NANOPARTICLES FOR DERMAL AND SYSTEMIC DELIVERY OF DRUGS

Abstract

Provided is a nanoparticle associated with a plurality of oleylcysteineamide (OCA) molecules for a variety of therapeutic applications. At least a portion of the OCA molecules may be associated with at least one therapeutic agent or at least one non-active agent. Also provided is a drug delivery agent including at least one nanoparticle associated with a plurality of OCA molecules. At least a portion of the OCA molecules is associated with at least one therapeutic agent or at least one or non-active agent. Also provided is a method of delivering a drug to a subject. The method includes administering the drug delivery agent (associated with the drug) to the subject.

Claims

1. An anhydrous formulation comprising at least one therapeutically active agent, wherein the formulation comprises Cyclopentasiloxane- Dimethicone crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone (and) Dimethicone/Vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Boron Nitride, lauroyl Lysine, hyaluronic acid, Palmitoyloligopeptide and Palmitoyl tetrapeptideN-Palmitoyl.

2. The formulation according to claim 1, comprising TABLE-US-00009 Relative Ingredient amont/100 Cyclopentasiloxane-Dimethicone 40.0-50.0 crosspolymer Dimethicone 5.0-7.0 Cyclopentasiloxane 10.0-15.0 Dimethicone-Dimethicone/Vinyl 20.0-35.0 dimethicone Crosspolymer Boron Nitride 0.3-0.70 lauroyl Lysine 0.2-0.70 hyaluronic acid 0.1-0.40 Palmitoyloligopeptide 0.05-0.3 Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-N-Palmitoyl 0.05 -0.3

3. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the at least one therapeutically active agent is contained within or associated with a poly(lactic glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticle having an average diameter of at most 500 nm, the PLGA having an average molecular weight of between 2,000 and 20,000 Da.

4. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the at least one therapeutically active agent is selected from the group consisting of a vitamin, a protein, an anti-oxidant, a peptide, a polypeptide, a lipid, a carbohydrate, a hormone, an antibody, a monoclonal antibody, a vaccine, a prophylactic agent, a diagnostic agent, a contrasting agent, a nucleic acid, a nutraceutical agent, a small molecule of a molecular weight of less than about 1,000 Da or less than about 500 Da, an electrolyte, a drug, an immunological agent and any combination of the aforementioned.

5. The formulation according to claim 4, wherein the at least one therapeutic agent is a macromolecule.

6. The formulation according to claim 5, wherein said macromolecule is lipophilic.

7. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the at least one therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of calcitonin, cyclosporin, insulin, dexamethasone, dexamethasone palmitate, cortisone, and prednisone.

8. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the at least one therapeutic agent having a molecular weight higher than 1,000 Da.

9. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the at least one therapeutic agent having a molecular weight of at most 300 Da.

10. The formulation according to claim 1, wherein the at least one therapeutic agent having a molecular weight of between 500 and 1,000 Da.

11. The formulation according to claim 1, being an anhydrous composition, comprising lyophilized poly(lactic glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles having an average diameter of at most 500 nm, the PLGA having an average molecular weight of between 2,000 and 20,000 Da, said nanoparticle containing at least one therapeutically active agent.

12. The formulation according to claim 11, being a cream.

13. The formulation according to claim 1, being a pharmaceutical composition.

14. The formulation according to claim 13, for transdermal administration.

15. The composition according to claim 13, for topical administration across skin layers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0153] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0154] FIGS. 1A-B are CRYO-TEM images of blank PLGA.sub.4500 nanoparticles at various areas of the carbon grid (FIG. 1A) and blank PLGA.sub.4500 nanoparticles at various areas of the carbon grid following one month storage at 4 C. (FIG. 1B).

[0155] FIGS. 2A-B are CRYO-TEM images of DHEA loaded PLGA.sub.4500 nanocapsules at various areas of the carbon grid (FIG. 2A) and DHEA loaded PLGA.sub.50000 nanocapsules at various areas of the carbon grid (FIG. 2B).

[0156] FIG. 3 is a collection of fluorescent images of various consecutive tape-stripping following topical administration over 3 h of different NIR-PLGA nanosphere formulations (2.25 mg/cm.sup.2). Scanning was performed using ODYSSEY Infra Red Imaging System.

[0157] FIGS. 4A-D is a depiction of reconstructed fluorescent images of whole skin specimens, 2 h following topical administration of DiD incorporated nanocapsules or nanospheres (4.5 mg/cm.sup.2). FIG. 4A-DiD loaded PLGA.sub.4500 nanospheress; FIG. 4B-DiD loaded PLGA.sub.50000 nanospheres; FIG. 4C-DiD control solution; FIG. 4D-DiD loaded PLGA.sub.4500 nanocapsules. Z stack scanning was performed using a Zeiss LSM 710 confocal microscope.

[0158] FIGS. 5A-E is a depiction of reconstructed fluorescent images of whole skin specimens, 2 h following topical administration of varied fluorescent nanocapsules or nanospheres (3.75 mg/cm.sup.2). FIG. 5A-DiD incorporated and rhodamine B conjugated PLGA.sub.4500 nanospheres; FIG. 5B-DiD incorporated and rhodamine B conjugated PLGA.sub.4500 nanocapsules; FIG. 5C-Rhodamin B incorporated latex nanospheres; FIG. 5D-DiD and rhodamine B conjugated PLGA.sub.4500 aqueous dispersion control; FIG. 5E-DiD and rhodamine B conjugated PLGA.sub.4500 MCT containing aqueous dispersion control. Z stack scanning was performed using a Zeiss LSM 710 confocal microscope.

[0159] FIGS. 6A-B exhibits DiD (FIG. 6A) and Rhodamine B (FIG. 6B) cumulative fluorescence intensity as a function of skin depth following 2 hours topical administration of various DiD incorporated RhdB-PLGA formulations (3.75 mg/cm.sup.2) using 27 m incremental optical sectioning.

[0160] FIGS. 7A-D CLSM images of 8 m thick vertical skin sections 2 h after topical administration of DID incorporated RhdB-PLGA NPs (FIG. 7A) and NCs (FIG. 7B) and their respective controls (FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D) (3.75 mg/cm.sup.2). Bar=100 m.

[0161] FIG. 8 exhibits Rhodamine B cumulative fluorescence intensity as a function of skin depth following 2 hours topical administration of various rhodamine B incorporated formulations including PLGA nanospheres, nanocapsules and latex nanspheres (3.75 mg/cm.sup.2) using 27 m incremental optical sectioning.

