A comparative biocompatibility study of microspheres based on crosslinked dextran or poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid after subcutaneous injection in rats

Microspheres based on methacrylated dextran (dex-MA), dextran derivatized with lactate-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (dex-lactate-HEMA) or derivatized with HEMA (dex-HEMA) were prepared. The microspheres were injected subcutaneously in rats and the effect of the particle size and network characteristics [initial water content and degree of methacrylate substitution (DS)] on the tissue reaction was investigated for 6 weeks. As a control, poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid (PLGA) microspheres with varying sizes (unsized, smaller than 10 microm, smaller and larger than 20 microm) were injected as well. A mild tissue reaction to the PLGA microspheres was observed, characterized by infiltration of macrophages (M?s) and some granulocytes. Six weeks postinjection, the PLGA microspheres were still present. However, their size was decreased indicating degradation and many spheres had been phagocytosed. The tissue reaction was hardly affected by size differences, except for particles smaller than 10 microm, which induced an extensive tissue reaction. The initial tissue reaction to nondegradable dex-MA microspheres was stronger than towards the PLGA microspheres, but at day 10 the tissue reactions were comparable for both groups. Six weeks postinjection, the dex-MA microspheres were completely phagocytosed, and no signs of degradation were observed. The size and initial water content of dex-MA microspheres hardly affected the tissue response, although less granulocytes were observed for microspheres with higher DS. Slowly degrading dextran microspheres composed of dex-(lactate(1)-)HEMA induced a tissue reaction comparable to the PLGA microspheres. However, degradation of the dex-(lactate(1,3)-)HEMA microspheres was associated with an increased number of M?'s and giant cells, both phagocytosing the microspheres and their degradation products. Similar to PLGA, no adverse reactions were observed for the nondegradable dex-MA and degradable dextran microspheres. This study shows that both nondegradable and degradable dextran-based microspheres are well tolerated after subcutaneous injection in rats, which make them interesting candidates as controlled drug delivery systems.     

利福平/聚乳酸-聚羟基乙酸缓释微球的制备及特性

背景：虽然国内外有很多制备利福平/聚乳酸-聚羟基乙酸共聚物(poly lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer,PLGA)微球的报道,但这些微球粒径多在10 μm左右,不适合与磷酸钙骨水泥复合制备成具有良好降解性的抗结核修复材料。 目的：制备大粒径利福平/PLGA缓释微球,观察其理化特性和体外缓释特性。 方法：以PLGA为载体,将利福平分散于PLGA的有机溶剂中,采用复乳溶剂挥发法制备利福平/ PLGA缓释微球。光镜和扫描电镜下观察微球的形态特征,测定微球平均直径和跨距,高效液相色谱法测定载药量和包封率,以溶出法和高效液相色谱法观察其体外释药特性,并拟合药物体外释放曲线建立曲线方程。 结果与结论：利福平/PLGA微球电镜观察呈圆球形,分散性好,粘连少,粒径分布集中,平均粒径(80.0±9.4) μm。载药量、包封率分别为(33.18±1.36)%,(54.79±1.13)%。体外缓释试验显示突释期内微球释放度为(14.66±0.18)%,前3 d累计释放度(18.09±0.45)%,到42 d体外累积释放度达到(92.17±1.23)%。提示利福平/PLGA微球具有良好的缓释效果,是一种较为理想的抗结核药物的载体材料和释放系统;PLGA是良好的药物缓释载体,可以用来制备载药缓释微球。     

聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物/硅酸钙三维多孔骨组织工程支架的构建与性能

BACKGROUND: Some disadvantages exsist in commonly used poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds, including acidic degradation products, suboptimal mechanical properties, low pore size, poor porosity and pore connectivity rate and uncontrollable shape. OBJECTIVE: To construct a scaffold with three-dimensional (3D) pores by adding calcium silicate to improve the properties of PLGA, and then detect its degradability, mechanical properties and biocompatibility. METHODS: PLGA/calcium silicate porous composite microspheres were prepared by the emulsion-solvent evaporation method, and PLGA 3D porous scaffold was established by 3D-Bioplotter, and then PLGA/calcium silicate composite porous scaffolds were constructed by combining the microspheres with the scaffold using low temperature fusion technology. The compositions, morphology and degradability of the PLGA/calcium silicate porous composite microspheres and PLGA microspheres, as well as the morphology, pore properties and compression strength of the PLGA 3D scaffolds and PLGA/calcium silicate composite porous scaffolds were measured, respectively. Mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were respectively cultivated in the extracts of PLGA/calcium silicate porous composite microspheres and PLGA microspheres, and then were respectively seeded onto the PLGA 3D scaffolds and PLGA/calcium silicate composite porous scaffolds. Thereafter, the cell proliferation activity was detected at 1, 3 and 5 days. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Regular pores on the PLGA microspheres and internal cavities were formed, and the PH values of the degradation products were improved after adding calcium silicate. The fiber diameter, pore, porosity and average pore size of the composite porous scaffolds were all smaller than those of the PLGA scaffolds. The compression strength and elasticity modulus of the composite porous scaffolds were both higher than those of the PLGA scaffolds (P < 0.05). Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells grew well in above microsphere extracts and scaffolds. These results indicate that PLGA/calcium silicate composite porous scaffolds exhibit good degradability in vitro, mechanical properties and biocompatibility.     

纳米可降解聚乳酸-羟基乙酸尿道支架的制备及性能

背景：聚乳酸-羟基乙酸可作为尿道替代物进行组织缺损的修复。 目的：观察电纺丝法制备聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物可降解尿道支架的可行性,并评价支架管的体外降解性能。 方法：采用电纺丝技术制备纳米聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物(摩尔比80∶20)尿道支架管,并以戊二醛对支架进行交联、改性,将交联后支架截成长约1 cm小段并浸于尿液中进行体外降解实验。 结果与结论：支架管具有纳米结构,孔隙率约89%,孔径(32±19) µm;交联后可见纤维表面变粗糙,但纤维丝直径、孔径及孔隙率与交联前差异无显著性意义(P > 0.05),但交联后支架管力学性能显著提高。支架降解初期速度相对较快,中后期降解速度减慢,至8周时材料质量损失约50%,第10周完全崩解。材料在体内降解过程中相对分子质量的变化趋势与质量损失大体相同,降解早期相对分子质量下降相对较快,后期下降速度减慢并趋于平稳。表明采用电纺丝技术制备的纳米聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物尿道支架可满足尿道组织工程支架的要求。     

载羟基喜树碱聚乳酸-羟基乙酸微球的制备及相关性能研究

目的制备一种载羟基喜树碱的聚乳酸-羟基乙酸(PLGA)缓释微球,并考察其相关性能。方法采用乳化-溶剂挥发法制备羟基喜树碱PLGA微球,用扫描电子显微镜观察载药微球表面形态,测定平均粒径及跨距,高效液相色谱检测包封率、载药率及体外释放情况,改良寇氏法计算小鼠半数致死量。结果制备的载药PLGA微球呈圆球形,表面光滑,无粘连,平均粒径30.8μm,跨距0.9,包封率为85.5%、载药率4.28%,在体外28 d累积释放药物81.4%。羟基喜树碱小鼠静脉注射的半数致死量为18.4 mg/kg,肌内注射半数致死量为71.3 mg/kg,而羟基喜树碱PLGA微球肌内注射的半数致死量为138.5 mg/kg。结论乳化-溶剂挥发法制备的羟基喜树碱PLGA微球粒径适宜,包封率、载药率高,缓释效果好,毒性低,具有潜在的临床应用价值。     

Nanomechanical properties of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid film during degradation

Despite the potential applications of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) coatings in medical devices, the mechanical properties of this material during degradation are poorly understood. In the present work, the nanomechanical properties and degradation of PLGA film were investigated. Hydrolysis of solvent-cast PLGA film was studied in buffer solution at 37 °C. The mass loss, water uptake, molecular weight, crystallinity and surface morphology of the film were tracked during degradation over 20 days. Characterization of the surface hardness and Young’s modulus was performed using the nanoindentation technique for different indentation loads. The initially amorphous films were found to remain amorphous during degradation. The molecular weight of the film decreased quickly during the initial days of degradation. Diffusion of water into the film resulted in a reduction in surface hardness during the first few days, followed by an increase that was due to the surface roughness. There was a significant delay between the decrease in the mechanical properties of the film and the decrease in the molecular weight. A sudden decline in mechanical properties indicated that significant bulk degradation had occurred.     

The release profiles and bioactivity of parathyroid hormone from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) or human parathyroid hormone (PTH)(1-34) were prepared using a double emulsion method with high encapsulation efficiency and controlled particle sizes. The microspheres were characterized with regard to their surface morphology, size, protein loading, degradation and release kinetics, and in vitro and in vivo assessments of biological activity of released PTH. PLGA5050 microspheres degraded rapidly after a 3-week lag time and were degraded completely within 4 months. In vitro BSA release kinetics from PLGA5050 microspheres were characterized by a burst effect followed by a slow release phase within 1-7 weeks and a second burst release at 8 weeks, which was consistent with the degradation study. The PTH incorporated PLGA5050 microspheres released detectable PTH in the initial 24h, and the released PTH was biologically active as evidenced by the stimulated release of cAMP from ROS 17/2.8 osteosarcoma cells as well as increased serum calcium levels when injected subcutaneously into mice. Both in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that the bioactivity of PTH was maintained largely during the fabrication of PLGA microspheres and upon release. These studies illustrate the feasibility of achieving local delivery of PTH to induce a biologically active response in bone by a microsphere encapsulation technique.     

Differential degradation rates in vivo and in vitro of biocompatible poly(lactic acid) and poly(glycolic acid) homo- and co-polymers for a polymeric drug-delivery microchip

The biocompatibility and biodegradation rate of component materials are critical when designing a drug-delivery device. The degradation products and rate of degradation may play important roles in determining the local cellular response to the implanted material. In this study, we investigated the biocompatibility and relative biodegradation rates of PLA, PGA and two poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymers of 50:50 mol ratio, thin-film component materials of a drug-delivery microchip developed in our laboratory. The in vivo biocompatibility and both in vivo and in vitro degradation of these materials were characterized using several techniques. Total leukocyte concentration measurements showed normal acute and chronic inflammatory responses to the PGA and low-molecular-weight PLGA that resolved by 21 days, while the normal inflammatory responses to the PLA and high-molecular-weight PLGA were resolved but at slower rates up to 21 days. These results were paralleled by thickness measurements of fibrous capsules surrounding the implants, which showed greater maturation of the capsules for the more rapidly degrading materials after 21 days, but less mature capsules of sustained thicknesses for the PLA and high-molecular-weight PLGA up to 49 days. Gel-permeation chromatography of residual polymer samples confirmed classification of the materials as rapidly or slowly degrading. These materials showed thinner fibrous capsules than have been reported for other materials by our laboratory and have suitable biocompatibility and biodegradation rates for an implantable drug-delivery device.     

Improvement of mechanical and biological properties of porous CaSiO3 scaffolds by poly(D,L-lactic acid) modification

Porous calcium silicates (CaSiO3, WT) are regarded as a potential bioactive material for bone tissue engineering. However, their insufficient mechanical strength and high dissolution (degradation) limit their biological applications. The aim of this study is to surface modify WT scaffolds with poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PDLLA) to improve their mechanical and biological properties. The phase composition, microstructure, porosity and interconnectivity of WT and PDLLA-modified WT (WTPL) scaffolds were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and micro-computerized tomography. The WTPL scaffolds maintained a more uniform and continuous inner network, compared to that of the WT scaffolds, while maintaining the pore size, porosity and interconnectivity of the original materials. The compressive strength, compressive modulus and percentage strain of the WT and WTPL scaffolds were assessed in air and phosphate-buffered saline. PDLLA modification significantly improved the compressive strength and decreased the brittleness of the WT scaffolds. The weight loss and apatite-forming ability of the two scaffolds were evaluated by soaking them in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28days. PDLLA modification decreased the dissolution of the WT scaffolds while maintaining their apatite-forming ability in SBF. In addition, PDLLA modification improved the spreading and viability of human bone-derived cells. Our results indicate that PDLLA-modified CaSiO3 scaffolds possess improved mechanical and biological properties, suggesting their potential application for bone tissue regeneration.     

