Date of Award

2026

Degree Name

Pharmaceutical Sciences

College

School of Pharmacy

Type of Degree

M.S.

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Dr. Cynthia Jones

Second Advisor

Dr. Michael Hambuchen

Third Advisor

Dr. Timothy Long

Abstract

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a progressive metabolic disorder characterized by excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and chronic inflammation. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems offer a promising strategy to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. The objective of this study is to formulate and characterize 5-FU–loaded PLGA nanoparticles and evaluate their in vitro performance. 5-FU–loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared using the double emulsion solvent evaporation method. The nanoparticles were characterized by particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and SEM. Drug encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity and in vitro drug release studies were conducted. The formulated nanoparticles exhibited sizes within the nanoscale range with irregular morphology and successful incorporation of 5-FU within the PLGA matrix. The successful formulation and characterization of 5-FU–loaded PLGA nanoparticles highlight their potential as a controlled drug delivery system. These findings provide a foundation for future studies involving biological evaluation and targeted therapeutic applications.

Subject(s)

Pharmaceutical chemistry.

Drugs -- Research.

Wound healing.

Nanoparticles.

Wounds and injuries -- Treatment.

Drug delivery systems.

Fluorouracil.

Liver -- Diseases.

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