In vitro degradation of nanoparticles prepared from polymers based on DL-lactide, glycolide and poly(ethylene oxide)

Nanoparticles of poly(DL-lactic acid) (PDLLA), poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene oxide)-PLGA diblock copolymer (PEO-PLGA) were prepared by the salting-out method. The in vitro degradation of PDLLA, PLGA and PEO-PLGA nanoparticles in PBS (pH 7.4) at 37 degrees C was studied. The particle size, molecular weight of the polymers and the amount of lactic and glycolic acids formed were followed in time. PDLLA nanoparticles gradually degraded over a period of 2 years and retain their size during that period. A faster degradation was observed for PLGA nanoparticles, which was nearly complete after 10 weeks. PLGA nanoparticles retained their size during that period. In PEO-PLGA nanoparticles, the ester bond connecting the PEO and the PLGA segments was preferentially cleaved, which led to a relatively fast decrease in molecular weight and to (partial) aggregation, as multimodal size distributions were observed. PEO-PLGA nanoparticles were almost completely degraded within 8 weeks.     

A synthetic polymer matrix for the delayed or pulsatile release of water-soluble peptides.

The design of a polymeric peptide release system with a controlled delay time and a burst-free pre-release phase is described. In general, the system consists of a blend of a tyrosine-derived polyarylate and a fast-degrading copolymer of lactic and glycolic acid (PLGA). Due to the peptide-like structure of the polyarylate backbone, peptide-polymer interactions prevented the release of peptide from neat polyarylate films. The addition of PLGA acts as a 'delayed' excipient: as PLGA degrades, it generates acidic degradation products that cause a drop in the internal pH of the polyarylate matrix. This drop in pH weakens the peptide-polymer interactions and causes the release of peptide to commence. The initial molecular weight of PLGA can be used to control the length of time before degradation occurs. Consequently, this parameter can also be used to control the duration of the delay period prior to peptide release. As a specific model system, blends of poly(DTH adipate) with three different copolymers of lactic and glycolic acid were prepared and used for the delayed release of Integrilin, a synthetic water-soluble heptapeptide (clinically used in antithrombic injections) that acts as a highly potent glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist. Blends composed of a 1:1 weight ratio of poly(DTH adipate) and PLGA and containing Integrilin (15%, w/w) were prepared. In vitro release studies were conducted in phosphate buffered solution at 37 degrees C and the release of Integrilin was followed by HPLC. As the initial molecular weight of PLGA varied from 12000 to 62000, the duration of the delay period prior to release increased from 5 to 28 days.     

New insights on the degradation of bioresorbable polymeric devices based on lactic and glycolic acids

This contribution recalls some recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms of degradation of bioresorbable polymers of the poly(beta-hydroxy acid) type derived from lactic and glycolic acids, which are receiving increasing interest for their potential for osteosynthesis. First, the various polymers are introduced and the field of applications is delimited. It is confirmed that degradation proceeds faster in amorphous domains than in crystallites. It is also shown that degradation proceeds faster in the center than at the surface, although this feature is not predominant in the case of semicrystalline lactic acid stereocopolymers. Of special interest are the findings that quenched compounds can crystallize at body temperature during degradation and that highly crystalline degradation residues can remain in situ for several years. Data show that osteosynthesis with bioresorbable plastics might become a reality for reasonably loaded bones, provided the peculiarities of polymers are taken into account by surgeons.     

In vitro release test system of (d,l-lactic-glycolic) acid copolymer microcapsules for sustained release of LHRH agonist (leuprorelin)

Release of leuprorelin, an LHRH agonist, from injectable microcapsules and degradation of its biodegradable polymer [(d,l-lactic-glycolic) acid copolymer: PLGA] matrix were investigated to optimize an in vitro release test system and to clarify the difference between the in vivo release and in vitro release test system. Many factors such as pH, salt concentration and osmolarity of dispersion medium changed drug release. Weight loss along with the decrease of the molecular weight of PLGA was delayed in the in vitro release test system that successfully predicted in vivo drug release. Most remarkable difference in the change of the molecular weight of PLGA was shown by accumulation of degraded products of PLGA in in vivo, although the ratio of lactic acid to glycolic acid in the polymer as another indicator of the degradation increased similarly as a function of the PLGA weight loss in both systems. Judging from the fact that resembling drug release was acquired despite the different degradation rate of matrix, distinctive mechanism governs the drug release in the in vitro release test system.     