[0162] FIGS. 9A-D [.sup.3H]DHEA (FIG. 9A and FIG. 9C) and [.sup.3H]COE (FIG. 9B and FIG. 9D) distribution in the viable epidermis (FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B) and dermis (FIG. 9C and FIG. 9D) skin compartments over time following incubation of various radioactive nanocarriers and their respective controls. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9C: positively (.diamond-solid.) and negatively (.square-solid.) charged [.sup.3H]DHEA NCs and their respective oil controls (,.Math.); FIG. 9B and FIG. 9D: [.sup.3H]COE NSs (.box-tangle-solidup.), [.sup.3H]COE NCs (.circle-solid.) and their respective controls (,). Significant difference (P value<0.05) of the positively (*) and negatively (**) charged DHEA NCs in comparison to their respective controls

[0163] FIG. 10 exhibits [.sup.3H]DHEA amounts recorded in the receptor compartment fluids following topical application of positive (.diamond-solid.) and negative (.square-solid.) DHEA loaded NCs and their respective oily controls (,.Math.). Values are meanSD. Significant difference (P value<0.05) of the positively (*) and negatively (**) charged DHEA NCs in comparison to their respective controls.

[0164] FIGS. 11A-C are transmission electron microscopy microphotography of cetuximab immunonanoparticles (INPs) following incubation over 1 h, using goat anti-human IgG secondary antibody conjugated to 12 nm gold particle at different magnifications.

[0165] FIGS. 12A-C are flow cytometry histograms demonstrating the binding of cetuximab immune nanoparticles to A549 cells. Depicted are surface activated nanoparticles (FIG. 12A) and rituximab (isotype matched) immunonanoparticles (FIG. 12B) at increasing concentrations (0.025 g/ml, 0.05g/ml, 0.1 g/ml, 0.5 g/ml and 1 g/ml) (FIG. 12C). 0.1 g/ml, 0.5 g/ml and 1 g/ml equivalents of cetuximab INPs compared to 1 g/ml equivalent of rituximab immune nanoparticles (full background histogram).

[0166] FIGS. 13A-E are reconstructed fluorescent images of whole skin specimens, 3 h following topical administration of various immunological and reference nanoparticulate formulations (6 mg/cm.sup.2 eq. to 0.12 mg MAb/cm.sup.2), following specific immunohistochemistry staining. Scanning was performed using an Olympus confocal microscope.

[0167] FIG. 14 depicts individual fluorescence intensities per cm.sup.2 calculated separately in up to twelve consecutive 35 m sections, following topical administration of various immunological and reference nanoparticulate formulations (6 mg/cm.sup.2 eq. to 0.12 mg MAb/cm.sup.2), and specific immunohistochemistry staining.

[0168] FIG. 15 depicts extrapolated cumulative fluorescent intensities per cm.sup.2 calculated for up to 385 m, following topical administration of various immunological and reference nanoparticulate formulations (6 mg/cm.sup.2 eq. to 0.12 mg MAb/cm.sup.2), and specific immunohistochemistry staining.

[0169] FIG. 16 depicts calculated AUC values of cumulative fluorescent intensities per cm.sup.2 calculated for up to 385 m, following topical administration of various immunological and reference nanoparticulate formulations (6 mg/cm.sup.2 eq. to 0.12 mg MAb/cm.sup.2), and specific immunohistochemistry staining.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

I. Lactic Acid and Glycolic Delivery to the Skin

[0170] Use is made of the clinically well-accepted PLGA polymers as well as PLA particles of a specific molecular weight, to prepare nanoparticles of a certain particle size that are applied onto the skin, penetrate in the upper layers of the dermis and release, in a controlled manner over time, lactic and glycolic acid, or only lactic acid, which are natural moisturizing factors, allowing a prolonged and sustained hydration of the skin without being harmful.

[0171] The PLGA nanoparticles, per se, empty or loaded with appropriate actives are used as the prolonged active hydrating ingredients, as a result of their degradation within the skin leading to the progressive and continuous release of lactic and glycolic acid. Even if the nanoparticles penetrate into the deep layer of the epidermis or even the dermis, they do not induce any damage as previously described since the hydrolysis product lactic and glycolic acids are naturally eliminated or excreted.

[0172] It should be emphasized the PLGA (or PLA), as the active hydrating components of the composition of the invention, are not merely used as carriers for delivery of other components to the skin, although the invention also encompasses the possibility that other beneficial active components are used. Thus, in accordance with the invention the composition is intended for topical application, i.e., contains carriers for topical applications, as well as for other applications.

[0173] The nanoparticles of the invention are typically of a size smaller than 500 nm. Typically, the nanoparticles are of a size range of between 100 and 200 nm, or between 50 and 100 nm.

[0174] In some embodiments, the molecular weight of PLGA and the ratio between PLA and PGA is tailored so that the nanoparticles have the following properties: [0175] (a) Penetrate into the skin to at least the 10 superficial epidermis layers; [0176] (b) Penetrate to a depth of at least 4-20 micrometers into the skin; [0177] (c) Biodegrade in the skin layer into which they penetrate (typically about 15% in the Stratum corneum); [0178] (d) Sustained release of the lactic acid and glycolic acid or only the lactic acid for a period above 24 hours, preferably above 72 hours, more preferably about a week.

[0179] Without wishing to be bound by theory, there seems to be interplay between the size of particle (which influences the penetration rate and the deepness of penetration), the ratio of PLA and PGA and the molecular weight of the PLGA, in such a way that the above properties can be achieved by a number of combinations. Several changes in parameters may neutralize each other.

[0180] In some embodiments, the ratio of PLA:PGA is 85:15; 72:25; or 50:50. In some embodiments, the ratio is 50:50.

[0181] In other embodiments, the molecular weight of the PLGA ranges from 2,000 to 10,000 Da. In some embodiments, the ratio is between 2,000 and 4,000.

[0182] In other embodiments, the PLA particles may be employed per se, in such embodiments the PLA molecular weight is in the range of 4,000 and 20,000.

II. Encapsulation Strategies of Insoluble Compounds in Nanoparticles-the Potential of DHEA Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles

[0183] In the present invention, the nanoparticles may be loaded with active materials such as vitamins, peptides, and others as disclosed hereinabove.

[0184] Humans have adrenals that secrete large amounts of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate derivatives (DHEAS). A remarkable feature of plasma DHEA(S) levels in humans is their great decrease with aging. Researchers have postulated that this age-related decline in DHEA(S) levels may explain some of the degenerative changes associated with aging. Three mechanisms of action of DHEA(S) have been identified. DHEA and DHEA(S) are precursors of testosterone and estradiol. DHEA(S) is a neurosteroid, which modulates neuronal excitability via specific interactions with neurotransmitter receptors, and DHEA is an activator of calcium-gated potassium channels.

