HPG-PLGA Nanoparticles for Enhanced Baicalin Delivery in Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a need for more effective and less invasive treatment options. This study aimed to develop a targeted drug delivery system using hyperbranched polyglycidylglycerol-poly(lactic acid)-hydroxyacetic acid (HPG-PLGA)nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with baicalin (BN), a flavonoid with potent anti-inflammatory properties, to enhance therapeutic efficacy in UC. HPG-PLGA NPs are synthesized, characterized, and loaded with BN. The particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release profile of the NPs are evaluated. The in vivo biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy of the NPs are assessed in a dextran sulfate sodium-induced UC mouse model. The synthesized HPG-PLGA NPs demonstrated good stability and a controlled release of BN. In vivo studies showed significant accumulation of NPs in the inflamed colon, with a subsequent reduction in disease activity and inflammation markers. The treatment group exhibited lower levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6 compared to the model group, indicating effective alleviation of inflammation. Furthermore, the NPs showed no significant toxicity to major organs. This study provides a promising approach for the development of targeted UC treatments, offering a potential clinical application by enhancing the bioavailability and specificity of BN to inflammatory sites.