Controlled drug release from a novel injectable biodegradable microsphere/scaffold composite based on poly(propylene fumarate)

The ideal biomaterial for the repair of bone defects is expected to have good mechanical properties, be fabricated easily into a desired shape, support cell attachment, allow controlled release of bioactive factors to induce bone formation, and biodegrade into nontoxic products to permit natural bone formation and remodeling. The synthetic polymer poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) holds great promise as such a biomaterial. In previous work we developed poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and PPF microspheres for the controlled delivery of bioactive molecules. This study presents an approach to incorporate these microspheres into an injectable, porous PPF scaffold. Model drug Texas red dextran (TRD) was encapsulated into biodegradable PLGA and PPF microspheres at 2 microg/mg microsphere. Five porous composite formulations were fabricated via a gas foaming technique by combining the injectable PPF paste with the PLGA or PPF microspheres at 100 or 250 mg microsphere per composite formulation, or a control aqueous TRD solution (200 microg per composite). All scaffolds had an interconnected pore network with an average porosity of 64.8 +/- 3.6%. The presence of microspheres in the composite scaffolds was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy. The composite scaffolds exhibited a sustained release of the model drug for at least 28 days and had minimal burst release during the initial phase of release, as compared to drug release from microspheres alone. The compressive moduli of the scaffolds were between 2.4 and 26.2 MPa after fabrication, and between 14.9 and 62.8 MPa after 28 days in PBS. The scaffolds containing PPF microspheres exhibited a significantly higher initial compressive modulus than those containing PLGA microspheres. Increasing the amount of microspheres in the composites was found to significantly decrease the initial compressive modulus. The novel injectable PPF-based microsphere/scaffold composites developed in this study are promising to serve as vehicles for controlled drug delivery for bone tissue engineering.     

Novel mesoporous silica-based antibiotic releasing scaffold for bone repair

Tissue engineering scaffolds with a micro- or nanoporous structure and able to deliver special drugs have already been confirmed to be effective in bone repair. In this paper, we first evaluated the biomineralization properties and drug release properties of a novel mesoporous silica–hydroxyapatite composite material (HMS–HA) which was used as drug vehicle and filler for polymer matrices. Biomineralization can offer a credible prediction of bioactivity for the synthetic bone regeneration materials. We found HMS–HA exhibited good apatite deposition properties after being soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 7 days. Drug delivery from HMS–HA particle was in line with Fick’s law, and the release process lasted 12 h after an initial burst release with 60% drug release. A novel tissue engineering scaffold with the function of controlled drug delivery was developed, which was based on HMS–HA particles, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and microspheres sintering techniques. Mechanical testing on compression, degradation behavior, pH-compensation effect and drug delivery behavior of PLGA/HMS–HA microspheres sintered scaffolds were analyzed. Cell toxicity and cell proliferation on the scaffolds was also evaluated. The results indicated that the PLGA/HMS–HA scaffolds could effectively compensate the increased pH values caused by the acidic degradation product of PLGA. The compressive strength and modulus of PLGA/HMS–HA scaffolds were remarkably high compared to pure PLGA scaffold. Drug delivery testing of the PLGA/HMS–HA scaffolds indicated that PLGA slowed gentamycin sulfate (GS) release from HMS–HA particles, and the release lasted for nearly one month. Adding HMS–HA to PLGA scaffolds improved cytocompatibility. The scaffolds demonstrated low cytotoxicity, and supported mesenchymal stem cells growth more effectively than pure PLGA scaffolds. To summarize, the data supports the development of PLGA/HMS–HA scaffolds as potential degradable and drug delivery materials for bone replacement.     