[0185] Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials which included 280 healthy individuals (140 men and 140 women) aged 60-years and over treated with (near) physiological doses of DHEA (50 mg/day) over one year have yielded very positive results. Impact of DHEA replacement treatment was assessed on mood, well being, cognitive and sexual functions, bone mass, body composition, vascular risk factors, immune functions and skin. Interestingly, an improvement of the skin status was observed, particularly in women, in terms of hydration, epidermal thickness, sebum production, and skin pigmentation. Furthermore, no harmful consequences were observed following this 50 mg/day DHEA administration over one year.

[0186] It is known that DHEA might be related to the process of skin aging through the regulation and degradation of extracellular matrix protein. It was demonstrated that DHEA can increase procollagen synthesis and inhibit collagen degradation by decreasing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 synthesis and increasing tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloprotease (TIMP-1) production in cultured dermal fibroblasts. DHEA (5%) in ethanol:olive oil (1:2) was topically applied to buttock skin of volunteers 12 times over 4 weeks, and was found to significantly increase the expression of procollagen alphal (I) mRNA and protein in both aged and young skin. On the other hand, topical DHEA significantly decreased the basal expression of MMP-1 mRNA and protein, but increased the expression of TIMP-1 protein in aged skin. These recent results suggest the possibility of using DHEA as an anti-skin aging agent.

[0187] Based on the overall reported results, exogenous DHEA, administered topically may promote keratinization of the epidermis, enhance skin hydration by increasing the endogenous production and secretion of sebum subsequently reinforcing the barrier effect of the skin, treat the atrophy of the dermis by inhibiting the loss of collagen and connective tissue and finally can modulate the pigmentation of the skin. These properties render DHEA the active of choice as an anti-aging active ingredient provided DHEA is adequately dissolved in the topical formulation, can diffuse from the formulation towards the skin and be fully bioavailable for skin penetration following dermal application. Indeed, DHEA exhibits complex solubility limitations in common cosmetic and pharmaceutical solvents such as water, polar oils and vegetable oils. DHEA is practically insoluble in water (0.02 mg/ml) and is known for its tendency to precipitate rapidly within topical regular formulations even at concentrations lower than 0.5%, yielding several polymorphic crystal forms which are difficult to control and exhibit very slow dissolution rate. Furthermore, DHEA shows low solubility in lipophilic phases with a maximum solubility of 1.77% in mid chain triglycerides. The most accepted topical dosage form is the o/w emulsion in which the DHEA should be dissolved in the lipophilic phase. However, this solution is very difficult to accomplish since very high concentrations of oil phase (more than 70%) are needed to achieve a DHEA concentration eliciting an adequate efficacy activity (approximately 0.5% w/v), Topical products with such high oil phase concentrations will be unpleasant and unappealing, ruling out their usefulness as cosmetic products.

[0188] There is no doubt that the recrystallization process of DHEA should be prevented since it can potentially cause significant variations in therapeutic bioavailability and efficacy. The drug crystals need first to re-dissolve in the skin prior to diffusing and penetrating the superficial skin layers. Such a process is unlikely to occur easily and will significantly affect the activity of the product. Moreover, the recrystallization process can affect the stability and the physical appearance of the formulation. Thus, there is clearly a need to prepare pleasant and convenient o/w topical formulations where DHEA loaded nanoparticles can he dispersed at an adequate concentration precipitate out of the formulation. Furthermore, the DHEA embedded nanocarrier should be incorporated in a topical formulation, which can promote penetration of the active ingredient within the epidermis and dermis layers where its action is most needed.

III. Delivery of Surface Bound Macromolecules and Minerals into the Skin using Thiol Activated Nanoparticles

[0189] Commercially available products utilizing transdermal delivery have been mainly limited to low molecular weight lipophilic drugs (MW<500 Da) [16], with larger molecular weights (MW>500 Da) facing penetration difficulties [17]. Due to the impervious nature of the Stratum corneum towards macromolecules, a suitable penetration enhancer should substantially improve transport of macromolecules through the skin. Various technologies have been developed for this purpose, including the use of microneedles, electroporation, laser generated pressure waves, hypertheimia, low-frequency sonophoresis, iontophoresis, penetration enhancers, or a combination of these methods. Many penetration enhancement techniques face inherent challenges, such as scale-up and safety concerns [17]. The present invention proposes the delivery of macromolecules, mostly hydrophilic, by a non invasive method, using a surface binding technique of macromolecules to thiolated nanoparticles.

Thiolated NPsState of the Art

[0190] Nanoparticles were functionalized with a maleimide moiety, which were then conjugated to a thiolated protein. Alternatively, nanoparticles can be functionalized with a thiol group then conjugated to a maleimidic residue on the protein. Traditionally, such delivery systems have been mostly used for the targeted delivery of drug loaded nanoparticles, principally to malignant tumors, where the surface conjugated protein is used simply as a targeting moiety recognizing disease specific epitopes.

IV. Experimental

1. DiD Loaded PLGA NPs and NCs and/or Rhodamine B PLGA Conjugated NPs or NCS Preparation

[0191] PLGA was dissolved in acetone containing 0.2% w/v Tween 80, at a concentration of 0.6% w/v. In case were NCs were prepared, octanoic acid or MCT at a concentration of 0.13% w/v was also added to the organic phase. If DiD loaded NPs were prepared then, an aliquot of acetone DiD solution at a concentration of 1 mg/ml was also added to the organic phase, resulting in a final concentration of 15-30 g/ml. If rhodamine B PLGA conjugated NPs or NCs were prepared, 0.03% w/v rhodamine B tagged PLGA were dissolved in acetone together with 0.57% w/v non labeled PLGA. The organic phase was added to the aqueous phase containing 0.1% w/v Solutol HS 15. The suspension was stirred at 900 rpm over 15 minutes and then concentrated by evaporation to a final polymer concentration of 30 mg/ml. The aqueous and oil control compositions were identical to the formulation described above, only without the polymer presence.

2. [.SUP.3.]DHEA and [.SUP.3.H]COE PLGA solid nanoparticle encapsulation and Evaluation

DHEA NPs Preparation

[0192] DHEA loaded PLGA nanocapsules were prepared using the interfacial deposition method [18]. DHEA was solubilized in octanoic acid/MCT/oleic acid and in acetone. If positively charged DHEA NCs were prepared, the cationic lipid, DOTAP [1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane], at a concentration of 0.1% w/v was added to the organic phase. In case were radioactive DHEA NCs were prepared, 15 Ci of tritiated DHEA were inserted into the oil core of the NCs during the preparation of the NCs together with 1 mg of cold DHEA. In case [.sup.3]Cholestetyl oleyl ether ([.sup.3H]COE) were prepared, 80 and 127 Ci [.sup.3H]COE were either dissolved in MCT to form NCs or simply added to the organic phase for NPs formation, respectively. The organic phase was added drop wise to the aqueous phase under stirring at 900 rpm, and the formulation was concentrated by evaporation to a polymer concentration of 8 mg/ml. The formulations were filtered through 0.8 m membrane and then 3 ml from the different [.sup.3H]DHEA NCs were dia-filtrated with 30 ml PBS (pH 7.4) (Vivaspin 300,000 MWCO, Vivascience, Stonehouse, UK) and filtered through 1.2 m filter (w/0.8 m Supor Membrane, Pall corporation, Ann Arbor, USA). The radioactivity intensity for the overall formulations and their respective controls was set so a finite dose applied will be in the range of a total of 0.63-1.08 Ci/ml. The compositions of the organic phase and the aqueous phase are presented in Table 1.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 compositions of organic phase and aqueous phase Organic phase Aqueous phase PLGA 4500 MW-150 mg Solutol HS 15-50 mg Octanoic acid-75 l Water-100 ml DHEA-10 mg TWEEN 80-50 mg Acetone-50 ml

