CXCL12-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid microspheres for the chemotactic recruitment of glioblastoma stem cells

Glioblastoma (GBM) stem cells (GSC) migrate in response to CXCL12 in a CXCR4-dependent manner, enabling tumor mass escape, treatment evasion and metastases. Taking advantage of this mechanism by encapsulating CXCL12 in microspheres, we aim to recruit and direct GSC migration, influencing GBM progression.
CXCL12-heparin-poloxamine nanocomplexes were encapsulated in PLGA via emulsion solvent extraction to form microspheres, which were characterized for morphology, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release, and GSC recruitment.
CXCL12-heparin PLGA microsphere diameter was 81.9±58.3 µm. They exhibited low initial burst release and long release up to 90 days. Also, microsphere-containing media recruited 2.8-fold more GSCs than blanks. CXCR4 inhibition abrogated this migratory effect, indicating this pathway’s participation.
Thus CXCL12-loaded microspheres show potential for long-term recruitment of GSCs. Combined with other therapies, the microspheres present a promising strategy for GBM.