Development of a sustained-release system for perivascular delivery of dipyridamole

Vascular access grafts implanted in dialysis patients are prone to failure in the long-term because of stenosis and occlusion caused by neointimal hyperplasia. Local delivery of antiproliferative drugs may be effective to prevent this consequence while minimizing the systemic side effects they cause. We developed a combination of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres with ReGel, an injectable copolymer, as a sustained-release system for perivascular delivery of an antiproliferative drug, dipyridamole. Dipyridamole-incorporated PLGA microspheres with various molecular weights (MWs) of PLGA were prepared by oil-in-water emulsion method. Encapsulation efficiency and surface morphology of microspheres were characterized. In vitro release kinetics of dipyridamole from ReGel or from microspheres/ReGel was experimentally determined. Without microspheres, 40% of the dipyridamole was released from ReGel as an initial burst in the first 3 days followed by continuous release in the subsequent 2 weeks. The use of PLGA microspheres decreased the initial burst and extended dipyridamole release from 23 to 35 days with increasing MW of PLGA. The highest MW PLGA showed a lag time of 17 days before consistent drug release occurred. Mixing microspheres and ReGel with two different MW PLGA achieved a continuous release for 35 days with little initial burst. In vivo release of dipyridamole from microspheres/ReGel exhibited a comparable release pattern to that seen in vitro. This injectable platform is a promising technique for sustained perivascular delivery of antiproliferative drugs.     

The effect of mesoporous bioactive glass on the physiochemical,biological and drug-release properties of poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) films

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) has been widely used for bone tissue regeneration. However, it lacks hydrophilicity, bioactivity and sufficient mechanical strength and its acidic degradation by-products can lead to pH decrease in the vicinity of the implants. Mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) with highly ordered structure (pore size 2–50 nm) possesses higher bioactivity than non-mesoporous bioactive glass (BG). The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of MBG on the mechanical strength, in vitro degradation, bioactivity, cellular response and drug release of PLGA films and optimize their physicochemical, biological and drug-delivery properties for bone tissue engineering application. The surface and inner microstructure, mechanical strength and surface hydrophilicity of MBG/PLGA and BG/PLGA films were tested. Results indicated that MBG or BG was uniformly dispersed in the PLGA films. The incorporation of MBG into PLGA films significantly improved their tensile strength, modulus and surface hydrophilicity. MBG/PLGA resulted in an enhanced mechanical strength, in vitro degradation (water absorbance, weight loss and ions release), apatite-formation ability and pH stability in simulated body fluids (SBF), compared to BG/PLGA. MBG/PLGA and BG/PLGA films enhanced human osteoblastic-like cells (HOBs) attachment, spreading and proliferation compared to PLGA. HOBs differentiation was significantly upregulated when cells were cultured on 30 MBG/PLGA for 14 days, compared to 30 BG/PLGA. MBG/PLGA enhanced the accumulative release of dexamethazone (DEX) at early stages (0–200 h) compared to BG/PLGA, however, after 200 h, DEX-release rates for MBG/PLGA was slower than that of BG/PLGA. The contents of MBG in PLGA films can control the amount of DEX released. Taken together, MBG/PLGA films possessed excellent physicochemical, biological and drug-release properties, indicating their potential application for bone tissue engineering by designing 3D scaffolds according to their corresponding compositions.     

Biodegradable and complexed microspheres used for sustained delivery and activity protection of SOD

To develop a new protein delivery system for superoxide dismutase (SOD), biodegradable materials like poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), alginate, and chitosan were used for preparing PLGA microspheres and alginate-chitosan microspheres, which were used for encapsulating protein. Alginate-chitosan microspheres showed much higher entrapment efficiency (91.08% +/- 1.28%) than that of PLGA microspheres (36.42% +/- 1.81%). In vitro release study showed that SOD presented a sustained release character in the preparation of these biodegradable materials. After 15 days, 43.72% +/- 0.43% of protein was released from alginate-chitosan microspheres, while there was 62.96% +/- 3.95% of protein release from PLGA microspheres. However, alginate-chitosan demonstrated that it was a better material to control the burst release of protein from microspheres. Furthermore, SOD activity in microspheres was evaluated, and the results showed that microspheres protected the activity of protein to some extent. Finally, PLGA-alginate-chitosan complex microspheres were constructed and the release character in vitro demonstrated that this preparation could not only prolong the release of drug but also decrease the burst release.     