[0193] Particle size analysis: mean diameter and particle size distribution measurements were carried out utilizing an ALV Noninvasive Back Scattering High Performance Particle Sizer (ALV-NIBS HPPS, Langen, Germany) at 25 C. and using water as diluent.

[0194] Zeta potential measurements: the zeta potential of the NPs was measured using the Malvern zetasizer (Malvern, UK) diluted in HPLC grade water.

[0195] Scanning (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM): morphological evaluation was performed by means of scanning and transmission TEM (Philips Technai F20 100 KV). Specimens for TEM visualization are prepared by mixing the sample with phosphotungstic acid 2% (w/v) pH 6.4 for negative staining.

Cryo-Transmission Electron Microscopy (Cryo-TEM)

[0196] A drop of the aqueous phase was placed on a carbon-coated holey polymer film supported on a 300 mesh Cu grid (Ted Pella Ltd), the excess liquid was blotted and the specimen was vitrified via a fast quench in liquid ethane to 170 C. The procedure was performed automatically in the Vitrobot (FEI). The vitrified specimens were transferred into liquid nitrogen for storage. The fast cooling is known to preserve the structures present at the bulk solution and therefore provides direct information on the morphology and aggregation state of the objects in the bulk solution without drying. The samples were studied using a FEI Tecnai 12 G2 TEM, at 120 kV with a Gatan cryo-holder maintained at 180 C., and images were recorded on a slow scan cooled charge-coupled device CCD Gatan manufactured camera. Images were recorded with the Digital Micrograph software package, at low dose conditions, to minimize electron beam radiation damage.

3. Diffusion Experiments

[0197] Franz diffusion cells (Crown Glass, Sommerville, N.J., USA) with an effective diffusion area of 1/0.2 cm.sup.2 and an acceptor compartment of 8 ml were used. The receptor fluid was a phosphate buffer, pH 7.4.

[0198] Throughout the experiment, the receptor chamber content was continuously agitated by a small magnetic stirrer. The temperature of the skin was maintained at 32 C. by water circulating system regulated at 37 C. Finite doses of the vehicle and formulations (10-50 mg polymer per cell) were applied on the horny layer of the skin or cellulose membrane. The donor chamber was opened to the atmosphere. The exact time of application was noted and considered as time zero for each cell. At 4, 8, 12 and 24 h or 26 h, the complete receptor fluid was collected and replaced with fresh temperature equilibrated receptor medium. The determination of the diffused active ingredient concentration was determined from aliquots, At the end of the 24- or 26-h period, the skin surface was washed 5 times with 100 ml of distilled water or ethanol. The washing fluids were pooled and an aliquot part (1 ml) was assayed for the active ingredient concentration.

[0199] The cells were then dismantled and the dermis separated from the epidermis by means of elevated temperature as described above. The active ingredient content was determined by means of HPLC or other validated analytical techniques. Furthermore, the presence of lactic or glycolic acid in the receptor medium was examined.

4. DiD Loaded PLGA NPs and NCs and/or Rhodamine PLGA Conjugated NPs or NCS Site Localization

[0200] Excised human skin or porcine ear skin samples were placed on Franz diffusion cells (PermeGear, Inc., Hellertown, Pa.), with an orifice diameter of 5/11.28 mm, 5/8 mL receptor volume and an effective diffusion area of 0.2/1.0 cm.sup.2. The receptor fluid was phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. Throughout the experiment, the receptor chamber content was continuously agitated by a small magnetic stirrer. The temperature of the skin was maintained at 32 C. by water circulating system regulated at 37 C. The solutions and different NP and NCs formulations either loaded with entrapped DiD fluorescent probe with free PLGA or PLGA covalently bound to rhodamine B were applied on the skin as detailed below. This protocol was adopted to follow the skin localization of both the entrapped DiD probe and of the conjugated rhodamine B polymer. The various formulations were prepared as described in the experimental section above. The dose applied for each formulation on the excised skin samples was 125 l of a 30 mg/ml PLGA polymer concentration with an initial entrapped fluorescent content of DiD 30 g/ml.

[0201] After single incubation period or at different time intervals, some of the skin samples were dissected to identify the localization site of the nanocarrier in the various skin layers by confocal microscope. The procedure was as follows using histological sectioning. The skin specimens were fixated using formaldehyde 4% for 30 minutes. The fixated tissues were placed in an adequate plastic cubic embedding in tissue freezing medium (OCT, Tissue-Tek). Skin samples were then deeply frozen at 80 C. and vertically cut into 10 m thick sections, utilizing Cryostat at 20 C. Then, the treated specimens were stored in a refrigerator untill to the confocal microscopic analysis.

[0202] In addition, some whole mount skin specimens were kept intact after Franz cells incubation at selected time interval of 2 h and immediately observed by confocal microscope and further reconstructed using 3D imaging from z-stacks pictures. The fluorescence intensity versus skin depth for nanocarriers and respective controls using line profile (calculated intensity for each section and whole specimen accumulative intensity are reported). Samples data is provided in Table 2.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Description of the composition of each formulation topically applied with specific equivalent dose PLGA- Oil core DiD eq. PLGA, rhodamine B type in Volume dose Formulation mg/cm.sup.2 conjugated % NCs applied Applied Composition (MW, kDa) w/w from NPs (l) (l) (g) DiD NPs 4.5 (4) 150 1.125 DiD NPs 4.5 (50) 150 1.125 DiD NCs 4.5 (4) Octanoic 150 1.125 acid (75) DiD micellar 150 1.125 solution DiD incorporated 3.75 (4) 5 125 3.75 rhodamine B conjugated PLGA NPs DiD incorporated 3.75 (4) 5 MCT 125 3.75 rhodamine B (113) conjugated PLGA NCs Rhodamine B 3.75 (NA) 125 incorporated Latex NPs DiD and rhodamine 5 125 3.75 B conjugated PLGA aqueous dispersion DiD and rhodamine 5 MCT 125 3.75 B conjugated (113) PLGA oil containing aqueous dispersion