Differential degradation rates in vivo and in vitro of biocompatible poly(lactic acid) and poly(glycolic acid) homo- and co-polymers for a polymeric drug-delivery microchip

The biocompatibility and biodegradation rate of component materials are critical when designing a drug-delivery device. The degradation products and rate of degradation may play important roles in determining the local cellular response to the implanted material. In this study, we investigated the biocompatibility and relative biodegradation rates of PLA, PGA and two poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymers of 50 : 50 mol ratio, thin-film component materials of a drug-delivery microchip developed in our laboratory. The in vivo biocompatibility and both in vivo and in vitro degradation of these materials were characterized using several techniques. Total leukocyte concentration measurements showed normal acute and chronic inflammatory responses to the PGA and low-molecular-weight PLGA that resolved by 21 days, while the normal inflammatory responses to the PLA and high-molecular-weight PLGA were resolved but at slower rates up to 21 days. These results were paralleled by thickness measurements of fibrous capsules surrounding the implants, which showed greater maturation of the capsules for the more rapidly degrading materials after 21 days, but less mature capsules of sustained thicknesses for the PLA and high-molecular-weight PLGA up to 49 days. Gel-permeation chromatography of residual polymer samples confirmed classification of the materials as rapidly or slowly degrading. These materials showed thinner fibrous capsules than have been reported for other materials by our laboratory and have suitable biocompatibility and biodegradation rates for an implantable drug-delivery device.     

Biocompatibility of electrospun halloysite nanotube-doped poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) composite nanofibers

Organic/inorganic hybrid nanofiber systems have generated great interest in the area of tissue engineering and drug delivery. In this study, halloysite nanotube (HNT)-doped poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) composite nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning and the influence of the incorporation of HNTs within PLGA nanofibers on their in vitro biocompatibility was investigated. The morphology, mechanical and thermal properties of the composite nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile test, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The adhesion and proliferation of mouse fibroblast cells cultured on both PLGA and HNT-doped PLGA fibrous scaffolds were compared through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay of cell viability and SEM observation of cell morphology. We show that the morphology of the PLGA nanofibers does not appreciably change with the incorporation of HNTs, except that the mean diameter of the fibers increased with the increase of HNT incorporation in the composite. More importantly, the mechanical properties of the nanofibers were greatly improved. Similar to electrospun PLGA nanofibers, HNT-doped PLGA nanofibers were able to promote cell attachment and proliferation, suggesting that the incorporation of HNTs within PLGA nanofibers does not compromise the biocompatibility of the PLGA nanofibers. In addition, we show that HNT-doped PLGA scaffolds allow more protein adsorption than those without HNTs, which may provide sufficient nutrition for cell growth and proliferation. The developed electrospun HNT-doped composite fibrous scaffold may find applications in tissue engineering and pharmaceutical sciences.     

New poly(ester-carbonate) multi-block copolymers based on poly(lactic-glycolic acid) and poly(ϵ-caprolactone) segments

A new family of multi-block copolymers having the structure of poly(ester-carbonate)s was obtained by a chain-extension reaction involving poly(lactic-glycolic acid) oligomers (PLGA) and oligomeric α,ω-bishydroxy-terminated poly(ϵ-caprolactone)s (PCDT). The latter were first transformed into α,ω-bis(chloroformate)s, which were subsequently condensed in the presence of amines with both the hydroxylic and the carboxylic end-groups of PLGA oligomers. Several samples differing in the length of the PCDT segments and in the composition of the PLGA segments were prepared and characterized for their physico-chemical properties. All of them had high molecular weight, good solubility in organic solvents, and modest swellability in aqueous media. As regards their thermal behaviour, some samples showed evidence of the presence of a crystalline phase. Since these products are potentially useful as bioerodible materials in drug delivery systems, some preliminary results on their degradation behaviour under conditions mimicking those found in biological fluids are reported.     

