Memantine loaded PLGA PEGylated nanoparticles for Alzheimer’s disease: in vitro and in vivo characterization

Abstract Background Memantine, drug approved for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease, has not shown to be fully effective. In order to solve this issue, polylactic-co-glycolic (PLGA) nanoparticles could be a suitable solution to increase drug’s action on the target site as well as decrease adverse effects. For these reason, Memantine was loaded in biodegradable PLGA nanoparticles, produced by double emulsion method and surface-coated with polyethylene glycol. MEM–PEG–PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) were aimed to target the blood–brain barrier (BBB) upon oral administration for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Results The production parameters were optimized by design of experiments. MEM–PEG–PLGA NPs showed a mean particle size below 200 nm (152.6 ± 0.5 nm), monomodal size distribution (polydispersity index, PI