Biodegradable polymer-silica xerogel composite microspheres for controlled release of gentamicin

Single and double layered composite microspheres were prepared by encapsulating gentamicin-loaded silica xerogels with biodegradable PLGA polymers (poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide)). The in vitro drug release properties of both the composite microspheres were investigated. The single layered composite microspheres showed a high initial burst, followed by two sustained release stages lasting for approximately 6 weeks. The two sustained release stages of the single layered composite microspheres could be attributed to the swelling and bulk erosion of the polymer encapsulations, respectively. In comparison with the single layered composite microspheres, the double layered composite microspheres realized a much reduced initial burst together with three sustained release stages. The whole release period of the double layered composite microspheres could last more than 9 weeks. These distinct behaviors make the double layered composite microspheres promising as a new drug release material for localized drug delivery applications.     

Calcium phosphate/chitosan composite scaffolds for controlled in vitro antibiotic drug release

Macroporous chitosan scaffolds reinforced by beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) and calcium phosphate invert glasses were fabricated using a thermally induced phase separation technique. These porous composite materials were specially designed as both a drug carrier for controlled drug release and a scaffold for bone regeneration. The controlled drug release of antibiotic gentamicin-sulfate (GS) loaded scaffolds and morphology of osteosarcoma MG63 cells cultured on the scaffolds were studied. In comparison with the GS loaded pure chitosan scaffolds, the initial burst release of GS was decreased through incorporating calcium phosphate crystals and glasses into the scaffolds, and the sustained release for more than 3 weeks was achieved. The possible mechanisms for the controlled drug release were investigated by SEM, FTIR, and measurements of the pH values of the PBS solution during the drug release test. SEM micrographs showed no apparent morphological differences for osteoblastic cells grown on the pure chitosan scaffolds and those grown on composite scaffolds. The cells were attached and migrated on these scaffolds, and exhibited a biological appearance, suggesting a good cellular compatibility.     

Biodegradable microparticles and fiber fabrics for sustained delivery of cisplatin to treat C6 glioma in vitro

The duration of cisplatin release from most of the drug delivery devices seemed to be shorter than 14 days except large microparticles. The objective of this study was to fabricate and characterize cisplatin-loaded PLA microparticles, PLA/PLGA (30/70) composite microparticles, and fibers as formulations for long-term sustained delivery of cisplatin to treat C6 glioma in vitro by electrospray and electrospinning techniques. Cisplatin-loaded biodegradable microparticles with particle size of around 5 microm and fiber fabrics with diameter of 0.5-1.7 microm were obtained using electrospray and electrospinning techniques. Encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release of formulations were measured by ICP-OES. The encapsulation efficiency for different samples of microparticles was approximately from 33% to 72% and the fiber fabrics had encapsulation efficiency greater than 90%. Cisplatin-loaded microparticles showed typical characteristics of cisplatin release profile: a large initial burst followed by a sustained slow release of 35 days. The composite PLA/PLGA (30/70) microparticles could reduce the initial burst release of cisplatin because of their core-shell structures. In contrast, more than 75 days sustained release could be achieved by fiber fabric formulations without large initial burst. MTT assay was used to quantify the cytotoxicity of different formulations against C6 glioma cells. Microparticle formulations had slightly higher cytotoxicity than free drug. In contrast, the cytotoxicity of fiber fabrics formulation was around 4 times higher than of the free drug based on the actual amount of drug released. The microparticle and fiber fabric formulations presented may be promising for the sustained delivery of cisplatin to eliminate the undesired side effects caused by direct injection of cisplatin solution in systemic administration.     

PLGA microsphere/calcium phosphate cement composites for tissue engineering: in vitro release and degradation characteristics

Bone cements with biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres have already been proven to provide a macroporous calcium phosphate cement (CPC) during in situ microsphere degradation. Furthermore, in vitro/in vivo release studies with these PLGA microsphere/CPC composites (PLGA/CPCs) showed a sustained release of osteo-inductive growth factor when drug was distributed inside/onto the microspheres. The goal of this study was to elucidate the mechanism behind drug release from PLGA/CPC. For this, in vitro release and degradation characteristics of a low-molecular-weight PLGA/CPC (M(w) = 5 kg/mol) were determined using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein. Two loading mechanisms were applied; BSA was either adsorbed onto the microspheres or incorporated inside the microspheres during double-emulsion. BSA release from PLGA microspheres and CPC was also measured and used as reference. Results show fast degrading polymer microspheres which produced a macroporous scaffold within 4 weeks, but also showed a concomitant release of acidic degradation products. BSA release from the PLGA/CPC was similar to the CPC samples and showed a pattern consisting of a small initial release, followed by a period of almost no sustained release. Separate PLGA microspheres exhibited a high burst release and release efficiency that was higher with the adsorbed samples. Combining degradation and release data we can conclude that for the PLGA/CPC samples BSA re-adsorbed to the cement surface after being released from the microspheres, which was mediated by the pH decrease during microsphere degradation.     

In vitro characterization of hepatocyte growth factor release from PHBV/PLGA microsphere scaffold

Polymer scaffolds which can support cells to grow as well as deliver growth factors to the cells simultaneously have great potential for the successful regeneration of failed tissues. As popularly used vehicles to deliver anti-cancer drugs and growth factors, microspheres also show many advantages as substrates to guide the growth of cells. Therefore, we aimed to examine the feasibility of using microspheres as ideal scaffolds for liver tissue engineering. To determine the capabilities of previously used microsphere scaffold to deliver growth factors simultaneously, this work investigated a long-term (about three months) release of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from microsphere scaffolds fabricated by using two different polymers, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV, 8% PHV), poly(lactide-co-glycolide) acid (PLGA, 5050) and a blend of PLGA and PHBV. BSA served as a model for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) since both proteins have similar molecular weights and hydrophilicity. Furthermore, HGF was encapsulated into the PLGA/PHBV composite microsphere with a core-shell structure, and sustained delivery of HGF with maintained bioactivity was achieved for at least 40 days. The moderate degradation rate (about 55% loss of the initial mass) and well-preserved structure after three months of incubation indicated that the PLGA/PHBV composite microspheres would therefore be more suitable than the pure PHBV or PLGA microspheres as a scaffold for engineering liver tissue.     

RhBMP-2 microspheres-loaded chitosan/collagen scaffold enhanced osseointegration: an experiment in dog

The purpose of this study is to develop a novel recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) sustained release scaffold for dental implant osseointegration, and to evaluate the effect of this scaffold on promoting bone formation. RhBMP-2 was encapsulated in the poly-D,L-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) biodegradable microspheres, which were subsequently dispersed in a chitosan/collagen composite scaffold. This rhBMP-2 microspheres-loaded scaffold (S-MB) was compared with a chitosan/collagen scaffold without microspheres that directly encapsulated rhBMP-2 (S-B) in vitro and in vivo. The microstructure of the new scaffold was examined with scanning electron microscopy. The release profile of rhBMP-2 in vitro was measured at interval periods. The effect of rhBMP-2 encapsulated scaffolds on enhancing bone formation through implantation in dogs' mandibles was identified by histological examination of the regenerated bone after 4 weeks of implantation. Due to PLGA microspheres being loaded, the S-MB exhibited lower values at porosity and swelling rate, as well as a higher effective release dose than that of the S-B. Bone density, bone-implant contact, and bone-fill values measured from dog experiments demonstrated that the S-MB induced bone regeneration more quickly and was timely substituted by new bone. It was concluded that this sustained carrier scaffold based on microspheres was more effective to induce implant osseointegration.     