Size and temperature effects on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) degradation and microreservoir device performance

The component materials of controlled-release drug delivery systems are often selected based on their degradation rates. The release time of a drug from a system will strongly depend on the degradation rates of the component polymers. We have observed that some poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymers (PLGA) exhibit degradation rates that depend on the size of the polymer object and the temperature of the surrounding environment. In vitro degradation studies of four different PLGA polymers showed that 150 microm thick membranes degraded more rapidly than 50 microm thick membranes, as characterized by gel permeation chromatography and mass loss measurements. Faster degradation was observed at 37 degrees C than 25 degrees C, and when the saline media was not refreshed. A biodegradable polymeric microreservoir device that we have developed relies on the degradation of polymeric membranes to deliver pulses of molecules from reservoirs on the device. Earlier molecular release was seen from devices having thicker PLGA membranes. Comparison of an in vitro release study from these devices with the degradation study suggests that reservoir membranes rupture and drug release occurs when a membrane threshold molecular weight of 5000-15000 is reached.     

Preparation, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of physostigmine-loaded poly(ortho ester) and poly(ortho ester)/poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) blend microspheres fabricated by spray drying

The physostigmine-loaded poly(ortho ester) (POE), poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and POE/PLGA blend microspheres were fabricated by a spray drying technique. The in vitro degradation of, and physostigmine release from, the microspheres were investigated. SEM analysis showed that the POE and POE/PLGA blend particles were spherical. They were better dispersed when compared to the pure PLGA microspheres. Two glass transition temperature ( Tg ) values of the POE/PLGA blend microspheres were observed due to the phase separation of POE and PLGA in the blend system. XPS analysis proved that POE dominated the surfaces of POE/PLGA blend microspheres, indicating that the blend microspheres were coated with POE. The encapsulation efficiencies of all the microspheres were more than 95%. The incorporation of physostigmine reduced the Tg value of microspheres. The Tg value of the degrading microspheres increased with the release of physostigmine. For instance, POE blank microspheres and physostigmine-loaded POE microspheres had a Tg value of 67 degrees C and 48 degrees C, respectively. After 19 days in vitro incubation, Tg of the degrading POE microspheres increased to 55 degrees C. Weight loss studies showed that the degradation of the blend microspheres was accelerated with the presence of PLGA because its degradation products catalyzed the degradation of both POE and PLGA. The release rate of physostigmine increased with increase of PLGA content in the blend microspheres. The initial burst release of physostigmine was effectively suppressed by introducing POE to the blend microspheres. However, there was an optimized weight ratio of POE to PLGA (85:15 in weight), below which a high initial burst was induced. The POE/PLGA blend microspheres may make a good drug delivery system.     

In vitro evaluation of biodegradation of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) sponges

Evaluation of the degradability of porous scaffolds is very important for tissue engineering. A protocol in which the condition is close to the in vivo pH environment was established for in vitro evaluation of biodegradable porous scaffolds. Degradation of PLGA sponges in phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) was evaluated with the protocol. The PLGA sponges degraded with incubation time. For the first 12 weeks, the weight loss increased gradually and then remarkably after 12 weeks. In contrast, the number-average molecular weight (Mn) decreased dramatically for the first 12 weeks and then less markedly after 12 weeks. Thermal analysis showed that the glass transition temperatures (Tg) decreased rapidly for the first 12 weeks, and the change became less evident after 12 weeks. These results suggest that the degradation mechanism of PLGA sponges was dominated by autocatalyzed bulk degradation for the first 12 weeks and then by surface degradation after 12 weeks. Physical aging was observed during incubation at 37 degrees C. The heterogeneous structure caused by physical aging might be one of the driving forces that induced autocatalyzed bulk degradation. The degradation mechanism was further supported by the data of pH change and the morphology of the degraded PLGA sponges. The autocatalyzed acidic products flooded out after 8 weeks, the pH dropped, and the walls of the sponges became more porous. The increase of the pore surface area facilitated surface degradation after 12 weeks. The pH was in the range between 7.43 and 7.24 during the entire incubation time. The protocol suppressed extreme changes of the pH and will be useful in the biodegradation evaluation of porous scaffolds for tissue engineering.     

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.     

