PolySciTech: Akina, Inc.

09/01/2026

PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of pH sensitive nanoparticles for cancer therapy
Researchers at The City University of New York, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and
Rudy Ruggles Research Institute used PLGA (AP081, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP081 ) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop decorated PLGA nanoparticles to deliver cisplatin to ovarian cancer. This research holds promise to treat this lethal disease. Read more: Dragulska, Sylwia A., Mina Poursharifi, Benjamin Lesea-Pringle, Maxier Acosta Santiago, Caleb Mayes, Ying Chen, Maria Padron-Rhenals et al. "pH-Dependent Surface Charge Modulation of Peptide-Coated Poly (lactic-co-glycolic Acid)(PLGA) Nanoparticle for Drug Delivery in Ovarian Cancer." Molecules 31, no. 17 (2026): 2953. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/17/2953 “Abstract: The development of nanoparticle (NP)-based drug delivery systems that combine passive tumor targeting, physiological stability, and therapeutic efficacy remains a key challenge in cancer nanomedicine. Here, we report a pH-responsive peptide-functionalized poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NP system designed for cancer targeting. The PLGA core is coated with a short glutamic acid–lysine–histidine–phenylalanine x3 (EKHFFF) peptide shell, enabling tunable surface charge modulation around its isoelectric point and promoting environmental responsiveness. Physicochemical characterization confirms spherical NPs (~70–75 nm) with good colloidal stability, serum compatibility, and ion-dependent stability in physiological conditions. The peptide coating also provides pH-dependent modulation of the zeta potential. Evaluation of the NPs in ovarian cancer (OvCA) models, including immortalized and patient-derived cell lines (PDCLs), demonstrates efficient uptake across OvCA cell lines, with significantly enhanced internalization in PDCLs compared to immortalized cells. The EKHFFF nanoparticle (EKHFFF NP) induced minimal reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production in macrophages, indicating low immunogenicity and favorable biocompatibility. Upon platinum loading (EKHFFF-Pt NP), the system exhibits potent cytotoxicity in both platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant OvCA cell lines, outperforming carboplatin and showing comparable or improved efficacy relative to cisplatin in several cell lines. In vivo studies further demonstrate preferential tumor accumulation, sustained intratumoral retention, and measurable systemic circulation with a half-life of approximately 35 min. Keywords: pH-sensitive; nanoparticles; PLGA; ovarian cancer; peptide coating; EPR” Benchtop to Bedside clinical manufacturing with MidWestGMP https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Nanotubes, nanoparticles, and bioprinting research products by Vita Spire available from PolySciTech https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/vita-spire/
Corbion Purasorb® Distributed Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Distributed Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/

Translating benchtop processes and preclinical experiments into ready for human use products poses a vast array of challenges. Often referred to as the valley-of-death, the difficulty in simultaneously scaling-up, qualifying processes, documenting, and manufacturing in an approved environment is bey...

08/26/2026

PLGA from PolySciTech used in research on drug-delivery to the trachea for treatment of stenosis
Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is characterized by abnormal wound healing that results in hypertrophic scarring and progressive narrowing of the airway. Researchers at University of Cincinnati used PLGA (AP049, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP049 ) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop a delivery system to treat stenosis. This research holds promise to provide treatment for this injury https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/lary.70821 Nicholas Russell, Juliana El Sheikh, Logan Obermeyer, Peter J. Larson, Yoonjee C. Park, and Gregory R. Dion. "Evaluating the Local Response of a Novel Injectable Capsule for Drug Delivery in the Trachea." The Laryngoscope (2026). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/lary.70821
“Innovative therapies are needed to improve the treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis. This study investigated the local tissue response of a novel injectable drug delivery platform in a leporine tracheal model. Dye-loaded polymer (empty) implants were delivered into the pretracheal tissue of three New Zealand White rabbits using an 18-gauge needle and custom applicator to simulate peritracheal delivery adjacent to tracheal stenosis. Three additional rabbits underwent tracheal injury via electrocauterization to serve as comparative injury controls, and three additional rabbits were included as no-implant, no-injury tracheal controls. Animals underwent laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy on Days 0 and 14 to evaluate the primary outcome of local airway safety after implant placement. Secondary outcomes included ultrasound implant localization, indentation mapping of tracheal wall structural stiffness, and histological assessment. Implant-treated tracheas (n = 3) maintained lumen patency and organized tissue architecture without visible stenosis or microscopic inflammation, whereas injured tracheas (n = 3) demonstrated luminal distortion and disorganized early remodeling. Implant location was confirmed by ultrasound. Indentation mapping showed lower mean anterior and posterior tracheal wall stiffness in implant-treated specimens (5.28 and 4.47 mN/mm, respectively) compared with injured specimens (37.38 and 11.20 mN/mm, respectively). Posterior mucosal thickness was also lower in implant-treated tracheas than injured tracheas (31.02 vs. 56.07 μm). Overall, the implants did not appreciably alter the native tracheal structure. This novel injectable platform was well tolerated in the pretracheal space and preserved native tracheal structure, supporting future studies of therapeutic-loaded implants for stenosis mitigation and treatment.”
Benchtop to Bedside clinical manufacturing with MidWestGMP https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Distributed Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Distributed Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/

A novel PLGA polymer capsule was developed for localized pretracheal drug delivery and evaluated for short-term local tissue safety in a rabbit model. Implant placement was confirmed by ultrasound an...

08/26/2026

Custom-Made PEG-PLGA-PLL from PolySciTech used in development of nanoparticles for heart-disease treatment
Heart disease remains the number one cause of death amongst all diseases. Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and East China University of Science and Technology used custom-made PEG-PLGA-PLL from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) in development of nanoparticles for targeting atherosclerosis plaque and inhibiting further development of oxidized low-density lipoprotein which contributes to plaque build-up. This research holds promise to treat heart disease in the future. Read more: Duan, Yi, Yijie Qiu, Yan Zhu, Qua n Wang, Jiangtao Lin, Yourong Duan, Qi Wang, and Yi D**g. "Plaque‐Hepatic Targeting Nanotherapy Disrupts the PCSK9‐LOX‐1 Axis to Suppress oxLDL in Atherosclerosis." Advanced Science (2026): e77100. https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/advs.77100
“Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, with elevated oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) as a key driver. oxLDL metabolism involves two critical steps: generation mediated by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)-induced LDLR degradation, and plaque uptake via lectin-like oxLDL receptor-1 (LOX-1). Current PCSK9 inhibitors reduce oxLDL production but show limited effects on plaque oxLDL uptake and inflammation. Thus, synergistic strategies targeting both steps are urgently needed. To address this, we developed a hepatic-plaque targeting nanoparticle, siPCSK9@PEAL NPs-aL, based on a PEG-PLGA-PLL framework. The nanoparticle was surface-functionalized with anti-LOX-1 antibody for plaque targeting. Concurrently, optimized particle size enabled hepatic accumulation while minimizing clearance by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), facilitating effective hepatic delivery of siPCSK9. The PLGA core allowed controlled siRNA release, and the cationic PLL layer promoted efficient condensation and protection. In vitro, this system effectively silenced PCSK9, downregulated LOX-1, rescued mitochondrial function and reduced apoptosis. In advanced atherosclerosis mice, weekly administration significantly reduced aortic plaque burden, stabilized plaque composition, and normalized serum lipid levels. Lipidomics showed oxLDL-associated lipid downregulation and metabolic networks remodeling. Taken together, this dual-targeting nanodrug integrates systemic lipid-lowering with local anti-inflammatory effects by simultaneously inhibiting oxLDL generation and utilization, offering a promising precision therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis.”
Benchtop to Bedside clinical manufacturing with MidWestGMP https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
Corbion Purasorb® Distributed Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/
Ashland-TM Distributed Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/

These select development products are available thanks to a distribution relationship between Ashland and Akina, Inc. (PolySciTech). No minimum order requirement and a quick turn-around on purchase provides convenience for your development needs.

08/04/2026

PLA from PolySciTech used in development of Simvastatin-loaded nanoparticles to encourage bone regrowth Simvastatin is a drug which has shown promise to improve the regrowth of bone however localizing it is necessary for it to operate. Researchers at University of Minnesota, University of Sao Paulo, University of California, University of Juiz de Fora, Universidade Sao Francisco, and Federal University of Goias used Poly(DL)lactide (cat # AP156, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP156 ) to develop simvastatin loaded nanoparticles for bone-tissue repair. This research holds promise to improve healing options in the future for traumatic bone injury. Read more: Alves, Tomaz, Priscila Lucena Mendes, Marlus da Silva Pedrosa, Danilo Balzarini, Letícia Miquelitto Gasparoni, Aldrin Huamán-Mendoza, Bruno Nunes de França et al. "Sustained simvastatin delivery via poly (lactide) nanoparticles enhances early osteogenic-associated responses in human periodontal ligament stem cells." Scientific Reports (2026). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-63776-6

Simvastatin has recognized osteoinductive properties, but its application in regenerative strategies is limited by poor aqueous behavior and a narrow cytocompatible dosing window. Here, we developed simvastatin-loaded poly(lactide) nanoparticles and evaluated whether nanoparticle-mediated delivery i...

