Synthesis and Evaluation of Pegylated Dendrimeric Nanocarrier for Pulmonary Delivery of Low Molecular Weight Heparin

Purpose  This study tests the hypothesis that pegylated dendrimeric micelles prolong the half-life of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and increase the drug’s pulmonary absorption, thereby efficacious in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a rodent model. Materials and Methods  Pegylated PAMAM dendrimer was synthesized by conjugating G3 PAMAM dendrimer with methyl ester of polyethylene glycol 2000 (PEG-2000). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and thin layer chromatography (TLC) were used to evaluate the identity and purity of pegylated dendrimer. The particle size distributions of the formulations were measured by using a Nicomp Zeta meter, and drug entrapment efficiency was studied by azure A assay. The efficacy of pegylated dendrimers in enhancing pulmonary absorption, prolonging drug half-life, and preventing DVT was studied in a rodent model. Results  FTIR, NMR and TLC data confirmed that PAMAM dendrimer was conjugated to PEG-2000. The entrapment efficiency of LMWH in PEG–dendrimer micelles was about 40%. Upon encapsulation of LMWH, the particle size of PEG–dendrimer micelles increased from 11.7 to 17.1 nm. LMWH entrapped in PEG–dendrimer produced a significant increase in pulmonary absorption and the relative bioavailability of the formulation was 60.6% compared to subcutaneous LMWH. The half-life of the PEG–dendrimer-based formulation was 11.9 h, which is 2.4-fold greater than the half-life of LMWH in a saline control formulation. When the formulation was administered at 48-h intervals, the efficacy of LMWH encapsulated in pegylated dendrimers in reducing thrombus weight in a rodent model was very similar to that of subcutaneous LMWH administered at 24-h intervals. Conclusions  Pegylated PAMAM dendrimer could potentially be used as a carrier for pulmonary delivery of LMWH for the long-term management of DVT.     

Solubility enhancement of indomethacin with poly(amidoamine) dendrimers and targeting to inflammatory regions of arthritic rats

This work includes investigation on solubility enhancement of indomethacin (IND) in the presence of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers and passive targeting of the PAMAM/IND complex so formed to the inflamed regions in an animal model. The complex formation was confirmed by infrared and (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy methods. Solubility of IND in aqueous G4-PAMAM followed Higuchi's A(N) curve depending on pH of the solubilizing medium. The solubility was decreased upon addition of dendrimer to the IND saturated solution at various pH, indicating aggregation behavior of the PAMAM/IND complex and conforming to the Higuchi's A(N) solubility profile. The in vitro release of IND from the PAMAM/IND complex through a cellophane membrane, from a Franz diffusion cell, showed 79 +/- 3.2% drug release in 24 h. The drug release was further retarded in the presence of human serum albumin (HSA) suggesting the significance of complex HSA binding in altering in vivo behavior of the complex. Intravenous administration of the PAMAM/IND complex formulation in rats showed a two-compartment pharmacokinetic profile. Enhanced effective IND concentrations in the inflamed regions were obtained for the prolonged time period with the PAMAM/IND complex compared to the free drug in arthritic rats indicating preferred accumulation of IND to the inflamed region. The targeting efficiency of PAMAM/IND complex was 2.29 times higher compared to free drug. In contrast to the previous investigations, two interesting findings reported here are: (a) solubility behavior of IND in G4-PAMAM dendrimer deviates from linearity with increasing concentrations of dendrimer at acidic to neutral pH values and (b) inspite of lymphatic drainage, retention of PAMAM/IND complexes occurs at the inflammatory site.     

Solubility Enhancement of Indomethacin with Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimers and Targeting to Inflammatory Regions of Arthritic Rats

This work includes investigation on solubility enhancement of indomethacin (IND) in the presence of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers and passive targeting of the PAMAM/IND complex so formed to the inflamed regions in an animal model. The complex formation was confirmed by infrared and ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy methods. Solubility of IND in aqueous G4-PAMAM followed Higuchi's A_N curve depending on pH of the solubilizing medium. The solubility was decreased upon addition of dendrimer to the IND saturated solution at various pH, indicating aggregation behavior of the PAMAM/IND complex and conforming to the Higuchi's A_N solubility profile. The in vitro release of IND from the PAMAM/IND complex through a cellophane membrane, from a Franz diffusion cell, showed 79±3.2% drug release in 24 h. The drug release was further retarded in the presence of human serum albumin (HSA) suggesting the significance of complex HSA binding in altering in vivo behavior of the complex. Intravenous administration of the PAMAM/IND complex formulation in rats showed a two-compartment pharmacokinetic profile. Enhanced effective IND concentrations in the inflamed regions were obtained for the prolonged time period with the PAMAM/IND complex compared to the free drug in arthritic rats indicating preferred accumulation of IND to the inflamed region. The targeting efficiency of PAMAM/IND complex was 2.29 times higher compared to free drug. In contrast to the previous investigations, two interesting findings reported here are: (a) solubility behavior of IND in G4-PAMAM dendrimer deviates from linearity with increasing concentrations of dendrimer at acidic to neutral pH values and (b) inspite of lymphatic drainage, retention of PAMAM/IND complexes occurs at the inflammatory site.     

Poly(amidoamine) dendrimer-based multifunctional engineered nanodevice for cancer therapy

Multifunctional cancer therapeutic nanodevices have been designed and synthesized using the poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer as a carrier. Partial acetylation of the generation 5 (G5) PAMAM dendrimer was utilized to neutralize a fraction of the primary amino groups, provide enhanced solubility of the dendrimer during the conjugation reaction of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) (in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)), and prevent nonspecific targeting interactions (in vitro and in vivo) during delivery. The remaining nonacetylated primary amino groups were utilized for conjugation of the functional molecules fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC, an imaging agent), folic acid (FA, targets overexpressed folate receptors on specific cancer cells), and methotrexate (MTX, chemotherapeutic drug). The appropriate control nanodevices have been synthesized as well. The G5 PAMAM dendrimer molecular weight and number of primary amino groups were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and potentiometric titration for stoichiometric design of ensuing conjugation reactions. Additionally, dendrimer conjugates were characterized by multiple analytical methods including GPC, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and UV spectroscopy. The fully characterized nanodevices can be used for the targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic and imaging agents to specific cancer cells. Here, we present a more extensive investigation of our previously reported synthesis of this material with improvements directed toward scale-up synthesis and clinical trials (Pharm. Res. 2002, 19 (9), 1310-1316).     

A PEGylated dendritic nanoparticulate carrier of fluorouracil

The present study was aimed at developing and exploring the use of uncoated and PEGylated newer PAMAM dendrimers for delivery of anti-cancer drug 5-fluorouracil. For this study, successive Michael addition and exhaustive amidation reactions were used to synthesize 4.0 G PAMAM dendrimers, using ethylenediamine as core and methylmethacrylate as propagating agent. The dendrimer was PEGylated using N-hydroxysuccinimide-activated carboxymethyl MPEG-5000. IR and NMR data proved the synthesis. Various physicochemical parameters, SEM, TEM, lambda(max) values, hemolytic toxicity, drug entrapment, drug release and blood-level studies of both PEGylated and non-PEGylated systems were determined and compared. The PEGylation of the systems was found to have increased their drug-loading capacity, reduced their drug release rate and hemolytic toxicity. TEM study revealed surface properties of the systems. Stability studies had shown its stability at room temperature in dark. The systems were found suitable for prolonged delivery of an anti-cancer drug by in vitro and blood-level studies in albino rats, without producing any significant hematological disturbances. PEGylation has been found to be suitable for modification of PAMAM dendrimers for reduction of drug leakage and hemolytic toxicity. This, in turn, could improve drug-loading capacity and stabilize such systems in body. The study suggests use of such PEGylated dendrimeric systems as nanoparticulate depot type of system for drug administration.     

Effect of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer on skin permeation of 5-fluorouracil

The aim of present study is to investigate the effect of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer on skin permeation of 5-fluorouracil (5FU). Permeation studies were performed using excised porcine skin in a Franz diffusion cell and (14)C labeled 5FU samples were analyzed using liquid scintillation counter. Three different vehicles were used, including phosphate buffer (PB), mineral oil (MO) and isopropyl myristate (IPM). The studies were carried out by simultaneously applying the drug and dendrimer together or by pre-treating the skin with dendrimer before drug application. Simultaneous application of drug and dendrimer increased the flux of 5FU in IPM and MO, while there was no change in PB. The increased skin partitioning of dendrimer from lipophilic vehicles increased the drug solubility in skin. Pre-treatment with dendrimer increased permeability coefficient of 5FU by 4-fold in MO and 2.5-fold in IPM, while it decreased by half in PB. Skin partitioning of 5FU increased after dendrimer treatment from lipophilic vehicles. The flux increased linearly with increase in pre-treatment time. Dendrimer pre-treatment increased transepidermal water loss and decreased skin resistance. The decrease in skin resistance directly correlated to the enhancement in skin permeation of 5FU (r(2)=0.99). Overall, the study showed that dendrimer increases the skin permeation of 5FU from lipophilic vehicles mainly by altering the skin barrier.     

Inclusion complexes of isoflavones with two commercially available dendrimers: Solubility, stability, structures, release behaviors, cytotoxicity, and anti-oxidant activities

We prepared and characterized the inclusion complexes of daidzein with poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) and poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendrimers. Aqueous solubility of daidzein was significantly enhanced by both PAMAM and PPI (186- and 650-fold at 0.36mM, respectively). Daidzein in G3 PAMAM solution is more stable than that in G4 PPI. NMR studies reveal the encapsulation of daidzein within the interior cavities of PPI through hydrophobic interactions. Daidzein exhibits a slower release behavior from PPI than that from PAMAM. PPI/daidzein complex is much more toxic than PAMAM/daidzein complex on several cell lines. PAMAM/daidzein complexes showed similar protective effect on oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity as compared to free daidzein. These results suggest that the inclusion of daidzein with dendrimer can effectively improve the solubility, prolong the delivery, and maintain the anti-oxidant activity of daidzein. This research provides new insights into dendrimer-based drug delivery systems and will be helpful for the design of novel dendrimer/drug formulations.     

载氟尿嘧啶pH敏感树枝状聚合物纳米载体的体外释药及对人肝癌细胞药效学评价

目的考察pH值对氟尿嘧啶（5-FU）从pH敏感树枝状聚合物纳米载体（mPEG-pDEA-PAMAM,PDP）中释放的影响,以及该载体制剂在不同pH值条件下对人肝癌HepG2细胞的作用。方法用HPLC分析方法测定释放介质中5-FU浓度,考察不同pH值条件下5-FU从PDP释放的特征。用不同pH值培养基体外培养人肝癌细胞株HepG2细胞,建立模拟体内肿瘤组织微环境的细胞模型,MTT法研究PDP制剂对HepG2细胞的抑制率及细胞毒性。结果 PDP在弱酸性环境（pH 6.5）中迅速释放5-FU,而在中性环境（pH 7.4）中释放很缓慢。在pH 6.5条件下,5-FU-PDP与5-FU水溶液同样对HepG2细胞生长有明显抑制作用,单用PDP没有明显细胞毒性。结论 5-FU-PDP纳米制剂具有明显pH值敏感释药的特点,能在肿瘤弱酸性环境下快速释药并发挥药效,可能成为理想的抗肿瘤药物靶向载体。     

Development and characterization of hyaluronic acid decorated PLGA nanoparticles for delivery of 5-fluorouracil

The present investigation was aimed to develop and explore the prospective of engineered PLGA nanoparticles as vehicles for targeted delivery of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Nanoparticles of 5-FU-loaded hyaluronic acid-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (HA-PEG-PLGA-FU) copolymer were prepared and characterized by FTIR, NMR, transmission electron microscopy, particle size analysis, DSC, and X-ray diffractometer measurement studies. The nanoparticulate formulation was evaluated for in vitro release, hemolytic toxicity, and hematological toxicity. Cytotoxicity studies were performed on Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cell lines using MTT cell proliferation assay. Biodistribution studies of ^99mTc labeled formulation were conducted on EAT-bearing mice. The in vivo tumor inhibition study was also performed after i.v. administration of HA-PEG-PLGA-FU nanoparticles. The HA conjugated formulation was found to be less hemolytic but more cytotoxic as compared to free drug. The hematological data suggested that HA-PEG-PLGA-FU formulation was less immunogenic compared to plain drug. The tissue distribution studies displayed that HA-PEG-PLGA-FU were able to deliver a higher concentration of 5-FU in the tumor mass. In addition, the HA-PEG-PLGA-FU nanoparticles reduced tumor volume significantly in comparison with 5-FU. Thus, it was concluded that the conjugation of HA imparts targetability to the formulation, and enhanced permeation and retention effect ruled out its access to the non-tumor tissues, at the same time favored selective entry in tumors, thereby reducing the side-effects both in vitro and in vivo.     

Transport of surface engineered polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers across IPEC-J2 cell monolayers

The aim of our study was to prepare arginine-and ornithine-conjugated Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers and study their permeability across IPEC-J2 cell monolayers, a new intestinal cell line model for drug absorption studies. Arginine and ornithine were conjugated to the amine terminals of the PAMAM(G4) dendrimers by Fmoc synthesis. The apical-to-basolateral (AB) and basolateral-to-apical (BA) apparent permeability coefficients (P(app)) for the PAMAM dendrimers increased by conjugating the dendrimers with both of these polyamines. The enhancement in permeability was dependent on the dendrimer concentration and duration of incubation. Correlation between monolayer permeability and the decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) with the PAMAM dendrimers and the polyamine-conjugated dendrimers suggests that paracellular transport is one of the mechanisms of transport across the epithelial cells. Cytotoxicity of these surface-modified dendrimers was evaluated in IPEC-J2 cells by MTT (methylthiazoletetrazolium) assay. Arginine-conjugated dendrimers were insignificantly more toxic than PAMAM dendrimer as well as ornithine-conjugated dendrimers. Though investigations on the possible involvement of other transport mechanisms are in progress, results of the present study suggest the potential of dendrimer-polyamine conjugates as the carriers for antigen/drug delivery through the oral mucosa.     

Exploring dendrimer towards dual drug delivery: pH responsive simultaneous drug-release kinetics

A major problem associated with conventional leukaemia chemotherapy is the development of resistance that can be surmounted well by combination chemotherapy. The objective of the present investigation is to report a novel technology to load two anti-leukaemic drugs of choice simultaneously inside the PAMAM dendrimer. Under optimized conditions of pH and dialysis time, one molecule of PAMAM dendrimer was found to be capable of entrapping 27.02 ± 0.51 and 8.00 ± 0.46 molecules of Methotrexate and all-trans Retinoic acid (ATRA), respectively. The simultaneous in-vitro release profiling of the loaded drugs was studied at pH 4, 7.4 and 10. The release kinetics was found to be governed by degree of dendrimer protonation, with more sustained and controlled behaviour at pH 7.4. Terminal loading of dendrimer with less haemolytic bioactive (ATRA) reduced the haemolytic toxicity of the dendrimer formulation. A cytotoxicity study was performed on HeLa cell lines by MTT assay, wherein after 72 h, the dual-drug loaded dendrimer was found to be more efficient (IC(50) 0.5 μM) as compared to that of the free drug combination (IC(50) 0.75 μM).     

