Surface modification of biodegradable polyesters with fatty acid conjugates for improved drug targeting

We describe a general method for incorporating target ligands into the surface of biocompatible polyester poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) 50/50 materials using fatty acids. Avidin-fatty acid conjugates were prepared and efficiently incorporated into PLGA. Avidin was chosen as an adaptor protein to facilitate the attachment of a variety of biotinylated ligands. We show that fatty acid preferentially associates with the hydrophobic PLGA matrix, rather than the external aqueous environment, facilitating a prolonged presentation of avidin over several weeks. We successfully applied this approach in both microspheres encapsulating a model protein, bovine serum albumin, and PLGA scaffolds fabricated by a salt-leaching method. Because of its ease, generality and flexibility, this strategy promises widespread utility in modifying the surface of PLGA-based materials for applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering.