Synthesis, characterization and in vitro biocompatibility studies of levonorgestrel-loaded nanocomposites

The present investigation reports the synthesis of levonorgestrel (LNG)-loaded nanocomposites using polylactic acid (PLA) and polystyrene (PS). The LNG-loaded PLA-PS nanocomposites were prepared using solution-blending and vacuum evaporation methods. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to detect the accumulation from LNG-loaded PLA-PS nanocomposite sustained-release. A CCK-8 assay was used to investigate nanocomposite biocompatibility in co-culture with RL95-2 endometrial cells. Semen parameters were measured by Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA). Sperm ultrastructure was detected by transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that the LNG-loaded PLA-PS nanocomposites have a well-sustained release rate and no dramatic effects human endometrial cell adhesion and proliferation, which suggested that the nanocomposites have promising cell compatibility and no cytotoxicity. The drug-loaded PLA-PS nanocomposites did not significantly affect the human sperm mobility, but they did affect sperm ultrastructure. In addition, the LNG-loaded nanocomposites significantly affected the human sperm acrosome and plasma membrane and promoted sperm apoptosis. These results provided a theoretical basis for further study of biodegradable, sustained-release, drug-loaded nanoparticle intrauterine contraceptive systems (IUS).