Poly(amidoamine) dendrimers increase antifungal activity of clotrimazole

Clotrimazole (CLO) is a local imidazolic antifungal agent. A major problem associated with the successful formulation of effective dosage forms containing CLO is its poor aqueous solubility, which presents a hindrance for the local availability of CLO and limits the effective antifungal therapy. In the present study, the effects of various concentrations of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers generation 2 (G2) and generation 3 (G3) with amine (PAMAM-NH(2)) or hydroxyl surface groups (PAMAM-OH) on aqueous solubility and antifungal activity of CLO were studied. The obtained results showed that all tested PAMAM dendrimers improved the solubility of CLO and the more potent were PAMAM-NH(2) dendrimers. The increase in solubility of CLO was highest at dendrimer concentration of 10 mg/ml. Microbiology studies indicated that only PAMAM-NH(2) dendrimers significantly increased the antifungal activity of CLO (a 4-32-fold increase in the antifungal activity compared to pure CLO) and the most potent was dendrimer PAMAM-NH(2) G2. These observations indicate that PAMAM dendrimers might be considered as potential carriers of CLO and provide further impetus to evaluate these polymers for use in basic drug delivery studies and to design semisolid dosage forms based on dendrimers with antimicrobial drugs, like CLO.     

Poly(amidoamine) dendrimers as skin penetration enhancers: Influence of charge, generation, and concentration

The study investigates the influence of surface charge, generation and concentration of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers on skin permeation of a model hydrophilic drug, 5-fluorouracil (5FU). Permeation studies were performed using excised porcine skin in a Franz diffusion cell. Saturated concentration of 5FU in isopropyl myristate was applied on the skin after pretreatment with dendrimers and (14)C labeled 5FU was analyzed using a liquid scintillation counter. The influence of dendrimer surface charge (G4-NH(2), G3.5-COOH, and G4-OH), generations (G2-G6-NH(2)) and concentration (0.1-10 mM of G4-NH(2)) on skin permeation of 5FU were studied. The enhancement in drug permeability coefficient (K(p)) was in the following decreasing order G4-NH(2) > G4-OH > G3.5-COOH. Dendrimer increased the skin permeation by increasing the skin partitioning of 5FU. Transepidermal water loss, skin resistance measurements and ATR-FTIR studies revealed that cationic dendrimers act by interacting with the skin lipid bilayers. Increase in G4-NH(2) concentration did not proportionally increase the skin permeation of 5FU. The 5FU K(p) was inversely related to the molecular weight of the dendrimer. G2-NH(2) dendrimer reduced skin resistance to a greater extent than higher generation dendrimers. Overall, the study showed that lower generation cationic dendrimer is more effective in enhancing the skin permeation of hydrophilic drugs.     

In-vivo evaluation in rats of colon-specific microspheres containing 5-fluorouracil

The aims of this investigation were to determine the distribution in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of Eudragit S-100 encapsulated colon-specific sodium alginate microspheres containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in rats, and to perform pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. Comparisons were with a control immediate-release (IR) formulation of 5-FU. 5-FU was distributed predominantly in the upper GI tract from the IR formulation but was distributed primarily to the lower part of the GI tract from the microsphere formulation. No drug was released in the stomach and intestinal regions from the colon-specific microspheres. Significantly, a high concentration of the active drug was achieved in colonic tissues from the colon-specific microspheres (P < 0.001), which was higher than the IC50 required to halt the growth of and/or kill colon cancer cells. Colon cancer was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (40 mg kg (-1)) for 10 weeks. The tumours induced were non-invasive adenocarcinomas and were in Duke's stage A. The 5-FU formulations were administered for 4 weeks after tumour induction. Non-significant reductions in tumour volume and multiplicity were observed in animals given the colon-specific microspheres. Enhanced levels of liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and alkaline phosphatase) were found in animals given the IR formulation of 5-FU, and values differed significantly (P < 0.001) from those in animals treated with the colon-specific microspheres. Elevated levels of serum albumin and creatinine, and leucocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were observed in the animals given the IR formulation. In summary, Eudragit S-100 coated alginate microspheres delivered 5-FU to colonic tissues, with reduced systemic side-effects. A long-term dosing study is required to ascertain the therapeutic benefits.     