In vitro release test system of ( -lactic-glycolic) acid copolymer microcapsules for sustained release of LHRH agonist (leuprorelin)

Release of leuprorelin, an LHRH agonist, from injectable microcapsules and degradation of its biodegradable polymer [( -lactic-glycolic) acid copolymer: PLGA] matrix were investigated to optimize an in vitro release test system and to clarify the difference between the in vivo release and in vitro release test system. Many factors such as pH, salt concentration and osmolarity of dispersion medium changed drug release. Weight loss along with the decrease of the molecular weight of PLGA was delayed in the in vitro release test system that successfully predicted in vivo drug release. Most remarkable difference in the change of the molecular weight of PLGA was shown by accumulation of degraded products of PLGA in in vivo, although the ratio of lactic acid to glycolic acid in the polymer as another indicator of the degradation increased similarly as a function of the PLGA weight loss in both systems. Judging from the fact that resembling drug release was acquired despite the different degradation rate of matrix, distinctive mechanism governs the drug release in the in vitro release test system.     

Six bioabsorbable polymers: in vitro acute toxicity of accumulated degradation products.

Bioabsorbable polymer implants may provide a viable alternative to metal implants for internal fracture fixation. One of the potential difficulties with absorbable implants is the possible toxicity of the polymeric degradation products especially if they accumulate and become concentrated. Accordingly, material evaluation must involve dose-response toxicity data as well as mechanical properties and degradation rates. In this study the toxicity and rates of degradation for six polymers were determined, along with the toxicity of their degradation product components. The polymers studied were poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), two samples of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) having different molecular weights, poly(ortho ester) (POE), poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL), and poly(hydroxy butyrate valerate) (5% valerate) (PHBV). Polymeric specimens were incubated at 37 degrees C in 0.05 M Tris buffer (pH 7.4 at 37 degrees C) and sterile deionized water. The solutions were not changed during the incubation intervals, providing a worst-case model of the effects of accumulation of degradation products. The pH and acute toxicity of the incubation solutions and the mass loss and logarithmic viscosity number of the polymer samples were measured at 10 days, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Toxicity was measured using a bioluminescent bacteria, acute toxicity assay system. The acute toxicity of pure PGA, PLA, POE, and PCL degradation product components was also determined. Degradation products for PHBV were not tested. PGA incubation solutions were toxic at 10 days and at all following intervals. The lower molecular weight PLA incubation solutions were not toxic in buffer but were toxic by 4 weeks in water.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

High glycolic poly (DL lactic co glycolic acid) nanoparticles for controlled release of meropenem

Nanospheres of low molecular weight poly lactic co glycolic acid (PLGA) with high glycolic acid content (10:90) and polylactic acid (PLA) are synthesized and loaded with meropenem, a broad spectrum antibiotic. The loading efficiency of the drug is 82 and 70% in PLGA 10:90 and PLA respectively. The rate of drug release is higher with PLGA 10:90 (3.2 μg/s) than with PLA (2.4 μg/s). Eighty and 60% of the encapsulated drug is released from the two polymers in 30 days respectively. Initial burst followed by sustained drug release is observed which is mathematically explained using a biphasic model. The drug release from the former polymer leads to two times lower E. coli growth than the release from the latter. The nanoparticles are biocompatible with no significant effect on the viability of 3T3 cells. This study indicates that PLGA 10:90 can be used for the delivery of antibiotics for interim period, especially for post orthopaedic surgeries.     