08/04/2026

PLA from PolySciTech used in development of brain-penetrating nanoparticle for treatment of neurological disorders. Transport of medicines into the brain tissue is difficult due to the highly-selective Blood-Brain-Barrier. Researchers at Louisiana State University and Louisiana Tech University recently utilized Polylactide (Cat # AP047, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP047 ) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) in development of electrically activated particles for brain delivery. This research holds promise to provide for delivery of drugs to brain diseases. Read more: Roy, Salona, Umisha Siwakoti, Daniel Alday, Carlos Astete, Ethan McElveen, Ashok Sigdel, Fabio Del Piero, Cristina Sabliov, Elisa Castagnola, and Qi Cai. "On-demand, reversible blood-brain barrier opening via electrical activation of piezoelectric nanoparticles for targeted brain drug delivery." bioRxiv (2026): 2026-07. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.20.738792.abstract

07/29/2026

PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of Mito-TEMPO loaded nanoparticle treatment for COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an ongoing lung condition caused by damage to the lungs. The damage results in swelling and irritation, also called inflammation, inside the airways. Researchers at University of Newcastle used PLGA (AP041) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to generate antioxidant loaded nanoparticles for therapy of this chronic disease. Read more: Adams, Thomas J., Michael Schuliga, Su Ling Loo, Shan Mohanan, Nyoaki Pearce, Punnam C. Veerati, Andrew T. Reid, Nathan W. Bartlett, and Mingtao Liang. "A targeted antioxidant nanomedicine regulates mitochondrial ROS and antiviral immunity in rhinovirus-infected human bronchial epithelial cells." Drug Delivery and Translational Research (2026): 1-16. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13346-026-02182-x

Mitochondrial dysfunction and altered reactive oxygen species (ROS) production contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the role of mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) in regulating cellular responses in the airway epithelium during disease exacerbations remains...

07/29/2026

PEG-PLA-COOH, mPEG-PLA, and mPEG-PCL from PolySciTech used in development of nanoparticles for vessel size dependent transport
Controlling which blood-vessels nanoparticles can enter is one means to provide for a degree of control of drug delivery. Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School, McGovern Medical School (Texas), Weill Cornell Medicine(New York), and Arizona State University used PEG-PLA-COOH (AI190), mPEG-PLA (AK102), mPEG-PCL (AK111) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) as part of development of a novel technique to prepare particles of controlled size without the use of organic solvents. This research holds promise to improve development of nanoparticle based delivery systems in the future. Read more: Andreyko, Elena A., Miles Pourbaghi, Sarah E. Stabenfeldt, and Rachael W. Sirianni. "Solvent-free Nanoparticle Assembly Protocol (SNAP): one-pot formulation of drug loaded polyester nanoparticles and their vessel size-dependent perivascular transport." bioRxiv (2026): 2026-06. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.06.29.735299.abstract

07/01/2026

PLA-PEG-PLA-diacrylate from PolySciTech used in development of acid-sensitive drug delivery system
Most disease states lead to reduced pH in the microenvironment due to increased glycolysis. Researchers at University of California, Los Angeles, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, and Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, used PLA-PEG-PLA-diacrylate (AI172) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop an acid sensitive capsule which is attracted to low pH in solution. This research holds promise to provide for improved drug delivery to a wide range of disease states. Read more: Cao, Zheng, Xueqing Cheng, Xiulian Lu, Qian He, Qiong Dai, Liyun Zhang, Xiang Zhang et al. "Universal diseased-site targeting via glycolysis-driven lactic acid gradient." Science Advances 12, no. 25 (2026): eaeb4570. https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/sciadv.aeb4570

07/01/2026

mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of transplanted organ delivery system to reduce organ rejection.
A common problem associated with organ transplantation is the rejection of the organ by the recipient’s immune system. Systemic immunosuppressants have severe side effects due to their non-specific nature. Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Seoul National University used mPEG PLGA (AK102, AK110) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop tocilizumab loaded nanoparticles to reduce organ rejection. This research holds promise to improve the success of organ transplant surgeries. Read more: Jung, S., Y. Park, N. Hayes, P. M. Patel, J. Kim, J. Doh, J. S. Allan, J. C. Madsen, and R. Abdi. "Intraorgan and Targeted Nanodelivery in Organ Transplantation of Non-Human Primates." American Journal of Transplantation (2026). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1600613526026201

07/01/2026

PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of vocal cord fibrosis treatment to protect speech
Researchers at University of Cincinnati used PLGA polymers (Cat # AP049 and AP040) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop photoactive implants which deliver Pirfenidone as a treatment of vocal fold fibrosis. This research holds promise to provide for treating loss of speech due to scarring or trauma. Read more: Mwaniki, Joseph, James Kelley, and Yoonjee Park. "Biodegradable Nanoparticle-in-Implant Platform for Sustained and Light-Boosted Pirfenidone Delivery." bioRxiv (2026): 2026-06. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.06.17.732517.abstract