5. [.SUP.3.H]DHEA NCs Site Localization and Deep Skin Layer Localization

[0203] [.sup.3H]DHEA NCs formulations were applied on the skin using the Franz cell diffusion system. [.sup.3H]DHEA localization in the various skin layers was determined by skin compartment dissection technique. Dcrmatome pig skin (600-800 m thick) was mounted on Franz diffusion cells (Crown Glass, Sommerville, N.J., USA) with an effective diffusion area of 1 cm.sup.2 and an acceptor compartment of 8 ml (PBS, pH 7.4). At different time intervals, skin compartment dissection was carried out to identify the localization site of the nanocarriers in the skin surface, upper corneocytes layers, epideunis, dermis and receptor cell. First, the remainder of the formulation was collected following serial washings to allow adequate recovery. Then, the skin surface was removed by adequate sequential tapes stripping, contributing the first strip to the donor compartment. The rest of the viable epidermis was separated from the dermis by means of heat elevated temperature, and then chemically dissolved by solvable digestion liquid. Finally the receptor fluids were also collected and further analyzed.

[0204] In addition, in an attempt to reveal quantitatively the biofate of the NCs and NPs in the various layers of the skin, 80 and 127 Ci [.sup.3H]Cholesteryl oleyl ether ([.sup.3H]COE) were either dissolved in the oil core of the NCs or entrapped in the nanomatrices of the NPs respectively. The radioactive tracer, [.sup.3H]Cholesteryl oleyl ether ([.sup.3H]COE) is highly lipophilic with a log P above 15 (>15) and its localization within skin layers reflects the localization of either the oil core of the NC or the nanomatrix of the NP since the probe cannot be released from the nanocarriers in view of its extremely high lipophilicity.

6. Oleylcysteineamide Synthesis and Characterization Oleylcysteineamide Synthesis

[0205] Under a flow of nitrogen the flask was charged via syringe with oleic acid (OA) (2.0 g, 7.1 mmol), 60 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran, and triethylamine (0.5 ml, 7.1 mmol). Stirring was commenced, and the solution was cooled to an internal temperature of 15 C. using a dry ice-isopropyl alcohol bath at 5 to 10 C. Ethyl chloroformate (0.87 ml, 6.1 mmol) was added and the solution was stirred for 5 min. The addition of ethyl chloroformate resulted in an internal temperature rise to +8 to +10 C. and the precipitation of a white solid. Following the precipitation the continuously stirred mixture, still in the dry-isopropyl alcohol bath, was allowed to reach an internal temperature of 14 C. Cysteine (1.0 g, 8.26 mmol) dissolved in 5% Na.sub.2CO.sub.3 solution (10 ml) introduced into the flask via a syringe needle, was vigorously bubbled through the solution for 10 min with manual stirring: the internal temperature rises abruptly to 25 C. With the flask still in the cooling bath, stirring was continued for an additional 30 min, and the reaction mixture was stored in the freezer at 15 C. overnight. The slurry was stirred with tetrahydrofuran (100 ml) at room temperature for 5 min and ammonium salts were removed by suction filtration through a Bchner funnel. After the solids were rinsed with tetrahydrofuran (20 ml), the filtrate was passed through a plug of silica gel (25 g Merck 60 230-400 mesh) in a coarse porosity sintered-glass filter funnel with aspirator suction. The funnel was further washed with acetonitrile (100 ml) and the combined filtrates were evaporated (rotary evaporator) to give a viscous liquid,

[0206] Formation of olcylcysteineamide was confirmed by H-NMR (Mercury VX 300, Varian, Inc., CA, USA) and LC-MS (Finnigan LCQDuo, ThermoQuest, NY, USA).

Oleylcysteineamide Characterization

[0207] .sup.1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, ): 0.818, 0.848, 0.868, 0.871, 0.889, 1.247, 1255, 1.297, 1.391, 1.423, 1.452, 1.621, 1.642, 1.968, 1.989, 2.008, 2.174, 2.177, 2.268, 2.2932.320, 2.348, 3.005, 3.054, 4.881, 5.316, 5.325, 5.335, 5.343, 5.353, 5.369, 6.516, 6.540, 7,259 ppm.

[0208] LC-MS: Peak at: 384.42.

[0209] The NMR analysis confirms the formation of the linker oleylcysteineamide, while the LC-MS spectrum clearly corroborates the molecular weight of the product which is 385.6 g/mol

7. Preparation and Characterization of Surface Activated Nanoparticles and Macromolecules Conjugation

[0210] Nanoparticles were prepared using the well established interfacial deposition method [18]. The oleylcysteineamide linker molecule was dissolved in the organic phase containing the polymer dissolved in water soluble organic solvent. The organic phase was then added drop wise to the aqueous phase which contains a surfactant. The suspension was evaporated at 37 C. under reduced pressure to a final nanoparticulate suspension volume of 10 ml. A maleimide bearing spacer molecule (LC-SMCC) was reacted with the desired macromolecule at pH 8 for subsequent conjugation to the thiol moiety. The thiol activated NPs and the relevant maleimide bearing molecule were then mixed and allowed to react overnight under a nitrogen atmosphere. The following day, free unbound molecules were separated from the conjugated NPs using a dia-filtration method.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Formulation composition Organic phase Aqueous phase Polymer Solutol HS 15 300 mg 100 mg Oleyl cysteine Water 20 mg 100 ml Tween 80 100 mg Acetone 50 ml

Size and Zeta Potential Characterization

[0211] The size and zeta potential of the various NPs were measured in water using a DTS zetasizer (Malvern, UK).

Determination of the Conjugation Efficiency of the Various Macromolecules to NPs

[0212] The conjugation efficiency of the macromolecules such as MAbs was determined using the calorimetric Bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA) for protein quantification (Pierce, Ill., USA).

[0213] It should be noted, that the same procedure disclosed herein has been used to link hyaluronic acid to the nanoparticles.

8. Incorporation of Nanoparticles into Anhydrous Cream

[0214] The advantages of dispersing the final product in anhydrous cream are enormous. Increasing amounts (0.1-10%) of freeze-dried powders of the NPs and the NPs prepared are incorporated into a novel cream comprising no water. The relative amounts of the ingredients of this cream are detailed in Table 4.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 relative amounts of ingredients Ingredient Relative amount/100 Dow corning 9040- 40.0-50.0 Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethicone crosspolymer Dimethicone 5.0-7.0 Cyclopentasiloxane 10.0-15.0 Shin etsu KSG-16 20.0-35.0 Dimethicone (and) Dimethicone/Vinyl dimethicone Crosspolymer Boron Nitride 0.3-0.70 lauroyl Lysine Ajinomoto 0.2-0.70 hyaluronic acid MP 50000 0.1-0.40 Palmitoyloligopeptide- 0.05-0.3 Biopeptide CL Sederma Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-N- 0.05-0.3 Palmitoyl-Rigin

IV. Preliminary Results

Nanoparticle Formulation and Characterization

[0215] Fluorescent nanoparticles were prepared to facilitate visual detection of the nanoparticles. PLA was conjugated to the fluorescent Rhodamine B probe. The nanoparticles were then prepared as described in the experimental section above.