Therapeutic effect of in vivo sustained estradiol release from poly (lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres on bone mineral density of osteoporosis rats

Poly (lactide-co-glycolide or PLGA) microspheres containing 0.3% (w/w) of estradiol were prepared by a solvent evaporation method. These PLGA microspheres had a wide particle distribution between 0.5 and more than 100 microm. The average size was 76 microm. Physicochemical properties of the microspheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction patterns, FT-IR spectra and DSC. In vitro estradiol release was maintained at a constant rate from these PLGA microspheres for 1 month. The loaded drug was totally recovered in the collection buffer within this time period. In vivo experiments were performed on Wistar rats that had received ovariectomy. These rats were fed with a vitamin D-deficient and Ca-deficient diet. The combination of ovariectomy and diet induced osteoporosis. PLGA microspheres containing either 50, 100, or 200 microg estradiol were injected into these rats. The plasma estradiol in each rat was monitored for 50 days. These in vivo drug release patterns were found to be different from the one obtained from in vitro release. The Ca-AUC was not significant different among various dosages administered. However, bone mineral density for rats after the injection of estradiol loaded microspheres was higher than that obtained for the control. This suggested that all estradiol microspheres administration induced bone generation in osteoporosis rats.     

载药硼酸盐骨水泥的制备及其体外生物活性和抗菌性能的研究

目的以硼酸盐生物活性玻璃和改性壳聚糖液相制备了新型的硼酸盐骨水泥,同时负载骨髓炎治疗药物硫酸庆大霉素,考察其体外抗菌性能,以探讨其治疗骨髓炎的可能性。方法以硼酸盐骨水泥为载体,制备了负载硫酸庆大霉素(GS)的骨水泥。探究负载GS对骨水泥的可注射性能、初凝时间的影响;将负载GS且预固化的硼酸盐骨水泥浸泡于磷酸盐缓冲溶液(PBS)中,考察其体外生物活性、生物降解性和药物释放;利用抑菌圈实验评估了负载GS的硼酸盐骨水泥的体外抗菌性能。结果制备的载药硼酸盐骨水泥能够被完全注射,初凝时间约6 min;在体外的磷酸盐缓冲溶液(PBS)中浸泡时,GS能够持续稳定的释放,药物释放长达26天;负载GS的硼酸盐骨水泥能够很好地抑制金黄色葡萄球菌(S.aureus)和大肠杆菌(E.coli)的生长。结论制备的负载GS的硼酸盐骨水泥具有优异的可注射性,合适的原位自固化时间,长期持续的药物释放和抗菌性能,可以用于骨髓炎治疗的进一步研究。     

Porous silicon oxide–PLGA composite microspheres for sustained ocular delivery of daunorubicin

A water-soluble anthracycline antibiotic drug (daunorubicin, DNR) was loaded into oxidized porous silicon (pSiO₂) microparticles and then encapsulated with a layer of polymer (poly lactide-co-glycolide, PLGA) to investigate their synergistic effects in control of DNR release. Similarly fabricated PLGA–DNR microspheres without pSiO₂, and pSiO₂ microparticles without PLGA were used as control particles. The composite microparticles synthesized by a solid-in-oil-in-water emulsion method have mean diameters of 52.33 ± 16.37 μm for PLGA–pSiO₂_21/40–DNR and the mean diameter of 49.31 ± 8.87 μm for PLGA–pSiO₂_6/20–DNR. The mean size, 26.00 ± 8 μm, of PLGA–DNR was significantly smaller, compared with the other two (P < 0.0001). Optical microscopy revealed that PLGA–pSiO₂–DNR microspheres contained multiple pSiO₂ particles. In vitro release experiments determined that control PLGA–DNR microspheres completely released DNR within 38 days and control pSiO₂–DNR microparticles (with no PLGA coating) released DNR within 14 days, while the PLGA–pSiO₂–DNR microspheres released DNR for 74 days. Temporal release profiles of DNR from PLGA–pSiO₂ composite particles indicated that both PLGA and pSiO₂ contribute to the sustained release of the payload. The PLGA–pSiO₂ composite displayed a more constant rate of DNR release than the pSiO₂ control formulation, and displayed a significantly slower release of DNR than either the PLGA or pSiO₂ formulations. We conclude that this system may be useful in managing unwanted ocular proliferation when formulated with antiproliferation compounds such as DNR.     