碱性氨基酸对丙交酯/乙交酯共聚物体外降解时集酸程度的调节

背景：丙交酯／乙交酯共聚物在降解中会产生酸性单体乳酸和乙醇酸而使局部集酸，从而引起机体局部产生炎症反应。目的：采用赖氨酸、组氨酸、精氨酸分别与丙交酯／乙交酯共聚物进行复合，考察它们对丙交酯，乙交酯共聚物降解时集酸程度的调节功效。设计：重复测量实验。时间及地点：实验于2006-07／2007—08在重庆大学生物工程学院完成。材料：丙交酯／乙交酯共聚物（80：20）为美国Sigma公司产品，赖氨酸、组氨酸、精氨酸（纯度〉99％）为美国Sigma公司产品；壳聚糖（脱乙酰度85％）为成都科龙化工试剂广产品；海藻酸钠（黏度1．05～1．15）为天津大茂化学试剂厂产品。方法：将赖氨酸、组氨酸、精氨酸分别各按5％和10％的比例与丙交酯／乙交酯共聚物制成复合物，于体外在37℃下在三蒸水中进行降解2个月。用pH计检测降解液pH的变化：在检测点将试件从人工降解液中取出滤干后再真空干燥12h后进行称重以计算失重率。取相同种类的3份试样的平均pH值作为该监测点下此试样的pH值；取相同种类的3份试样的平均初始质量的平均值作为该此试样的初始质量，取该试样的终质量的平均值作为此试样的终质量。以上述实验结果为依据，将碱性氨基酸的调节效果与海藻酸钠、壳聚糖、碳酸氢钠的调节效果进行比较。主要观察指标：降解液pH的变化；复合物的失重率。结果：各种碱性添加剂都有一定的缓解酸度的能力，NaHCO3的缓解能力最强，海藻酸钠和壳聚糖的缓解能力较低，而碱性氨基酸的缓解能力适中；赖氨酸的添加量为5％时能够得到较佳的综合调节效果。结论：碱性氨基酸能有效地缓解丙交酯／乙交酯共聚物降解后的集酸程度。其中，赖氨酸的添加量为5％时能够得到较佳的综合调节效果。     

A novel polymer-paclitaxel conjugate based on amphiphilic triblock copolymer.

A novel amphiphilic polymer-paclitaxel conjugate P(LGG-paclitaxel)-PEG-P(LGG-paclitaxel) has been prepared. It was derived from its parent polymer P(LGG)-PEG-P(LGG), poly{(lactic acid)-co-[(glycolic acid)-alt-(l-glutamic acid)]}-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly{(lactic acid)-co-[(glycolic acid)-alt-(l-glutamic acid)]}, which was prepared by ring-opening copolymerization of l-lactide (LLA) with (3s)-benzoxylcarbonylethyl-morpholine-2,5-dione (BEMD) in the presence of dihydroxyl PEG with molecular weight of 4600 as a macroinitiator using stannous octoate (Sn(Oct)(2)) as catalyst, and by subsequent catalytic hydrogenation. It could self-assemble into micelles in an aqueous system with P(LGG-paclitaxel) block in the core and PEG in the shell. ESEM and DLS analysis of the micelles revealed a homogeneous spherical morphology and a unimodal size distribution. In vitro release of paclitaxel from the conjugate micelles showed that its release rate depended on pH value and was higher at lower pH than in neutral condition. In vitro antitumor activity of the paclitaxel conjugate against rat brain glioma C6 cells was evaluated by MTT method. The results showed that the paclitaxel can be released from the conjugate without losing cytotoxicity.     

Biodegradable recombinant human erythropoietin loaded microspheres prepared from linear and star-branched block copolymers: influence of encapsulation technique and polymer composition on particle characteristics.

Recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) and fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled dextran (FITC-dextran) loaded microspheres were prepared by a modified W/O/W double-emulsion technique. Biodegradable linear ABA block copolymers consisting of poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) A blocks attached to central poly(ethyleneoxide) (PEO) B blocks and star-branched AB block copolymers containing A blocks of poly(L-lactide) or poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) and star-branched poly(ethyleneoxide) B blocks were investigated for their potential as sustained release drug delivery systems. Microsphere characteristics were strongly influenced by the polymer composition. In the case of the linear block copolymers, a reduced lactic acid content in a linear block copolymer yielded smaller particles, a lower encapsulation efficiency, and a higher initial drug release both in the case of EPO and FITC-dextran. The investigation of the effects of several manufacturing parameters on microsphere formation showed that the process temperature plays an important role. Microsphere formation in a +1 degrees C environment resulted in higher drug loadings without increasing the amount of residual dichloromethane inside the particles. Other parameters such as the homogenization of the primary W/O emulsion and of the W/O/W double-emulsion have less impact on microsphere characteristics. Branched block copolymers containing star-shaped PEO also showed potential for the preparation of drug loaded microspheres. A certain amount of glycolic acid in the copolymer was necessary for the successful preparation of non-aggregating microspheres at room temperature. Again, the processing temperature strongly affected particle characteristics. Microsphere preparation at +1 degrees C allows the formation of microspheres from a polymer not containing glycolic acid, a result which could not be achieved at room temperature. Moreover, compared to microsphere formation at room temperature, the effective FITC-dextran loading was increased. Concerning the EPO loaded microspheres, the amount of EPO aggregated was comparable to that using the linear ABA polymers. A continuous release of the protein from these star-shaped polymers could not be achieved. In conclusion, apart from microsphere preparation in a +1 degrees C environment the choice of the polymer represents the main factor for a successful entrapment of proteins into biodegradable microspheres.     

Branched biodegradable polyesters for parenteral drug delivery systems.

Continuous, 'infusion-like' drug release profiles from biodegradable parenteral delivery systems are difficult to achieve for proteins and other hydrophilic macromolecular drugs with commonly used linear polyesters from lactic acid (PLA) and its random copolymers with glycolic acid (PLG). Drug release rates can be modified either by increasing the hydrophilicity of polyesters or by manipulating the polymer architecture to adjust polymer degradation rates and thus drug release. Therefore, we investigated different branching concepts for biodegradable polyesters of PLA and PLG. For one four- and eight-arm poly(ethylene oxide)s (PEO) were grafted with shorter polyester chains leading to star-branched structures. Secondly we obtained comb-like polyesters using both charged and uncharged dextrans or poly(vinyl alcohol)s (PVA) as hydrophilic backbones. The star-shaped and brush-like grafted polymers were intensively characterized by methods, such as NMR, IR, SEC-SLS, DSC and viscosity measurements. Tailor-made properties make these novel biodegradable polyesters promising candidates for parenteral protein delivery systems. While the star-branched polyesters have shown some interesting properties with respect to their degradation behavior, retaining the PEO blocks longer than ABA triblock copolymers, their release properties need further optimization. Brush-like branched polyesters on the other hand seem to possess both degradation and release properties meriting further investigations for parenteral protein delivery systems.     

Tetracycline-HCl-loaded poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres prepared by a spray drying technique: influence of gamma-irradiation on radical formation and polymer degradation.