[0216] The results demonstrate a homogenous nanopartic-le formulation. It was possible to see the nanoparticles owing to the fluorescence labeling with Rhodamine fluorophore at excitation/emission 560/580 nm. The nanoparticles exhibited a mean diameter of 52 nm and a Zeta potential value of 37.3 mV.

[0217] This technique was used to detect and identify the localization of the nanoparticles with time in the various layers of the skin following topical application.

Cryo-TEM Visualization of PLGA Biodegradable NPs One Month Following Preparation

[0218] The Cryo-TEM images of blank PLGA.sub.4500 nanoparticles at various areas of the carbon grid are depicted in FIG. 1A. Nanoparticles appear quite homogenous in size and shape. Furthermore, cryo-TEM images of blank PLGA.sub.4500 nanoparticles at various areas of the carbon grid following one month storage at 4 C. are depicted in FIG. 1B. Nanoparticles are at different degradation stages. It can be noted that nanoparticles degraded with time in an aqueous environment.

DHEA Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles

[0219] DHEA was encapsulated within the oil core of PLGA (4500 or 50000 Da) nanocapules. The Cryo-TEM images at various areas of the carbon grid are depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The nanocapsules appear spherical and nanometric and no DHEA crystals were observed.

[0220] For encapsulation efficiency and active substance content determination, [.sup.3H] DHEA was incorporated within MCT NCs. The initial theoretical DHEA content for the cationic and anionic NCs, following diafiltration with PBS (pH 7.4), were 0.49 and 0.52%, while the observed contents were 0.18 and 0.15% respectively. The encapsulation efficiency was therefore 36.5 and 30.4% for the positively and negatively charged NCs, respectively (as shown in Table 5).

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 DHEA content and loading efficiency within MCT NCs Theoretical conc. Observed conc. Yield Formulation (%, w/v) (%, w/v) (%) Positively charged 0.013 0.006 36.53 [.sup.3H]DHEA loaded MCT NCs Negatively charged 0.013 0.005 30.40 [.sup.3H]DHEA loaded MCT NCs

Skin Penetration of Fluorescent Labeled Nanospheres

[0221] To evaluate skin penetration of NPs, nanospheres comprising of PLGA.sub.4500 or PLGA.sub.50000 were prepared, while a quantity of the polymer was covalently labeled with the infra-red dye NIR-783. Fluorescent formulations were topically administered on abdominal human skin of 60 years old male, using Franz cells (2.25 mg/cm.sup.2). After 3 h, skin specimens were washed and scanned using ODYSSEY Infra Red Imaging System (LI-COR Biosciences, NE, USA). Fluorescent images of various consecutive tape stripping following topical administration are presented in FIG. 3. Without being bound to theory, the results suggest that PLGA.sub.4500 penetrate deeper than PLGA-.sub.50000 into the skin layers. This may be attributed to the more rapid biodegradation of PLGA.sub.4500 compared to PLGA.sub.50000

Skin Penetration of Fluorescent Labeled Nanocapsules

[0222] To evaluate skin penetration of nanocapsules (NCs), as compared to nanospheres (NSs), formulations were incorporated with the fluorescent probe DiD. In order to define the bio-fate of PLGA nanocarrier, DiD fluorescent-probe-loaded-MCT NCs coated with PLGA covalently bound to rhodamine B were prepared. In the absence of MCT, NPs were formed. Non-degradable commercially available rhodamine B loaded Latex nanospheres were also investigated.

[0223] The fluorescent formulations were topically administered on abdominal human skin of 40 years old female, using Franz cells (4.5 mg/cm.sup.2). After 2 h, skin specimens were washed and scanned using Zeiss LSM710 confocal laser scanning microscope. Reconstructed fluorescent images of whole skin specimens are depicted in FIGS. 4A-D. The results clearly indicate that all DiD loaded nanoparticles elicited larger fluorescent values as compared to DiD control solution. In addition, PLGA.sub.4500 nanocapsules exhibited superior skin penetration/retention as compared to other nanoparticulate delivery systems.

[0224] The dually labeled nanocarriers formulations and their respective controls were applied for 2 hours on abdominal human skin of 50 years old female. Reconstructed fluorescent images of whole skin specimens arc depicted in FIGS. 5A-E. The 3D of the NPs and NCs following 2 hours of topical treatment showed that more of the fluorescent cargo was released from NCs than NPs although both reached the same depth (close to 200 m), while the respective controls remained on the superficial skin layers. The results clearly indicate that DiD loaded nanoparticles penetrates at the same fashion as was previously described. Furthermore, rhodamine B intensity, which originally derived from the fluorescent probe conjugation to PLGA, was much higher when the PLGA based nanoparticulate carriers were topically administered as compared to their respective treatments (FIGS. 6A-B), as was also depicted in the cross section images (FIGS. 7A-D).

[0225] Finally, poor rhodamine B intensity was recorded following 2 hours incubation of non-degradable rhodamine B latex NSs on abdominal human skin of 30 years female. This result suggests that non-degradable based carrier has a major limit to release its cargo when compared to degradable systems (FIG. 8).

[.SUP.3.H]DHEA NCs Site Localization and Deep Skin Layer Localization

[0226] The results reported in FIGS. 9A-D show the ex-vivo dermato-biodistribution in the skin compartments of [.sup.3H]DHEA following topical application of negatively and positively charged [.sup.3H]DHEA loaded PLGA NCs and their respective controls at different incubation periods. Above 90% from the initial amount applied of the radiolaheled DHEA, from the different oil controls were recovered from the donor cell at each time interval up to 24 h. When DHEA loaded NCs were applied, again, most of the radioactive compound was collected at the donor compartment, with an average of over 90% up to 6 hours, with a notable decrease to approximately 80, 65 and 55% recorded at 8, 12 and 24 hours, respectively. [.sup.3H]DHEA distribution in the upper skins layers as a function of SC depth following a sequential 10 tape stripping (TS) is depicted in Table 6. Each pair of TS was extracted and analyzed by liquid scintillation, resulting in a sequence of five sub-layers description of the SC from each specimen. Regardless to the treatment applied, it can be noted that the highest levels of [.sup.3H]DHEA were detected in layers A and B, which represents the outermost layers of the SC, with a coordinate decrease recorded at the inner layers C, D and E. Time related accumulation of the radioactive compound in the different SC layers occurred when the negatively and positively charged [.sup.3H]DHEA loaded NCs were applied. It should be noted that irrespective of the formulation, the concentration of radioactivity within the SC was low (around 1-2%). It can clearly be observed that at 24 h post application, the concentration of radioactivity diminished progressively in the internal layers (Table 6) of the SC. However, marked differences between the DHEA loaded NCs and their respective controls were recorded in the viable skin compartments (epidermis and dermis). [.sup.3H]DHEA levels reached a plateau of 3% and 5.5% in the epidermis and dermis respectively, following 6 hours incubation of both positively and negatively charged DHEA NCs (FIGS. 9), while [.sup.3H]DHEA levels obtained in the epidermis and dermis with the respective oil controls did not reach 1% over all the treatment periods up to 24 h (FIGS. 9) (PC<0.05).

