Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide) (MPEG-PLA) nanoparticles for controlled delivery of anticancer drugs

Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide) copolymer (MPEG-PLA) was synthesized and used to make nanoparticles by the nanoprecipitation method for clinical administration of antineoplastic drugs. Paclitaxel was used as a prototype drug due to its excellent efficacy and commercially great success. The size and size distribution, surface morphology, surface charge and surface chemistry of the paclitaxel-loaded nanoparticles were then investigated by laser light scattering, atomic force microscopy, zeta-potential analyzer and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The drug encapsulation efficiency (EE) and in vitro release profile were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The effects of various formulation parameters were evaluated. The prepared nanoparticles were found of spherical shape with size less than 100 nm. Zeta potential measurement and XPS analysis demonstrated the presence of PEG layer on the particle surface. Viscosity of the organic phase was found to be one of the main process factors for the size determination. The EE was found to be greatly influenced by the drug loading. The drug release pattern was biphasic with a fast release rate followed by a slow one. The particle suspension exhibited good steric stability in vitro. Such a nanoparticle formulation of paclitaxel can be expected to have long-circulating effects in circulation.     

Changes in cisplatin delivery due to surface-coated poly (lactic acid)-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) microspheres

Smooth muscle cell proliferation plays a major role in the genesis of restenosis after angioplasty or vascular injury. Local delivery of agents capable of modulating vascular responses, have the potential to prevent restenosis. However, the development of injectable microspheres for sustained drug delivery to the arterial wall is a major challenge. We demonstrated the possibility of entrapping an antiproliferative agent, cisplatin, in a series of surface coated biodegradable microspheres composed of poly(lactic acid)poly(caprolactone) blends, with a mean diameter of 2-10 pm. The microspheres were surface coated with poly ethylene glycol (PEG), chitosan (Chit), or alginate (Alg). A solution of cisplatin and a 50:50 blend of polylactic acid (PLA)-polycaprolactone (PCL) dissolved in acetone-dichloromethane mixture was poured into an aqueous solution of PEG (or polyvinyl alcohol or Chit or Alg) with stirring using a high speed homogenizer, for the formation of microspheres. Cisplatin recovery in microspheres ranged from 25-45% depending on the emulsification system used for the preparations. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the PLA-PCL microspheres were spherical in shape and had a smooth surface texture. The amount of drug release was much higher initially (20-30%), this was followed by a constant slow-release profile for a 30-day period of study. It has been found that drug release depends on the amount of entrapped drug, on the presence of extra cisplatin in the dispensing phase, and on the polymer coatings. This PEG or Alg-coated PLA/PCL microsphere formulation may have potential for the targeted delivery of antiproliferative agents to treat restenosis.     

两性霉素B缓释微球的制备及缓释性能研究

为了更好地研究药物载体材料对药物微球缓释性能的影响,本研究将可完全生物降解的共聚物作为壁材以相分离法制备含抗真菌药物两性霉素B的微球,研究了不同溶剂/非溶剂、不同分子量共聚物、不同配比共聚物、不同表面活性剂及其不同用量等因素对微球的粒径大小、分布、药物包封率和药物体外释放等性能的影响。使用透射电镜（TEM）和原子力显微镜（AFM）观察微球的表面形貌,使用激光粒度分析仪测试微球的粒径大小及分布,使用紫外分光光度计测定药物的包封率。研究发现,聚合物特性粘度和分子量越大,聚合物中LA：PEG的配比越大,微球粒径越大,分布越宽;微球粒径越大,包封率也较大;AmB/PLA-PEG微球具有缓释性能,且含药微球的释放性能与微球的粒径,包封率等因素有关。     

Controlled delivery of taxol from poly(ethylene glycol)-coated poly(lactic acid) microspheres.

