Melatonin releasing PLGA micro/nanoparticles and their effect on osteosarcoma cells

Melatonin loaded poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles and microparticles in the diameter of ∼200 nm and 3.5 μm, respectively, were prepared by emulsion–diffusion–evaporation method. Melatonin entrapment into the particles was significantly improved with the addition of 0.2% (w/v) melatonin into the aqueous phase and encapsulation efficiencies were found as 14 and 27% for nanoparticles and microparticles, respectively. At the end of 40 days, ∼70% of melatonin was released from both of particles, with high burst release. Both blank and melatonin loaded PLGA nanoparticles caused toxic effect on the MG-63 cells due to their uptake by the cells. However, when 0.05 mg microparticle that is carrying ∼1.7 μg melatonin was added to the cm2 of culture, inhibitory effect of melatonin on the cells were obviously observed. The results would provide an expectation about the usage of melatonin as an adjunct to the routine chemotherapy of osteosarcoma by encapsulating it into a polymeric carrier system.