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 [.sup.3H]DHEA distribution over time in the different SC layers of porcine skin following incubation with different nanocapsule formulations. Incubation Stratum corneum layers (strips number) Formulation periods (hours) A (1-2) B (3-4) C (5-6) D (7-8) E (9-10) Positively 1 0.2% 0.0 0.2% 0.1 0.1% 0.0 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 charged 3 0.3% 0.2 0.2% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 [.sup.3H]DHEA 6 0.3% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 loaded MCT 8 0.7% 0.6 0.3% 0.2 0.2% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 NCs 12 2.0% 1.8 0.8% 0.7 0.3% 0.2 0.3% 0.2 0.2% 0.1 24 1.9% 0.9 0.8% 0.1 0.6% 0.2 0.4% 0.1 0.3% 0.1 Negatively 1 1.3% 0.1 0.4% 0.1 0.2% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.0 charged 3 0.3% 0.0 0.2% 0.0 0.1% 0.0 0.1% 0.0 0.1% 0.0 [.sup.3H]DHEA 6 0.2% 0.1 0.2% 0.0 0.1% 0.0 0.1% 0.0 0.1% 0.0 loaded MCT 8 0.8% 0.8 0.3% 0.3 0.3% 0.1 0.2% 0.1 0.2% 0.1 NCs 12 1.9% 1.3 0.8% 0.3 0.4% 0.1 0.3% 0.2 0.3% 0.2 24 2.9% 1.8 1.4% 0.5 0.7% 0.3 0.5% 0.3 0.4% 0.2 Positively 1 1.5% 0.9 1.1% 1.1 0.4% 0.5 0.2% 0.1 0.2% 0.1 charged oil 3 3.4% 1.4 1.4% 0.7 0.5% 0.3 0.2% 0.1 0.2% 0.1 control 6 2.4% 0.8 0.8% 0.3 0.3% 0.1 0.3% 0.1 0.2% 0.1 8 1.5% 0.5 0.7% 0.3 0.3% 0.1 0.2% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 12 4.6% 1.7 1.4% 0.6 0.5% 0.2 0.3% 0.1 0.2% 0.1 24 2.7% 0.8 0.9% 0.3 0.5% 0.2 0.3% 0.2 0.2% 0.2 Negatively 1 2.2% 2.4 0.8% 0.7 0.2% 0.2 0.1% 0.0 0.1% 0.1 charged oil 3 1.7% 0.7 0.5% 0.2 0.2% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.0 control 6 1.1% 0.3 0.3% 0.0 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.0 8 1.3% 0.1 0.4% 0.1 0.2% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.0 12 1.0% 0.5 0.2% 0.1 0.1% 0.0 0.1% 0.0 0.0% 0.0 24 2.0% 0.6 0.7% 0.2 0.3% 0.1 0.2% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 Values are mean SD. N = 4

[0227] Increasing levels of the radioactive DHEA were found over time in the receptor compartment fluids when both positively and negatively DHEA loaded NCs were incubated, reaching 0.5%, 2.5% and 14% from the initial dose applied following 1 hour, 8 and 24 hours, respectively. On the other hand, the respective oil controls exhibited constant [.sup.3H]DHEA levels lower than 1% radioactivity at most time intervals. Although lag time of 3 hours was observed for the different formulations, [.sup.3H]DHEA appearance in the receptor fluids following positively and negatively NCs application was significantly higher than from the respective oil controls. The total amount of DHEA in the receptor fluids (g/cm.sup.2), released from the different treatments, is plotted against the square root of time (FIG. 10). The low slow flux value 0.063 (g/cm.sup.2/h.sup.0.5), calculated from the slopes of the plotted graphs, for the oil controls correlates with their reported limited release profile. Then again, significant higher [.sup.3H]DHEA levels recorded in the receptor fluids when the negatively and positively DHEA NCs were topically applied, underlines a superior flux and superior percutaneous permeation of the drug when loaded into nanocarriers formulation. It should be emphasized that no significant difference between the two NCs formulation was observed at all time points indicating that the nature of the charge did not contribute to the enhanced skin penetration but rather the type of nanostructure used, i.e. vesicular nanocapsules.