The development of injectable microspheres for sustained drug delivery to the arterial wall is a major challenge. We demonstrated the possibility of entrapping an antiproliferative agent, taxol, in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-coated biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) microspheres with a mean diameter of 2-6 microm. A solution of taxol and PLA dissolved in an acetone/dichloromethane mixture was poured into an aqueous solution of PEG [or poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA] with stirring with a high-speed homogenizer for the formation of microspheres. Taxol recovery in PLA-PEG microspheres was higher (61.2 +/- 2.3%) than with PVA-based (41.6 +/- 1.8%) preparations. An analysis by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy revealed that PEG was incorporated well on the PLA microsphere surface. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the PEG-coated PLA microspheres were spherical in shape and had a smooth surface texture like those of PVA-based preparations. The amount of drug release was much higher initially (25-30%); this was followed by a constant slow-release profile for a 30-day period of study. This PEG-coated PLA microsphere formulation may have potential for the targeted delivery of antiproliferative agents to treat restenosis.     

壳聚糖-明胶/聚乳酸-羟基乙酸联合载药水凝胶的体外抗结核作用

文题释义：基质细胞衍生因子1：是一种参与免疫细胞活化、分化和迁移及伤口愈合、角膜上皮再生和组织修复等过程的趋化因子,能促进干细胞的生长和发育,参与调节成骨分化,可通过细胞归巢提高干细胞向病灶区的趋化作用。而基质细胞衍生因子1的失活会损害成骨细胞的发育和分化。此外,其还与血管生成密切相关。 异烟肼：具有较高的杀菌活性,是治疗结核病的一线药物。世卫组织建议将异烟肼作为结核病的标准疗法,用于潜伏性结核病感染者的预防治疗,与利福平、吡嗪酰胺和乙胺丁醇一起用于治疗活动性肺结核。异烟肼的活化形式与脂肪酸生物合成Ⅱ型系统中的NADH依赖型烯醇酰基载体蛋白还原酶异烟肼a结合,阻断细菌细胞壁关键成分支原体酸的合成。 背景：抗结核化疗是目前治疗骨关节结核的主要手段,然而全身给药难以维持病灶区的有效浓度,治疗效果欠佳。 目的：制备一种原位、长期释放抗结核药物且兼备促成骨作用的壳聚糖-明胶/聚乳酸-羟基乙酸联合载药水凝胶。 方法：将亲水性的抗结核药物异烟肼和疏水性的基质细胞衍生因子通过复乳法负载到聚乳酸-羟基乙酸中,制备聚乳酸-羟基乙酸载药微球,共混至壳聚糖-明胶水凝胶支架中,制备壳聚糖-明胶/聚乳酸-羟基乙酸联合载药水凝胶。检测聚乳酸-羟基乙酸载药微球、壳聚糖-明胶/聚乳酸-羟基乙酸联合载药水凝胶的体外释药与抗结核杆菌的能力。将成骨前体细胞MC3T3-E1分别接种于载药微球与联合载药水凝胶表面,CCK-8法检测细胞活力,碱性磷酸酶活性检测细胞的成骨性能。 结果与结论：①载药微球中异烟肼1 h内的突释约为23.3%,2 d内的释放率约为42.6%,随后进入缓释期,25 d后进入平台期;基质细胞衍生因子1在1 h内的累积释放率约为19.8%,2 d内的释放率约为44.7%,随后进入缓释期,25 d后进入平台期;联合载药水凝胶中异烟肼和基质细胞衍生因子1最初1 h的释放分别为8.3%和8.5%,第2天的累计释放率分别为15.2%和17.6%,远低于聚乳酸-羟基乙酸微球;②体外4周后,联合载药水凝胶的抑菌直径大于载药微球,抑菌率高于载药微球(P < 0.05);③联合载药水凝胶与载药微球均具有良好的细胞相容性,细胞活力均约为100%;④培养5,10 d后,联合载药水凝胶表面的细胞碱性磷酸酶活性与载药微球比较差异无显著性意义(P > 0.05);⑤结果表明,原位壳聚糖-明胶/聚乳酸-羟基乙酸联合载药水凝胶有作为治疗骨关节结核及其他骨关节感染的潜力。 ORCID: 0000-0003-4166-2492(张贺龙) 中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：生物材料;骨生物材料; 口腔生物材料; 纳米材料; 缓释材料; 材料相容性;组织工程     

Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide conjugated poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene oxide) micelle for targeted drug delivery

In this study, a new poly(lactic acid)-poly (ethylene oxide)-Arg-Gly-Asp (PLA-PEO-RGD) derivative was synthesized, and paclitaxel-loaded PLA-PEO-RGD micelles were prepared by this derivative. The solubility assay showed that micelles mixed with Pluronic F-68 as surfactant could increase the solubility of this hydrophobic paclitaxel in aqueous solution. The cell-binding assay showed that PLA-PEO-RGD micelle (IC(50) = 11.13 +/- 1.38 nmol/L) had about 3.6-fold higher integrin avidity than PLA-PEO-RGD conjugates (IC(50) = 40.33 +/- 3.12 nmol/L). The avidity of micelle was also higher than RGD4C peptide (IC(50) = 24.44 +/- 1.21 nmol/L). The in vitro drug release profile of drug-loaded PLA-PEO-RGD micelles exhibited initial burst release to 37% +/- 2% (w/w) during the first 12 h, and then the release rate became steady in a controlled release manner. Furthermore, treatment of the MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cell line with paclitaxel-loaded PLA-PEO-RGD micelles yielded cytotoxicities, with EC(50) values of approximately 30 mumol/L. The paclitaxel-loaded PLA-PEO-RGD micelles treated group showed the most dramatic tumor reduction in MDA-MB-435 tumor-bearing nude mice, and the final mean tumor load was 31 +/- 16 mm(3) (mean +/- SD; n = 8). (125)I-labeled micelles administration resulted in significant (p < 0.001) higher tumor uptake (2.68% +/- 0.14%, ID/g) of PLA-PEO-RGD micelles compared to PLA-PEO micelles (0.84% +/- 0.09%, ID/g) after 2.5 h postinjection. Biodistribution study showed the best blood clearance of PLA-PEO-RGD micelles after 4.5 h postinjection. The results of this study suggest that paclitaxel-loaded PLA-PEO-RGD micelles based on the specific recognition of alpha(V)beta(3) integrin represent a potential and powerful target delivery technology.     

Preparation and drug release behaviors of nimodipine-loaded poly(caprolactone)-poly(ethylene oxide)-polylactide amphiphilic copolymer nanoparticles

Amphiphilic block copolymers, poly(caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide) (PCELA), were synthesized by ring opening polymerization of caprolactone and lactide initiated with the hydroxyl groups of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). These copolymers could form micelle-like nanoparticles due to their amphiphilic characteristic. From the observation of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the nanoparticles exhibited a regular spherical shape with core-shell structure. The critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of these nanoparticles in water were decreased as molecular weight of PEG decreased. The particle sizes obtained by dynamic light scattering of these nanoparticles were in the range of 100-200 nm, and increased as the hydrophobic property of the nanoparticles increased. Nimodipine as a model drug was loaded in these nanoparticles to investigate the drug release behavior. It was found that the chemical composition of the nanoparticles was a key factor in controlling nanoparticle size, nanoparticle yields, drug-entrapment efficiency, and drug release behavior. When the PEG content is about 2% (wt), the release profile of PCELA nanoparticles appeared to follow zero-order kinetics.     