Tetracycline-HCl (TCH)-loaded microspheres were prepared from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) by spray drying. The drug was incorporated in the polymer matrix either in solid state or as w/o emulsion. The spin probe 4-hydroxy-2,2,6, 6-tetramethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPOL) and the spin trap tert-butyl-phenyl-nitrone (PBN) were co-encapsulated into the TCH-loaded and placebo particles. We investigated the effects of gamma-irradiation on the formation of free radicals in polymer and drug and the mechanism of chain scission after sterilization. Gamma-Irradiation was performed at 26.9 and 54.9 kGy using a 60Co source. The microspheres were characterized especially with respect to the formation of radicals and in vitro polymer degradation. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for characterization of the microspheres. Using EPR spectroscopy, we successfully detected gamma-irradiation induced free radicals within the TCH-loaded microspheres, while unloaded PLGA did not contain radicals under the same conditions. The relatively low glass transition temperature of the poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (37-39 degrees C) seems to favor subsequent reactions of free radicals due to the high mobility of the polymeric chains. Because of the high melting point of TCH (214 degrees C), the radicals can only be stabilized in drug loaded microspheres. In order to determine the mechanism of polymer degradation after exposure to gamma-rays, the spin trap PBN and the spin probe TEMPOL were encapsulated in the microspheres. gamma-Irradiation of microspheres containing PBN resulted in the formation of a lipophilic spin adduct, indicating that a polymeric radical was generated by random chain scission. Polymer degradation by an unzipping mechanism would have produced hydrophilic spin adducts of PBN and monomeric radicals of lactic or glycolic acid. These degradation products were not detected by EPR. This result is confirmed by the observation that possible diamagnetic reaction products of low molecular weight, consisting of TEMPOL and lactide or glycolide monomers, could not be detected by GC-MS. While an irradiation dose-dependent decrease in molecular weight of PLGA could be verified in agreement with the literature, TCH content of the microspheres was not affected by the exposure to gamma-rays. It can be concluded that EPR spectroscopy in combination with GPC, DSC, and HPLC allows a detailed characterization of the impact of gamma-sterilization on biodegradable parenteral drug delivery systems.     

电纺纳米纤维可降解输尿管支架肌肉埋植的降解性能

背景:作者前期研究了电纺纳米纤维聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物可降解输尿管支架材料的体外降解性能,发现80/20聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物电纺纳米纤维材料在尿液中的降解时间可以满足临床需要。目的:观察80/20聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物电纺纳米纤维输尿管支架的肌肉埋植降解性能。方法:采用静电纺丝法制备80/20聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物纳米纤维输尿管支架,观察其在家兔脊柱旁肌肉中的降解情况。结果与结论:成功制备了电纺纳米纤维输尿管支架,扫描电镜见微观形貌良好。80/20的聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物纳米纤维输尿管支架在体内降解至10周时,支架管降解至初始质量的60%左右,支架出现断裂和崩解,虽降解速度较体外降解稍慢,但其降解性能仍能够满足临床对可降解输尿管支架的需要。     

Tuning the biomimetic behavior of scaffolds for regenerative medicine through surface modifications

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine rely extensively on biomaterial scaffolds to support cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation physically and chemically in vitro and in vivo. Changes to the surface characteristics of the scaffolds have the greatest impact on cell response. Here, we discuss five dominant surface modification approaches used to biomimetically improve the most common scaffolds for tissue engineering, those based on aliphatic polyesters. Scaffolds of aliphatic polyesters such as poly(l ‐lactic acid), poly(l ‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid), and poly(ε‐caprolactone) are often used in tissue engineering because they provide desirable, tunable properties such as ease of manufacturing, good mechanical properties, and nontoxic degradation products. However, cell–surface interactions necessary for tissue engineering are limited on these materials by their smooth postfabrication surfaces, hydrophobicity, and lack of recognizable biochemical binding sites. The surface modification techniques that have been developed for synthetic polymer scaffolds reduce initial barriers to cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Topographical modification, protein adsorption, mineral coating, functional group incorporation, and biomacromolecule immobilization each contribute through varying mechanisms to improving cell interactions with aliphatic polyester scaffolds. Furthermore, rational combination of methods from these categories can provide nuanced, specific environments for targeted tissue development.     

Role of zinc in formulation of PLGA/PLA nanoparticles encapsulating betamethasone phosphate and its release profile.