Transdermal delivery of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs mediated by polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most frequently used drugs in the world, primarily for symptoms associated with osteoarthritis and other chronic musculoskeletal conditions. However, adverse effects caused by oral administration, such as local or systemic disturbance in the gastrointestinal tract, have limited the clinical applications of these drugs. In the present study we have assessed the ability of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers to facilitate transdermal delivery of NSAIDs, using Ketoprofen and Diflunisal as model drugs. In vitro permeation studies with excised rat skins indicated that PAMAM dendrimers significantly enhanced the accumulative permeated amount of both drugs after 24 h, as compared to drug suspensions without PAMAM dendrimers. Similarly, anti-nociceptive studies using the acetic acid-induced writhing model in mice showed a prolonged pharmacodynamic profile for the NSAIDs-PAMAM dendrimer complex after transdermal administration. In addition, blood drug level studies revealed that the bioavailability was 2.73 times higher for the Ketoprofen-PAMAM dendrimer complex and 2.48 times higher for the Diflunisal-PAMAM dendrimer complex, respectively, than the pure drug suspensions. These results demonstrated that PAMAM dendrimers can effectively facilitate skin penetration of NSAIDs and may have the potential applications for the development of new transdermal formulations.     

Poly(amido amine) dendrimers as absorption enhancers for oral delivery of camptothecin

Oral delivery of camptothecin has a treatment advantage but is limited by low bioavailability and gastrointestinal toxicity. Poly(amido amine) or PAMAM dendrimers have shown promise as intestinal penetration enhancers, drug solubilizers and drug carriers for oral delivery in vitro and in situ. There have been very limited studies in vivo to evaluate PAMAM dendrimers for oral drug delivery. In this study, camptothecin (5 mg/kg) was formulated and co-delivered with cationic, amine-terminated PAMAM dendrimer generation 4.0 (G4.0) (100 and 300 mg/kg) and anionic, carboxylate-terminated PAMAM generation 3.5 (G3.5) (300 and 1000 mg/kg) in CD-1 mice. Camptothecin associated to a higher extent with G4.0 than G3.5 in the formulation, attributed to an electrostatic interaction on the surface of G4.0. Both PAMAM G4.0 and G3.5 increased camptothecin solubilization in simulated gastric fluid and caused a 2–3 fold increase in oral absorption of camptothecin when delivered at 2 h. PAMAM G4.0 and G3.5 did not increase mannitol transport suggesting that the oral absorption of camptothecin was not due to tight junction modulation. Histologic observations of the epithelial layer of small intestinal segments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) at 4 h post dosing supported no evidence of toxicity at the evaluated doses of PAMAM dendrimers. This study demonstrates that both cationic (G.4) and anionic (G3.5) PAMAM dendrimers were effective in enhancing the oral absorption of camptothecin. Results suggest that drug inclusion in PAMAM interior controlled solubilization in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, and increased oral bioavailability.     

5-Fluorouracil-loaded chitosan coated polylactic acid microspheres as biodegradable drug carriers for cerebral tumours

The development of injectable microspheres for anticancer drug delivery into the brain is a major challenge. The possibility of entrapping 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in chitosan coated monodisperse biodegradable microspheres with a mean diameter of 10-25um was demonstrated. An emulsion of 5-FU (in water) and polylactic acid (PLA) dissolved in acetone-dichloromethane mixture was poured into an aqueous solution of chitosan (or poly-vinyl alcohol) with stirring using a high-speed homogenizer, for the formation of microspheres. 5-FU recovery in microspheres ranged from 44-66% depending on the polymer and emulsification systems used for the preparation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the chitosan coated microspheres had less surface micropores compared to PVA based preparations. The drug release behaviour from microspheres suspended in phosphate buffered saline exhibited a biphasic pattern. The amount of drug release was much higher initially (25%),followed by a constant slow release profile for a 30 days period of study. This chitosan coated PLA/PLGA microsphere formulation may have potential for the targeted delivery of 5-FU to treat cerebral tumours.     

