CHED 259

There is great interest in developing techniques to functionalize biodegradable drug loaded nanoparticles with receptor targeting molecules. Polylactic acid is a polymer that is commonly used to encapsulate drugs for controlled release. However, the polymer does not have reactive surface groups for conjugation of ligands. We used layer by layer (LbL) self assembly to introduce amine groups on the surface of polyactic acid micro- and nanoparticles. Optimal conditions for formation of the layer by layer films were investigated by monitoring growth of films on quartz using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical and fluorescence microscopy were used to characterize functionalized and non functionalized nanoparticles. Results show formation of a surface active film on the micro- and nanoparticles that can be used to conjugate ligand molecules.