对映异构聚乳酸/聚乙二醇空间异构复合水凝胶的药物释放及形貌和细胞毒性

背景：目前生物降解水凝胶已被广泛应用于抗癌药物及生物活性大分子的装载,但为了保护生物活性大分子的活性,需要得到凝胶化条件更温和,凝胶化时间更短的凝胶体系。 目的：制备对映异构聚乳酸∕聚乙二醇的空间异构复合水凝胶,使其具有更短的凝胶化时间,实现对模拟药物溶菌酶的装载和控释。 方法：以聚乙二醇为引发剂,辛酸亚锡为催化剂,丙交酯与聚乙二醇发生开环聚合反应,得到聚乳酸/聚乙二醇的三嵌段共聚物(PLLA-PEG-PLLA 和 PDLA-PEG-PDLA)。用1H NMR,FT-IR 和 XRD表征三嵌段共聚物。10% PLLA20-PEG227-PLLA20的水溶液和10%PDLA21-PEG227-PDLA21的水溶液在室温下混合,12 h后形成凝胶。通过XRD考察凝胶化机制,以溶菌酶为模拟药物,考察凝胶的释药特性,通过扫描电镜考察凝胶的形貌,采用MTT法考察凝胶的细胞毒性。 结果与结论：成功得到聚乳酸/聚乙二醇的三嵌段共聚物,在嵌段共聚物中,聚乳酸嵌段和聚乙二醇嵌段都能结晶,但以聚乙二醇嵌段的结晶为主。通过XRD证明凝胶中存在空间异构复合作用,溶菌酶在凝胶中通过凝胶的溶蚀和降解行为,在7 d之内释放完全。通过扫描电镜观察到冻干的水凝胶呈三维贯穿的多孔结构,空隙尺寸在50~100 μm 之间。鼠成纤维细胞与浓度为100%的凝胶浸提液共培养72 h之后,细胞的存活率为99.3%。     

Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro 5-Fu release behavior of poly(2,2-dimethyltrimethylene carbonate)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(2,2-dimethyltrimethylene carbonate) nanoparticles

Novel ABA-type amphiphilic triblock copolymers composed of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) as hydrophilic segment and poly (2,2-dimethyltrimethylene carbonate) (PDTC) as hydrophobic segment were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of 2,2-dimethyltrimethylene carbonate (DTC) initiated by dihydroxyl PEG. The influence of introducing PEG block on crystalline behavior of PDTC segment was investigated by DSC. Polymeric micelles in aqueous medium were characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. The critical micelle concentration of these copolymers was in the range of 5.1-50.5 mg/L. Particle size was 80-280 nm. Core-shell-type nanoparticles were prepared by the dialysis technique. Zeta potential was measured by laser Doppler anemometry, and all nanoparticles had negative zeta potential. Transmission electron microscopy images demonstrated that these nanoparticles were spherical in shape. Anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) as a model drug was loaded in the polymeric nanoparticles. X-ray powder diffraction demonstrated that 5-Fu was encapsulated into polymeric nanoparticles as molecular dispersion. In vitro cytotoxicity of nanoparticles was evaluated by MTT assay. In vitro release behavior of 5-Fu was investigated, and sustained drug release was achieved.     

Self-association and micelle formation of biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(L-lactic acid) amphiphilic di-block co-polymers

Di-block co-polymers of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(L-lactic acid) (PEG-PLLA) were prepared by ring-opening polymerization, and their self-association and micelle formation were investigated. The block co-polymers have the same block length of the hydrophilic PEG segment (Mn = 2000), but different chain lengths of the hydrophobic PLLA segment (Mn = 700, 1000 and 1300, respectively). The di-block co-polymers synthesized were characterized by GPC, 1H-NMR, TGA and DSC. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the PEG-PLLA micelles was determined at various temperatures (5-45 degrees C) using a dye absorption technique involving fluorescence spectrophotometry with pyrene as a probe to monitor the change in the polarity of the microenvironment in the micelle. An increase in the molecular weight of the hydrophobic block decreases the CMC. The partition coefficients of pyrene between the micellar and aqueous phases range from 0.68 x 10(4 )to 1.76 x 10(4), depending on the PLLA content in the block co-polymers. An Arrhenius plot of ln(CMC) versus 1/T exhibited an almost constant CMC at low temperatures (<35 degrees C), followed by an increase of the CMC at higher temperatures (>35 degrees C). The increase of the CMC with temperature indicates the increase of the mobility of the hydrophobic PLLA core. These results were confirmed by 1H-NMR measurements. The micelle size and size distribution were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS), and were in the range of 78-92 nm. A spherical micelle shape was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. These results indicate that the CMC and the thermal characteristics of the core-forming segment of the block co-polymer play an important role in the properties of the polymer micelles used for drug delivery.     

