PolySciTech: Akina, Inc.

11/04/2026

PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of antibiotic therapy for ocular surgery
A common risk associated with surgery is infection. Even with sterile operating conditions and sanitary practices, surgical infections still affect roughly 1 - 3% of patients. One means to mitigate this risk is to place a prophylactic delivery system of antibiotics. Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago used PLGA (Cat # AP081) from PolySciTech Department of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to prepare ocular devices that release antibiotic tobramycin over the course of 60 days. This research can provide for protection against infection after surgery. Read more: De Souza, Breno Bezerra, Tejabhiram Yadavalli, and Alexander L. Yarin. "Sustained Tobramycin (Antibiotic) Release from Poly (lactic-co-glycolic Acid)-Polymethyl Methacrylate (PLGA-PMMA) and PLGA− PLGA Core− Shell Electrospun Nanofiber Mats for Ophthalmic Drug Delivery." Molecular Pharmaceutics. https://pubs.acs.org/mpohbp/article/doi/10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.6c00974/5458739

Abstract. Postoperative ophthalmic therapy requires sustained local antibiotic delivery, whereas conventional eye drops suffer from rapid clearance and lim

10/27/2026

Polycaprolactone from PolySciTech used in testing immune response to implanted cell scaffold
Tissue regeneration is a focus of significant research with the goal of developing an extra-cellular-matrix mimicking structure that enables tissue regrowth for treatment of injuries or disease. A common problem in this field is that the immune system will often recognize implants as foreign bodies and attack them thus limiting the efficacy of this technique. Researchers at University of California used PCL (cat # AP294) from PolySciTech Department of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to prepare cell scaffolds and researched the effect of gender as to how it applies to immune response to implants. This research holds promise to enable better preparations of tissue implants in the future. Read more: Loud, Meaghan C., Sarah L. Broders, Qingxin Zheng, Rayyan M. Gorashi, Lukas Graner, Maria L. Karkanitsa, Karen L. Christman, Arthur P. Arnold, and Brian A. Aguado. "Gonadal and chromosomal s*x independently and synergistically modulate innate and adaptive immune responses to implanted scaffolds." bioRxiv (2026): 2026-10. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.10.20.760259.abstract

10/27/2026

PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of nanoparticle delivery system for agricultural usage
Although typically considered for applications to human patients, nanoparticles can also be applied to other uses such as agricultural. Here, the biodegradability of PLGA and related compounds eases the risk of persistent microplastics in the environment or food sources. Researchers at Louisiana State University and The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station use PLGA (cat # AP045) from PolySciTech Department of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop nanoparticles and track their ability to deliver nutrients in lettuce and soybeans. This research holds promise to improve agricultural production in an environmentally sustainable manner in the future. Read More: Chuacharoen, Thanida, Fannyuy V. Kewir, Yi Wang, Carlos E. Astete, Jason C. White, and Cristina M. Sabliov. "Lignin-Grafted-Poly (lactic-co-glycolic) Acid Nanoparticles as a Delivery System for CuS-C18 Nanoparticles Translocation in Soybean (Glycine max) and Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)." ACS Agricultural Science & Technology (2026). https://pubs.acs.org/aastgj/article-abstract/doi/10.1021/acsagscitech.5c01118/5453170

AbstractTranslocation of lignin-grafted poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (LNPs) and CuS-C18-loaded LNPs was investigated in hydroponicall

