Caffeine-loaded gold nanoparticles conjugated with PLA-PEG-PLA copolymer for in vitro cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity

The purpose of the study was to develop caffeine-loaded gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using a poly(lactic acid)-polyethylene glycol-poly(lactic acid) (PLA-PEG-PLA) polymer to enhance the anti-inflammatory activity of caffeine. Caffeine-loaded AuNPs were conjugated to PLA-PEG-PLA copolymer matrix via pi-back bond between AuNPs and the ester carbonyl group of the polyester. The pi-back bonded ester carbonyl oxygen strongly interacted with the caffeine molecule and exhibited enhanced anti-inflammatory activity. The physico-chemical characteristics of the resulting nanoconjugates were evaluated by a series of microscopic, diffraction, and spectroscopic methods. In vitro assays indicated increasing membrane stabilization of red blood cells and enhanced inhibition of protein denaturation. (C) 2017 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.