Biodegradable poly (lactic acid) microspheres for drug delivery systems

In connection with aim of maximizing the bio-availability of conventional drugs with minimum side-effects, new drug delivery systems (DDS) continue to attracted much attention. The controlled or sustained release of drugs represents one such approach, and in this regard report upon a study of DDS using biodegradable polymers which include poly (lactic acid) (PLA), poly (glycolic acid), and their copolymers (PLGA). Much attention is being paid to the controlled release of bio-active agents from microcapsules and microspheres made of biodegradable polymers, such as lactic acid homopolymers, as well as copolymers of glycolic acid. (11-21) Microcapsules or microspheres are injectable and able to provide pre-programmed durations of action, offering several advantages over the conventional dosage forms. This article reviews the results of a work program conducted in collaboration with a medical doctor upon DDS using biodegradable microspheres, such as PLA and PLGA.     

Biodegradable poly(D,L-lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-monomethyl ether diblock copolymers: structures and surface properties relevant to their use as biomaterials

To obtain biodegradable polymers with variable surface properties for tissue culture applications, poly(ethylene glycol) blocks were attached to poly(lactic acid) blocks in a variety of combinations. The resulting poly(D,L-lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-monomethyl ether (Me.PEG-PLA) diblock copolymers were subject to comprehensive investigations concerning their bulk microstructure and surface properties to evaluate their suitability for drug delivery applications as well as for the manufacture of scaffolds in tissue engineering. Results obtained from 1H-NMR, gel permeation chromatography, wide angle X-ray diffraction and modulated differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the polymer bulk microstructure contains poly(ethylene glycol)-monomethyl ether (Me.PEG) domains segregated from poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PLA) domains varying with the composition of the diblock copolymers. Analysis of the surface of polymer films with atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that there is a variable amount of Me.PEG chains present on the polymer surface, depending on the polymer composition. It could be shown that the presence of Me.PEG chains in the polymer surface had a suppressive effect on the adsorption of two model peptides (salmon calcitonin and human atrial natriuretic peptide). The possibility to modify polymer bulk microstructure as well as surface properties by variation of the copolymer composition is a prerequisite for their efficient use in the fields of drug delivery and tissue engineering.     

Body distribution of fully biodegradable [C]-poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles coated with albumin after parenteral administration to rats

Fully biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) nanoparticles (90–250 nm) coated with human serum albumin (HSA) were prepared by high-pressure emulsification and solvent evaporation, using the protein as surfactant. A new analytical tool was developed, based on Mie's law and size exclusion chromatography, to establish that, after evaporation of the solvent, the protein saturates the surface of the nanoparticles, masking the PLA core. According to this technique, no HSA is encapsulated in the polymer matrix. A radiolabelled [¹⁴C]-PLA₅₀ was synthesized to follow the fate of this new drug carrier after i.v. administration to rats. The time necessary to clear the albumin-coated nanoparticles from the plasma was significantly longer than for the uncoated ones but not extended enough to target cells other than mononuclear phagocytes. As deduced from whole-body autoradiography and quantitative distribution experiments, the ¹⁴Cl-abelled polymer is rapidly captured by liver, bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen and peritoneal macrophages. Nanoparticle degradation was addressed following ¹⁴C excretion. The elimination of the ¹⁴C was quick on the first day (30% of the administered dose) but then slowed down. In fact, if the metabolism of the PLA proceeds to lactic acid which is rapidly converted into CO₂ via the Krebs cycle (80% of the total excretion was fulfilled by the lungs), anabolism from the lactic acid may also have taken place leading to long-lasting radioactive remnants, by incorporation of ¹⁴C into endogenous compounds.     