PAMAM-PEG/甲氨蝶呤复合物在正常及荷瘤鼠体内的药动学和抗肿瘤活性

第4代聚酰胺-胺 ( polyamidoamine, PAMAM ) 树枝状聚合物与平均分子质量5 000的聚乙二醇(polyethylene glycol, PEG)通过酰胺键共价结合得PAMAM-PEG。分别以PAMAM和PAMAM-PEG为抗肿瘤药物甲氨喋呤(methotrexate, MTX)的纳米载体, 制备了PAMAM/MTX和PAMAM-PEG/MTX复合物, 考察复合物在大鼠体内药动学行为及对S180荷瘤小鼠的抗肿瘤作用。采用高效液相色谱法测定大鼠血浆样品中MTX浓度并计算药动学参数; S180荷瘤小鼠连续给药后第17天测定瘤重并计算肿瘤抑制率。结果显示, 两种复合物的大鼠血浆半衰期(plasma half-life, t_1/2)和平均滞留时间(mean retention time, MRT)均较原药组显著延长(P<0.01); PAMAM-PEG/ MTX复合物的血药浓度-时间曲线下面积(area under the plasma concentration vs. time curve, AUC)比原药组和PAMAM/MTX组显著增大(P<0.01)。PAMAM-PEG/MTX复合物的肿瘤抑制率分别是原药组和PAMAM/MTX的2.1和1.8倍。可见, 以PEG化PAMAM为载体制备的MTX复合物在体内滞留时间延长, 抗肿瘤活性提高, 有望成为一种新型抗肿瘤药物载体材料。     

5-Fluorouracil-loaded chitosan coated polylactic acid microspheres as biodegradable drug carriers for cerebral tumours

The development of injectable microspheres for anticancer drug delivery into the brain is a major challenge. The possibility of entrapping 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in chitosan coated monodisperse biodegradable microspheres with a mean diameter of 10-25 um was demonstrated. An emulsion of 5-FU (in water) and polylactic acid (PLA) dissolved in acetone-dichloromethane mixture was poured into an aqueous solution of chitosan (or poly-vinyl alcohol) with stirring using a high-speed homogenizer, for the formation of microspheres. 5-FU recovery in microspheres ranged from 44-66% depending on the polymer and emulsification systems used for the preparation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the chitosan coated microspheres had less surface micropores compared to PVA based preparations. The drug release behaviour from microspheres suspended in phosphate buffered saline exhibited a biphasic pattern. The amount of drug release was much higher initially (approximately 25%), followed by a constant slow release profile for a 30 days period of study. This chitosan coated PLA/PLGA microsphere formulation may have potential for the targeted delivery of 5-FU to treat cerebral tumours.     

Effect of pH on the solubility and release of furosemide from polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer complexes

The complexation of the practically insoluble drug furosemide (acidic pK(a) 3.22) with lower generation PAMAM dendrimers showed a significant release dependence on the ionization state of the drug. UV and FTIR studies suggested that the drug was localized in the interior of the dendrimer. The dendrimer amine, amide and ester groups, demonstrated pH-dependent ionization as did the drug carboxylic acid group and it was proven that the most efficient drug complexation was achieved in slightly acidic conditions (pH 4.0-6.0). At this pH, amide groups in the dendrimer cavities were at least partially ionized to expose a positive charge whilst the furosemide carboxylic acid ionized to great extent (pH>pK(a)) resulting in electrostatic complexation. Conversely, higher release rates were observed in acidic conditions (pH 1.2) where furosemide was virtually unionized, emphasizing the importance of the drug ionization state in the determination of drug release. Despite the complex interactions between the dendrimer and drug and its effects on release kinetics, the dendrimers resulted in higher solubility of the drug and contributed significantly to the array of available techniques to increase the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs that are very abundant in industry today. Complexation with low generation PAMAM dendrimers (相似文献