10/09/2026

Maleimide-PEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of cannabinoid-based therapy for heart disease Heart disease is the number one cause of death world-wide. Researchers at Universidad de Sevilla (Spain) used Mal-PEG-PLGA (Cat # AI053, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AI053 ) from PolySciTech Department of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop nanoparticles for targeted therapy to treat heart disease. This research holds promise to provide for treatment to this lethal disease. Read more: Martín‐Navarro, Lucía, Lucía Martín‐Banderas, Josefa Álvarez‐Fuentes, and María Dolores Herrera‐González. "Targeted delivery of the CB2 receptor agonist JWH‐133 via VCAM‐1‐functionalised nanoparticles attenuates atherosclerosis and reveals s*x‐specific therapeutic outcomes." British Journal of Pharmacology (2026). https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bph.70688 “Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by lipid accumulation and endothelial dysfunction, remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. While cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptor agonists show therapeutic promise in preclinical studies, their systemic application is hindered by poor bioavailability and off-target effects. Consequently, targeted delivery systems are essential to enhance therapeutic efficacy and mitigate adverse effects. This study presents a targeted nanotherapeutic strategy for localising the CB2 receptor agonist directly at atherosclerotic lesions. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs), encapsulating the selective agonist JWH-133 and functionalised with a VCAM-1 binding peptide (VBP) for selective binding to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) (VBP-JWH-133-NPs), were developed. In vivo experiments were conducted in both male and female apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice to assess the anti-inflammatory and lipid-modulating effects of the nanotherapy. Serum lipid profiles, aortic plaque burden and key inflammatory markers were analysed. VBP-JWH-133-NPs significantly reduced foam cell-rich depositions and modulate systemic inflammatory markers in both s*xes, demonstrating superior anti-atherogenic efficacy compared with free JWH-133. The therapeutic benefits are notably more pronounced in male mice, which exhibit greater initial plaque area and lipid deposition. These findings underscore the potential of VBP-JWH-133-NPs as an efficient and superior delivery system for cannabinoid therapies in atherosclerosis. By addressing s*x as a biological variable, this approach offers a nuanced strategy for developing more effective and precise cardiovascular interventions.”

09/28/2026

mPEG-PCL from PolySciTech used in development of Myoblast therapy for paralysis treatment. In the wake of nerve injury, typically the down-stream nerves from that location atrophy away over time to the point that even repairing the original nerve damage would not restore function in the case of paralysis. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University used mPEG-PCL (AK128, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK128 ) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc (www.polyscitech.com) to develop growth-factor releasing nanoparticles for co-delivery with myoblasts as a way to restore nerve cells in muscle after injury. This research holds promise to provide for treatment of paralysis in the future. Read more: Dias, Shaquielle, William Padovano, Chenhu Qiu, Thomas Harris, Rachana Suresh, Erica Lee, Eszter Mihaly et al. "Myoblast Therapy Ameliorates Skeletal Muscle Atrophy Resulting From Chronic Denervation." Muscle & Nerve 74, no. 1 (2026): 243-254. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mus.70254

09/28/2026

mPEG-PLA from PolySciTech used in development of ultra-sound directed chemotherapy treatment
Most chemotherapeutics have severe side-effects which limit their usage. Researchers at University of Utah and Washington University School of Medicine used mPEG-PLA (AK009, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK009 ) to develop microdroplets containing chemotherapeutics and used ultrasound to direct their delivery. This research holds promise to improve treatment options for cancer. Read more: Whiting, Joshua Antonio, Audri Yasmin Al Hasan Dara, James Francis Kwan, and Jan Kubanek. "Development and Characterization of Ultrasound-Activated Polymeric Microdroplets for Targeted Chemotherapy." bioRxiv (2026): 2026-06. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.06.28.735147.abstract

09/22/2026

PLGA-PEG-Maleimide from PolySciTech used in development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma targeted nanoparticles.
There has been great interest in decreased nonspecific adhesivity receptor-targeted (DART) nanoparticles for cancer therapy for many years. Researchers at University of Maryland used mPEG-PLGA (AK010), PLGA-PEG-Maleimide (AI053), PLGA-Cyanine 5 (AV034), from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to generate Rituximab conjugated nanoparticles for non-hodgkin lymphoma treatment. Read more: Mahmud, Md Musavvir, Byoungjae Kong, Daiheon Lee, Eduar Fernando Pinzon Burgos, Alonso Heredia, Jung Soo Suk, and Anthony J. Kim. "Rituximab-Conjugated DART Nanoformulation for CD20-Targeted Drug Delivery in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma." International Journal of Nanomedicine (2026): 625158. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2147/IJN.S625158

To develop rituximab (RTX)-conjugated decreased nonspecific adhesivity receptor-targeted (DART) nanoparticles for CD20-targeted paclitaxel (PTX) delivery in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and evaluate ...

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.