and delivered
- Fluid tracing
- Cell tracking
- Phagocytosis studies
- Fluorescence microscopy
Plain and fluorescent particles both feature carboxyl-functionalized surfaces that allow for the covalent attachment of peptides, proteins, antigens, antibodies, and small molecules.
Degradex® poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and polycaprolactone microspheres and nanoparticles are biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric particles with diameters ranging from 100 nm to 50 μm.
Prior to formulation development, Degradex® particles can be utilized to confirm drug carrier compatibility. Furthermore, carboxyl group surface functionalization of the particles allows Degradex® particles to be employed for targeted therapy and enhanced circulation time.
Fluorescent poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles with excitation/emission wavelengths of 460/500, 530/582, 644/665, and 780/820 nm, enable particles to be easily visualized in bioimaging and diagnostic applications, such as cell tracking, phagocytosis studies, fluorescent microscopy, and drug discovery.
Green, orange, red, and near-IR fluorescent PLGA particles with diameters ranging from 100 nm to 50 μm are available.
Materials
Source: Merck