Growth and metabolism of human hepatocytes on biomodified collagen poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) three-dimensional scaffold

Hepatic tissue engineering offers a promising approach toward alleviating the need for donor liver, yet many challenges must be overcome including choice of scaffold, cell source, and immunologic barriers. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymers are innovative biodegradable materials that have been shown to be useful as scaffolds for seeding and culturing various types of cells. In this study, a porous sponge scaffold of modified PLGA polymer with collagen was investigated for its ability to improve the growth and metabolism of human hepatocytes. We evaluated the biocompatibility of collagen-modified PLGA (C-PLGA) scaffolds with hepatocytes isolated from human liver. Cell adhesion and function (cell density, culture lifespan, albumin synthesis, urea synthesis, and ammonia elimination and diazepam clearance) were assessed during different culture periods. The number of hepatocytes cultured in C-PLGA scaffolds was higher compared with those cultured in PLGA scaffolds without collagen modification, and the lifespan of hepatocytes cultured in C-PLGA scaffolds was longer than that of cells cultured in PLGA scaffolds. Albumin and urea synthesis and ammonia elimination from attached hepatocytes were greater in C-PLGA than in PLGA scaffolds, with the exception of diazepam clearance. Collagen-modified PLGA scaffold is a promising biomaterial for hepatic tissue engineering.     

Diazeniumdiolate-doped poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-based nitric oxide releasing films as antibiofilm coatings

Nitric oxide (NO) releasing films with a bilayer configuration are fabricated by doping dibutyhexyldiamine diazeniumdiolate (DBHD/N(2)O(2)) in a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) layer and further encapsulating this base layer with a silicone rubber top coating. By incorporating pH sensitive dyes within the films, pH changes in the PLGA layer are visualized and correlated with the NO release profiles (flux vs. time). It is demonstrated that PLGA acts as both a promoter and controller of NO release from the coating by providing protons through its intrinsic acid residues (both end groups and monomeric acid impurities) and hydrolysis products (lactic acid and glycolic acid). Control of the pH changes within the PLGA layer can be achieved by adjusting the ratio of DBHD/N(2)O(2) and utilizing PLGAs with different hydrolysis rates. Coatings with a variety of NO release profiles are prepared with lifetimes of up to 15 d at room temperature (23?°C) and 10 d at 37?°C. When incubated in a CDC flow bioreactor for a one week period at RT or 37?°C, all the NO releasing films exhibit considerable antibiofilm properties against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli. In particular, compared to the silicone rubber surface alone, an NO releasing film with a base layer of 30?wt% DBHD/N(2)O(2) mixed with poly(lactic acid) exhibits an ～98.4% reduction in biofilm biomass of S.?aureus and ～99.9% reduction for E.?coli at 37?°C. The new diazeniumdiolate-doped PLGA-based NO releasing coatings are expected to be useful antibiofilm coatings for a variety of indwelling biomedical devices (e.g., catheters).     

壳聚糖/聚乳酸羟基乙酸组织工程化神经植入犬体内的慢性生物相容性

背景：2个月以内短期生物相容性实验显示,壳聚糖、聚乳酸和聚羟基乙酸对大鼠外周神经均无毒性,可作为组织工程化神经材料。 目的：评价壳聚糖/聚乳酸羟基乙酸组织工程化神经植入Beagle犬体内6个月后的慢性生物相容性。 方法：在壳聚糖神经导管中插入聚乳酸羟基乙酸纤维制备成组织工程化神经,移植桥接Beagle犬坐骨神经50mm缺损,同时以Beagle犬50mm自体神经移植作为对照组。 结果与结论：植入壳聚糖/聚乳酸羟基乙酸组织工程化神经6个月后,Beagle犬精神、食欲、活动等一般情况良好,体质量增加与对照组相当;植入后2,4,6个月血液学和血清生化检测结果与对照组无明显差异;再生神经及其周边组织未出现变性、坏死,心、肝、脾、肺、肾等主要脏器大体解剖和组织切片未见异常。表明壳聚糖/聚乳酸羟基乙酸组织工程化神经植入Beagle犬体内6个月后慢性生物相容性良好。