[0228] The highly lipophilic radioactive compound, [.sup.3H]COE, was incorporated into PLGA NSs and MCT containing NCs, in an attempt to identify the fate of the empty nanocarrier when topically applied. Following diafiltration with PBS (pH=7.4) the encapsulation efficiency was 45% and 70% for the NSs and the NCs, respectively. Aqueous and oil controls of [.sup.3H]COE , without polymer, were prepared for the ex-vivo experiments. Again, over 90% from the initial amount of the tritiated COE were collected from the donor compartment following each incubation period, irrespective of the formulation type (data not shown). Table 7 exhibits [.sup.3H]COE dermatobiodistribution as a function of the SC layers following the different treatments, as was previously described for [.sup.3H]DHEA. Up to 8 hours incubation of [.sup.3H]COE loaded NSs and NCs, less than 1% from the applied dose were extracted from the upper skin layers. Interestingly, a notable increase in layers A and B of was observed following 12 hours incubation of the NSs and NCs, similar to the previous observation reported when DHEA NCs were applied. Although no notable differences, associate to the incubation periods, in the levels of [.sup.3H]COE were recorded when the different controls were topically applied, the constant distribution of the [.sup.3H]COE in MCT was higher in comparison to the [.sup.3H]COE surfactant solution (Table 7). Finally, less than 0.5% of radioactivity was counted in the viable compartments (epidermis, dermis and receptor fluids) during the incubation periods, when both nanocarriers formulations and their respective control were applied (FIG. 9). It appears that more incubation time is needed to differentiate between the various formulations of COE.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 [.sup.3H]COE distribution over time in the different SC layers of porcine skin following incubation with different nanocapsules formulations. Incubation Stratum corneum layers (strips number) Formulation periods (hours) A (1-2) B (3-4) C (5-6) D (7-8) E (9-10) [.sup.3H]Cholesteryl 1 0.7% 0.8 0.2% 0.2 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 oleyl ether 3 0.2% 0.1 0.2% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.0 0.1% 0.0 loaded PLGA 6 0.3% 0.2 0.2% 0.2 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 NSs 8 0.9% 1.0 0.3% 0.4 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 12 0.9% 1.3 0.4% 0.5 0.4% 0.5 0.2% 0.2 0.1% 0.2 24 3.6% 0.7 1.5% 0.8 0.9% 0.5 0.7% 0.4 0.5% 0.4 [.sup.3H]Cholesteryl 1 0.2% 0.2 0.1% 0.0 0.1% 0.0 0.0% 0.0 0.0% 0.0 oleyl ether 3 0.4% 0.5 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.0 0.0% 0.0 0.0% 0.0 loaded PLGA 6 0.4% 0.6 0.1% 0.1 0.2% 0.3 0.1% 0.1 0.0% 0.0 NCs 8 0.6% 0.7 0.2% 0.2 0.1% 0.2 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 12 1.2% 0.8 0.4% 0.4 0.2% 0.1 0.2% 0.2 0.1% 0.1 24 2.4% 1.8 0.8% 0.6 0.4% 0.3 0.3% 0.2 0.2% 0.2 [.sup.3H]Cholesteryl 1 0.4% 0.8 0.2% 0.3 0.2% 0.3 0.1% 0.2 0.3% 0.6 oleyl ether 3 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.0 0.0% 0.0 0.0% 0.0 surfactant 6 0.2% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.0 0.1% 0.0 0.1% 0.0 solution 8 0.5% 0.5 0.3% 0.3 0.3% 0.3 0.1% 0.2 0.1% 0.1 12 0.5% 0.4 0.3% 0.2 0.2% 0.2 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 24 0.5% 0.1 0.3% 0.2 0.2% 0.1 0.2% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 [.sup.3H]Cholesteryl 1 1.8% 0.5 0.6% 0.4 0.3% 0.2 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.0 oleyl ether oil 3 1.0% 0.7 0.4% 0.3 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.0 0.0% 0.0 control 6 1.2% 0.3 0.4% 0.2 0.1% 0.0 0.1% 0.0 0.1% 0.0 8 1.7% 0.5 0.8% 0.5 0.3% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.0 12 1.2% 0.5 0.7% 0.2 0.2% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 24 1.6% 0.3 0.5% 0.3 0.3% 0.1 0.1% 0.1 0.1% 0.0 Values are mean SD. N = 3

Thiol Surface Activated NPs and MAbs Conjugated NPs

[0229] Thiol surface activated NPs were prepared from the following polymers: [0230] PLGA of a MW of approximately 48,000 Da, [0231] PEG-PLGA.sub.50,000 and PLGA.sub.4500, [0232] PEG-PLA .sub.100,000

Preparation of ImmunoNPs Conjugated to Various MAbs

[0233] The following MAbs were successfully conjugated to the surface of the thiolated NPs with high conjugation efficiency (sec Table 8): [0234] Cetuximab [0235] Rituximab [0236] Herceptin [0237] Avastin

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Properties of INPs conjugated to relevant MAbs Zeta Size potential Conjugation Polymer MAb (nm) (mV) (%) PEG- Cetuximab 75 46 93 PLGA.sub.50,000/ PLGA.sub.48,000 PEG- Rituximab 73.75 NA 86.7% PLGA.sub.50,000/ PLGA.sub.48,000

Morphological Evaluation using TEM

[0238] The coupling of cetuximab MAb to INPs was qualitatively confirmed by TEM observations, using 12 nm gold labeled goat anti-human IgG (Jackson ImmunoResearch Laboratories, PA, USA). Each gold black spot observed in FIGS. 11A-C represents MAb molecule attached to the INPs surfaces sites that reacted with the gold labeled IgG. It can be deduced that the MAb was conjugated to the surface of the INPs by the linker and the reaction conditions did not affect the affinity of the MAb to the secondary antibody.

Binding Capacity Determination In Vitro in A549 Cell Line by Flow Cytometry

[0239] For evaluation of the binding properties evaluation using flow cytometry, cells were detached using a 0.05% solution of EDTA. Cells were re-suspended in FACS medium (1% BSA, 0.02% Sodium Azide in PBS). 200,000 cells in 200 l were used for each treatment. Cells were centrifuged at 1200 rpm at 4 degrees. Then, cells were incubated with either native cetuximab antibody or equivalent concentrations of cetuximab immunonanoparticles over ice, for 1 h. 0.005 g/ml, 0.01 g/ml, 0.025 g/ml, 0.05 g/ml, 0.1 g/ml and 0.5 g/ml cetuximab antibody or INPs equivalents were used. The anti-CD-20 antibody, rituximab (Mabthera) was used as an isotype matched irrelevant nonbinding control. Cells were also incubated with equivalent concentrations of surface activated NPs and rituximab INPs as negative controls, to exclude non specific binding of INPs. Following 1 h incubation, cells were centrifuged and washed twice with FACS medium. Cells were then incubated for forty minutes at 4 C. in the dark with FITC-conjugated AffiniPure F(ab).sub.2 Fragment goat anti-human IgG (Jackson Immunoresearch). Cells were then centrifuged and washed twice with FACS medium. Cells were re-suspended in FACS medium and fluorescence was determined by flow cytometry. The results are depicted in FIGS. 12A-C. The results clearly indicate that cetuximab immunonanoparticles exhibited excellent binding properties, at all MAb concentrations evaluated. Non specific binding was eliminated by cell incubation of both surface activated NPs (thiol bearing NPs) and isotype matched rituximab immunonanoparticles.

Skin Penetration of Immunonanoparticles

[0240] To evaluate the ability of nanoparticles to enhance the penetration of macromolecules into the skin, INPs covalently conjugated to cetuximab MAb were prepared. 6 mg/cm.sup.2 equivalent to 0.12 mg MAb/cm.sup.2 were topically administered to 44 years old female abdominal human skin, over 3 h, against relevant controls. Then, skin specimens were washed and immunostained with Cy5 labeled goat anti-human secondary IgG (Jackson ImmunoResearch Laboratories, PA, USA). Reconstructed fluorescent images were performed using an Olympus confocal Microscope (FIGS. 13A-E).

[0241] FIGS. 14 and 15 deal with the same experiment. It can be noted qualitatively and quantitatively) that the NPs and the INPs elicited the more intense fluorescent values with a more preannounced effect for the INPs as compared to NPs. FIG. 14 clearly demonstrates the most marked quantitative fluorescent intensity per cm.sup.2 elicited by the INPs. From FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 it can be observed that INPs elicited the highest cumulative intensity per cm.sup.2, clearly indicating that the NPs promote MAb skin penetration/retention.