FURI | Fall 2024

Characterization of Diclofenac-Loaded Nanoparticles for Neutrophil Modulation

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to long-term disability and even death. Developing effective therapies is imperative to improving the quality of life for TBI patients. The permeability of the blood-brain barrier after TBI allows for enhanced delivery of therapeutics. Nanoparticles (NPs) are a promising drug delivery system as their physicochemical properties can be tuned for brain delivery. Diclofenac — an anti-inflammatory drug — can be encapsulated in NPs to reduce neutrophil infiltration into the injured brain by decreasing L-selectin expression. In this study, the effect of diclofenac-loaded NPs in comparison to free diclofenac on L-selectin shedding will be characterized in vitro.