美斯地浓聚乳酸载药纳米粒的制备及体外释放

背景：美斯地浓临床常用于治疗重症肌无力,但其水溶性较强,半衰期短,生物利用度低,给药频率高,患者依从性差,因此提高其缓释作用对临床应用有重要意义。 目的：制备美斯地浓聚乳酸纳米粒,并考察其体外释放性能。 方法：以聚乳酸为载药材料,采用复乳液中干燥法制备美斯地浓聚乳酸纳米粒,运用单因素实验设计优化处方,动态透析法进行体外药物释放实验。 结果与结论：确定以二氯甲烷作为油相制备纳米粒,内水相与油相的比例1∶10,聚乳酸浓度6%,外水相聚乙烯醇浓度3%,美斯地浓投药量40 mg为最佳制备工艺,此条件制备的药物纳米粒包封率和载药率分别为(67.59±1.46)%和(4.31±0.17)%。美斯地浓聚乳酸纳米粒的平均粒径为937 nm,圆球形,表面光滑,未观察到粘连现象。与美斯地浓游离药物相比,美斯地浓聚乳酸纳米粒存在突释现象,之后呈现缓慢释放特性,72 h释放量为57.03%,提示成功制备美斯地浓聚乳酸纳米粒,具有缓释效应。     

Amphotericin B-loaded poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide) micelles: preparation, freeze-drying, and in vitro release

Polymeric micelles prepared from a series of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide) (PEG-PLA) diblock copolymers with various PLA chain lengths were designed as drug carriers for water insoluble drug amphotericin B (AmB). Physicochemical properties of AmB-loaded micelles were evaluated. Micelles were freeze-dried to obtain long-time stable formulations. The redispersibility of the freeze-dried samples was poor when the weight ratio of PLA block was bigger than the PEG block of the copolymer. Various types of lyoprotectants including saccharides and PEGs with different molecular weight were tested to improve the redispersion performance of the freeze-dried samples. PEG was proved to be more effective than saccharides on stabilizing the micelles during lyophilization when the weight ratio of PLA block was bigger than PEG block. The sustained release in vitro of AmB was evidenced. About 80% of AmB was released in 80 h. The in vitro release behavior could be best described by the first-order equation. The release rate was reduced as enhancing PLA chain length due to the stronger interaction between poorly water-soluble AmB and longer hydrophobic chain length of PLA.     

Controlled release of gentamicin from calcium phosphate-poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) composite bone cement

Modification of a self setting bone cement with biodegradable microspheres to achieve controlled local release of antibiotics without compromising mechanical properties was investigated. Different biodegradable microsphere batches were prepared from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) using a spray-drying technique to encapsulate gentamicin crobefate varying PLGA composition and drug loading. Microsphere properties such as surface morphology, particle size and antibiotic drug release profiles were characterized. Microspheres were mixed with an apatitic calcium phosphate bone cement to generate an antibiotic drug delivery system for treatment of bone defects. All batches of cement/microsphere composites showed an unchanged compressive strength of 60 MPa and no increase in setting time. Antibiotic release increased with increasing drug loading of the microspheres up to 30% (w/w). Drug burst of gentamicin crobefate in the microspheres was abolished in cement/microsphere composites yielding nearly zero order release profiles. Modification of calcium phosphate cements using biodegradable microspheres proved to be an efficient drug delivery system allowing a broad range of 10-30% drug loading with uncompromised mechanical properties.     

Biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymers: characterization and their use as drug carriers for a controlled delivery system

Poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PECL) copolymers were synthesized from polyethylene glycol (PEG) and epsilon-caprolactone (epsilon-CL) using stannous octoate as catalyst at 160 degrees C by bulk polymerization. The effect of the molecular weight of PEG and the copolymer ratio on the properties of the copolymers was investigated by (1)H-NMR, IR, DSC and GPC. PCL and PECL microspheres containing human serum albumin were elaborated by solvent extraction method based on the formation of double w/o/w emulsion. Microspheres were characterized in terms of morphology, size, loading efficiency, and the efficiency of microspheres formation. The results show that the microspheres prepared from PECL-10 and PECL-15 copolymers achieved the highest loading efficiency (about 50%) among all copolymers. These results indicate that the properties of copolymers could be tailored by adjusting polymer composition. It is suggested that these matrix polymers may be optimized as carriers in the protein (antigen) delivery system for different purposes.     

Poly (lactic/glycolic acid) microspheres containing antigen as a novel and potential agent of immunotherapy for allergic disorders.

In order to establish a safer and simpler antigen administration method in immunotherapy, we prepared biodegradable microspheres containing antigen and evaluated its safety and efficacy using guinea pigs. Poly (lactic/glycolic acid); (LGA) microspheres containing ovalbumin (OA) were fabricated by solvent evaporation. Over 70% of the OA was released from the microspheres within 3 days, and release was completed within 14 days in vivo. The local tissue reactions to the OA-LGA microspheres were apparently weaker than those to OA-alum. Repeated injections of high dose OA-LGA microspheres to OA-sensitized guinea pigs (high-LGA group) for 8 weeks at intervals of 2 weeks elicited an excellent therapeutic effect, i.e. a significant increase in the threshold value of antigen inhalation test, with a significant increase in IgG2 blocking antibody. The therapeutic efficacy of the high-LGA group was comparable to the conventional immunotherapy model (conventional group) and was superior to the antigen-alum model (alum group). We concluded that administration of antigen-LGA microspheres could become a new immunotherapeutic method for allergic disorders, being safer and requiring a lower frequency of antigen injections than the conventional method.     

Synthesis, characterization, biodegradation, and drug delivery application of biodegradable lactic/glycolic acid polymers: Part III. Drug delivery application

Lactic/glycolic acid polymers (PLGA) are widely used for drug delivery systems. The microsphere formulation is the most interesting dosage form of the PLGA-based controlled release devices. In this study, the previously reported PLGA were used to prepare drug-containing microspheres. Progesterone was used as a model drug. The progesterone microspheres were prepared from PLGA having varied compositions and varied molecular weight. The microscopic characterization shows that the microspheres are spherical, nonaggregated particles. The progesterone-containing PLGA microspheres possess a Gaussian size distribution, having average size from 70-134 microm. A solvent extraction method was employed to prepare the microspheres. The microencapsulation method used in this study has high drug encapsulation efficiency. The progesterone release from the PLGA microspheres and the factors affecting the drug release were studied. The release of progesterone from the PLGA microspheres is affected by the properties of the polymer used. The drug release is more rapid from the microspheres prepared using the PLGA having higher fraction of glycolic acid moiety. The drug release from the microspheres composed of higher molecular weight PLGA is faster. The drug content in microspheres also has an effect on the drug release. Higher progesterone content in microspheres yields a quicker initial burst release of the drug.     

紫杉醇的聚乙二醇单甲醚-b-聚(L-乳酸)二嵌段共聚物纳米粒的研究

采用自乳化溶剂蒸发法制备负载紫杉醇的聚乙二醇单甲醚-b-聚(L-乳酸)二嵌段共聚物纳米粒(Paclitaxel-loadedmethoxypoly(ethyleneglycol)-b-poly(L-lacticacid)diblockcopolymernanoparticles,PMT),采用动态光散射、紫外分光光度计、透射电子显微镜和高压液相色谱等手段研究了PMT的形态结构、粒径和粒径分布、体外释放等。实验结果表明PMT呈核/壳结构的球形,粒径为纳米级,随着载药量的增大而增大;PMT的体外释放无突释现象,释放速率缓慢,且随着释放液置换量的增大,累积释放量增大。本研究为开发紫杉醇新型静脉注射制剂提供了实验依据。