Development of biodegradable poly(propylene fumarate)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) blend microspheres. II. Controlled drug release and microsphere degradation

This article describes the effects of six processing parameters on the release kinetics of a model drug Texas red dextran (TRD) from poly(propylene fumarate)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PPF/PLGA) blend microspheres as well as the degradation of these microspheres. The microspheres were fabricated using a double emulsion-solvent extraction technique in which the following six parameters were varied: PPF/PLGA ratio, polymer viscosity, vortex speed during emulsification, amount of internal aqueous phase, use of poly(vinyl alcohol) in the internal aqueous phase, and poly(vinyl alcohol) concentration in the external aqueous phase. We have previously characterized these microspheres in terms of microsphere morphology, size distribution, and TRD entrapment efficiency. In this work, the TRD release profiles in phosphate-buffered saline were determined and all formulations showed an initial burst release in the first 2 days followed by a decreased sustained release over a 38-day period. The initial burst release varied from 5.1 (+/-1.1) to 67.7 (+/-3.4)% of the entrapped TRD, and was affected most by the viscosity of the polymer solution used for microsphere fabrication. The sustained release between day 2 and day 38 ranged from 7.9 (+/-0.8) to 27.2 (+/-3.1)% of the entrapped TRD. During 11 weeks of in vitro degradation, the mass of the microspheres remained relatively constant for the first 3 weeks after which it decreased dramatically, whereas the molecular weight of the polymers decreased immediately upon placement in phosphate-buffered saline. Increasing the PPF content in the PPF/PLGA blend resulted in slower microsphere degradation. Overall, this study provides further understanding of the effects of various processing parameters on the release kinetics from PPF/PLGA blend microspheres thus allowing modulation of drug release to achieve a wide spectrum of release profiles.     

New bioactive, degradable composite microspheres as tissue engineering substrates

Novel bioactive, degradable polymer/glass/ceramic composite microspheres were developed using a solid-in-oil-in-water (s/o/w) emulsion solvent removal method. Modified bioactive glass (MBG) powders were encapsulated into the polylactic acid (PLA) matrix. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses revealed that the MBG powders were mostly embedded in the polymer matrix, and submicron-size pores were present at the surface. Immersion in simulated physiological fluid (SPF) was used to evaluate the surface reactivity of the microspheres. The polymeric surface was fully transformed into carbonated calcium hydroxyapatite (c-HA) after 3 weeks of immersion. In contrast, PLA microspheres showed no evidence of any calcium phosphate deposition. Ion concentration analyses revealed a decrease in Ca and P concentrations and an increase in Si concentration in the SPF immersed with composite microspheres during the 3-week period. The Ca and P uptake rates decreased after 2 days of incubation. This coincided with the decrease of the Si release rate. These data lend support to the suggestion that the Si released from the MBG powders present in the polymer matrix is involved in the formation of the Ca-P layer. Our results support the concept that these new bioactive, degradable composite microspheres may serve as microcarriers for synthesis of bone and other tissues in vitro and in vivo.     

Preparation of biodegradable microspheres of testosterone with poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) and test of drug release in vitro

Biodegradable microspheres formulation of testosterone (T) can be used as a new physiological approach for androgen replacement in hypogonadal men. In this study, poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres containing T were prepared by a solvent-evaporation/solvent-diffusion process and the drug release tests of the microspheres were carried out in vitro. T/PLGA microspheres with good yield, desired size and satisfied drug loading were obtained. A significant testosterone sustained release was shown in the drug release tests in vitro. Since PLGA microspheres preparations are normally sterilized by colbat-60 irradiation, the effects of 25 kGy colbat-60 irradiation on physicochemical properties and in vitro drug release profile of T/PLGA microsphere were investigated. The results showed that the irradiation didn't have any effects on the physicochemical properties of T. Though about one-third decrease in molecular weight of PLGA was caused by the irradiation, no significant changes were observed on the drug release profile in vitro.     

