Enhancing Local Anesthetic Efficacy: Controlled Release of Ropivacaine using Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) Acid-Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanocarriers

INTRODUCTION: Ropivacaine (RPV), a commonly used local anesthetic, is limited in its effectiveness for postoperative pain management due to its short duration of action. To address this issue, this study further explores the development of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)- PVA nanocarriers designed to extend RPV's release and efficacy. METHODS: PLGA-PVA-RPV nanocarriers were synthesized via an emulsion technique and comprehensively characterized using transmission scanning electron microscopy, Malvern ZS90, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity of these nanocarriers against HaCaT cells was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 viability assay and calcein-acetoxymethyl/ propidium iodide staining. Flow cytometry and scratch assays were used to assess their effects on the HaCaT cell cycle, apoptosis, and migration. RESULTS: The PLGA-PVA-RPV nanocarriers exhibited a spherical morphology, small size (10.90 ± 2.19 nm), uniform distribution, and stable zeta potential (-7.93 ± 0.81 mV). The PLGAPVA- RPV nanoparticles demonstrate excellent biocompatibility; even at a high concentration of 1000 μg/mL, the cell viability remains above 80%, which is significantly higher than that of the free RPV group (67.3%, P < 0.05). Further mechanistic studies showed that PLGA-PVA-RPV nanoparticles induced cell cycle arrest and inhibited cell migration, collectively demonstrating their low toxicity, excellent biocompatibility, and sustained-release potential. DISCUSSION: The PLGA-PVA-RPV nanocarriers demonstrate enhanced efficacy and biocompatibility for prolonged ropivacaine release offering a promising strategy for postoperative pain management. Future work should focus on in vivo validation and parameter optimization to facilitate clinical translation Conclusion: PLGA-PVA-RPV nanocarriers possess optimal physicochemical properties (small size, homogeneity, stability) and superior biosafety, providing a promising strategy for extending RPV's analgesic efficacy. This technology has significant potential to improve postoperative pain management.