The purpose of this study was to develop poly(D,L-lactic/glycolic acid) (PLGA) or poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles of less than 200 nm in diameter that encapsulated water-soluble corticosteroid derivatives for sustained release and targeting to inflammatory sites. Nanoparticles were prepared with PLGA (or PLA), zinc, betamethasone phosphate and surfactant by an oil-in-water solvent diffusion method. With this method, the efficiency of encapsulating betamethasone phosphate in the nanoparticles and the particle size were significantly affected by various factors, such as the concentration of PLGA (or PLA) and the amount of zinc added. Nanoparticles ranging from 80 to 250 nm in diameter could be prepared, with a maximum betamethasone phosphate content of 8% (w/w). Betamethasone phosphate was gradually released from the nanoparticles in diluted serum, and the release rate depended on the glycolic/lactic acid ratio and on the molecular weight of PLGA or PLA. Betamethasone was gradually released over at least 8 days from murine macrophages that had internalized betamethasone phosphate-encapsulated nanoparticles in vitro, and the rate of release was slower than from nanoparticles prepared without zinc. These results suggest that zinc increases the efficiency of encapsulating betamethasone phosphate in nanoparticles and also promotes sustained release of betamethasone phosphate from the nanoparticles.     

Mechanical properties of biodegradable polymers and composites proposed for internal fixation of bone.

The mechanical properties of biodegradable polymers and composites proposed for use in internal fixation (in place of stainless steel) are crucial to the performance of devices made from them for support of healing bone. To assess the reported range of properties and degradation rates, we searched and reviewed papers and abstracts published in English from 1980 through 1988. Mechanical property data were found for poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid), poly(epsilon-caprolactone), polydioxanone, poly(ortho ester), poly(ethylene oxide), and/or their copolymers. Reports of composites based on several of these materials, reinforced with nondegradable and degradable fibers, were also found. The largest group of studies involved poly(lactic acid). Mechanical test methods varied widely, and studies of the degradation of mechanical properties were performed under a variety of conditions, mostly in vitro rather than in vivo. Compared to annealed stainless steel, unreinforced biodegradable polymers were initially up to 36% as strong in tension and 54% in bending, but only about 3% as stiff in either test mode. With fiber reinforcement, reported highest initial strengths exceeded that of stainless steel. Stiffness reached 62% of stainless steel with nondegradable carbon fibers, 15% with degradable inorganic fibers, but only 5% with degradable polymeric fibers. The slowest-degrading unreinforced biodegradable polymers were poly(L-lactic acid) and poly(ortho ester). Biodegradable composites with carbon or inorganic fibers generally lost strength rapidly, with a slower loss of stiffness, suggesting the difficulty of fiber-matrix coupling in these systems. The strength of composites reinforced with (lower modulus) degradable polymeric fibers decreased more slowly. Low implant stiffness might be expected to allow too much bone motion for satisfactory healing. However, unreinforced or degradable polymeric fiber reinforced materials have been used successfully clinically. The key has been careful selection of applications, plus use of designs and fixation methods distinctly different from those appropriate for stainless steel devices.     

Resorbable polyesters: composition, properties, applications

Synthetic polymers, in particular polyesters based on lactic acid, glycolic acid and other raw materials are described for medical and technical applications. Their main advantages are compatibility and safety. As they are degradable in the human body they are particularly suitable for implants needed only temporarily for the healing process. Resorbable polyesters are produced by direct polycondensation or ring opening polymerization resulting in a broad range of polymers with different features. The main properties such as degradation (hydrolytic and thermal), crystallinity and mechanical strengths are discussed. These polyesters, which can be processed like other thermo-plastic polymers by extrusion and injection moulding, are used mainly for wound closure products (sutures, staples, clips), fracture fixation devices (nails, screws, plates) and parenteral depot systems for the sustained release of drugs. Possibilities for polymer and process improvement to develop better implants and additional applications are presented.     

Programmable biodegradable implants.

Pulsatile release implants were developed that release substances up to 58 days post implantation. With a cylindrical size of 2 mm diameter and 1.8 mm height the matrices can carry as much as 1 mg of drug and allow even for intracranial implantation into a rodent model. The matrices are made of materials that have been used for parenteral applications in humans before such as surface eroding polyanhydrides and bulk eroding poly(D,L-lactic acid) or poly(D,L-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid). The onset of drug release is controlled by the degradation of bulk eroding polymers which are known to exhibit a certain stability over a defined period of time and which start eroding after they reach a critical degree of degradation. The time of drug release onset was found to depend on the molecular weight and the chemical state of the carboxylic acid end of the polymer chain. For testing the onset of release in vivo a nude mouse model was developed where the release of Evan's blue could be observed visually after subcutaneous application. By combining individual matrices with different release onset, a therapeutic system can be composed that releases drugs after implantation at predetermined time points in a preprogrammed way. Potential applications for such matrices is vaccination and local tumor therapy.     

