Polyelectrolyte complexes stabilize and controllably release vascular endothelial growth factor

Angiogenesis has long been a desired therapeutic approach to improve clinical outcomes of conditions typified by ischemia. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has demonstrated the ability to generate new blood vessels in vivo, but trials using intravenous delivery have not yet produced clinical success. Localized, sustained delivery of VEGF has been proven necessary to generate blood vessels as demonstrated by implantable, controlled release devices. Ultimately, nanoparticles delivered by intravenous injection may be designed to accumulate in target tissues and sustain the local VEGF concentration; however, injectable nanosuspensions that control the release of stabilized VEGF must first be developed. In this study, we utilize the heparin binding domain of VEGF to bind the polyanion dextran sulfate, resulting in an enhanced thermal stability of VEGF. Coacervation of the VEGF-bound dextran sulfate with selected polycations (chitosan, polyethylenimine, or poly-L-lysine) produced nanoparticles similar to 250 nm in diameter with high VEGF encapsulation efficiency (50-85%). Release of VEGF from these formulations persisted for > 10 days and maintained high VEGF activity as determined by ELISA and a mitogenic bioassay. Chitosan-dextran sulfate complexes were preferred because of their biodegradability, desirable particle size (similar to 250 nm), entrapment efficiency (similar to 85%), controlled release (near linear for 10 days), and mitogenic activity.