Nanohydroxyapatite microspheres as delivery system for antibiotics: release kinetics, antimicrobial activity, and interaction with osteoblasts

Severe periodontitis treatment, where massive alveolar bone loss occurs, involves bone defect filling and intensive systemic log-term antibiotics administration. This study aims at developing novel injectable drug delivery systems (nanohydroxyapatite microspheres) with the drug releasing capability for periodontitis treatment and simultaneously initiating the osteointegration process. Materials were characterized by XRD, SEM, inverted stand optical microscope analysis, and mercury porosimetry method. Amoxicillin, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, and erythromycin were the antibiotics used. Release properties during 28 days from the hydroxyapatite (HA) granules, and two types of nanoHA microspheres were investigated. Biocompatibility was assessed by cytotoxicity assays. HA granules were inadequate, releasing all antibiotic during the first hours. The concentration of antibiotics released in the first days from HA-2 was higher than from HA-1 microspheres, because of the increased porosity and surface area. The release profiles (fast initial release followed by long-term sustained release) of effective doses of antibiotics make these systems good alternatives for antibiotics delivery. Osteoblasts proliferated well on both types of microspheres, being cell growth enhanced in the presence of antibiotics. Erythromycin presented the most beneficial effect. Combining the sustained antibiotic release with the osteoconduction, resorbability, and potential use as injectable bone filling material of porous HA microspheres, these systems provided a forth fold beneficial effect.     

Functionalized PLGA-doped zirconium oxide ceramics for bone tissue regeneration

Bone tissue engineering is an alternative approach to bone grafts. In our study we aim to develop a composite scaffold for bone regeneration made of doped zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) conjugated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles for the delivery of growth factors. In this composite, the PLGA microspheres are designed to release a crucial growth factor for bone formation, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2). We found that by changing the polymer’s molecular weight and composition, we could control microsphere loading, release and size. The BMP2 released from PLGA microspheres retained its biological activity and increased osteoblastic marker expression in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Uncapped PLGA microspheres were conjugated to ZrO₂ scaffolds using carbodiimide chemistry, and the composite scaffold was shown to support hMSCs growth. We also demonstrated that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) can be co-cultured with hMSCs on the ZrO₂ scaffold for future vascularization of the scaffold. The ZrO₂ composite scaffold could serve as a bone substitute for bone grafting applications with the added ability of releasing different growth factors needed for bone regeneration.     

携载rhBMP-2微球的新型复合人工骨的制备及生物相容性研究

目的制备一种具有良好生物相容性、降解性和成骨活性、可注射的自凝固新型骨修复材料。方法采用复乳溶剂挥发方法制备携载rhBMP-2的聚乳酸与聚乙醇酸共聚物（PLGA）微球，并将其与rhBMP-2／磷酸钙骨水泥（CPC）复合，制备出rhBMP-2／PLGA微球／CPC复合人工骨。探讨材料特性包括形貌和体外rhBMP-2释放速度，采用体外细胞培养的方法测定复合材料的细胞黏附能力及其浸提液对于人骨髓基质干细胞（MSCs）增殖和成骨分化的影响。结果与单纯rhBMP-2／CPC材料相比较，复合材料rhBMP-2体外释药明显提高。材料与MSCs可良好黏附并使其增殖。体外培养时材料不同时间的浸提液对MSCs细胞的增殖具有促进作用，对于细胞成骨分化的影响与单纯CPC无明显差别。结论rhBMP-2／PLGA微球／磷酸钙骨水泥新型复合人工骨具有良好的生物相容性和活性因子缓释功能，是一种有良好应用前景的骨修复材料。