Evaluation of absorbable poly(ortho esters) for use in surgical implants.

Recent reports describe an unfavorable noninfective inflammatory response to acidic degradation products in clinical applications of bone fixation devices fabricated from bulk hydrolyzing polyglycolides and polylactides (PGA and PLA). The work described here suggests that poly(ortho esters) (POEs) offer an alternative. By comparison, hydrophobic POEs degrade predominately via surface hydrolysis, yielding first a combination of nonacidic degradation products, followed by alcoholic and acidic products gradually over time. POE specimens proved acutely nontoxic in United States Pharmacopeia tests of cellular, intracutaneous, systemic, and intramuscular implant toxicity. Hot-molded specimens degraded slowly in saline, retaining 92% initial stiffness (1.6 GPa flexion) and retaining 80% initial strength (66 MPa flexion) in 12 weeks. Degradation was almost unaffected by decreasing saline pH from 7.4 to 5.0. This demonstrated the relative hydrophobicity of POEs, since incorporation of small amounts of acid within the polymer markedly increases the degradation rate. Degradation rates were increased substantially by dynamic mechanical loading in saline. This may be true for other degradable polymers also, but no data could be found in the literature. Presumably, tensile loading opens microcracks, allowing water to enter. Solvent cast POE films were strong in tension (30 + MPa tensile yield) and reasonably tough (12-15% elongation to yield). Higher molecular weight films (41-67 kDa) showed no degradation in mechanical properties after 31 days in physiological buffer at body temperature. A 27-kDa film offered similar initial strength and stiffness but began showing mechanical degradation at 31 days. The films showed a decrease in weight with exposure time but no change in either molecular weight or water absorption at 31 days, further supporting the observation that POE degrades by surface hydrolysis rather than by bulk hydrolysis.     

新型神经导管复合材料与骨髓间充质干细胞的相容性

背景：理想的神经修复材料要有良好的生物相容性、生物可降解性、可塑性以及一定的机械强度. 目的：观察自行研制的精氨酸-甘氨酸-天门冬氨酸多肽接枝聚（羟基乙酸-L-赖氨酸-乳酸）/聚乳酸/β-磷酸三钙/神经生长因子复合材料与大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞的细胞相容性. 方法：将从SD大鼠骨髓中分离纯化的第3代骨髓间充质干细胞与精氨酸-甘氨酸-天门冬氨酸多肽接枝聚（羟基乙酸-L-赖氨酸-乳酸）/聚乳酸/β-磷酸三钙/神经生长因子复合材料或浸提液共同培养作为实验组,并以含体积分数10%胎牛血清的培养液培养骨髓间充质干细胞作为对照组.观察细胞在复合材料上的生长、存活及凋亡情况. 结果与结论：MTT检测结果显示,共培养5,7 d,实验组吸光度值高于对照组（P〈0.05）;流式细胞仪Annexin V-FITC/PI双染法结果显示,实验组细胞凋亡率显著低于对照组（P〈0.05）;扫描电镜观察见骨髓间充质干细胞在精氨酸-甘氨酸-天门冬氨酸多肽接枝聚（羟基乙酸-L-赖氨酸-乳酸）/聚乳酸/β-磷酸三钙/神经生长因子复合材料表面生长良好,胞体发出多个突起,并交织成网状,呈典型的神经元样细胞表现.可见精氨酸-甘氨酸-天门冬氨酸多肽接枝聚（羟基乙酸-L-赖氨酸-乳酸）/聚乳酸/β-磷酸三钙/神经生长因子复合材料与骨髓间充质干细胞具有良好的细胞相容性,可作为优良的载体用于构建人工仿生神经.