Developmental toxicity of copaiba tree (Copaifera reticulata Ducke, Fabaceae) oleoresin in rat

The oleoresin of the copaiba tree (Copaifera sp., Fabaceae) is traditionally used in Brazilian herbal medicine to treat a variety of illnesses and symptoms. This study, conducted according to the OECD Guideline 414, provides data on the developmental toxicity of oleoresin from C. reticulata (COPA-R) in rats. Pregnant Wistar rats (25 per dose group) were treated by gavage with COPA-R (0, 500, 1000 and 1250 mg/kg bw/day) on gestation days (GD) 6-19 and Caesarean sections performed on GD20. Implantations, living and dead fetuses and resorptions were recorded. Half of the fetuses from each litter were examined for visceral abnormalities and the remaining were cleared and stained for skeleton evaluation. COPA-R was maternally toxic (reduced food intake and weight gain) and embryotoxic (lower fetal body weight and increased occurrence of fetal skeleton variations) at the two highest doses, but did not cause embryo deaths or fetal malformations at any dose level. The study derived an oral no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for maternal and developmental toxicity induced by COPA-R of 500 mg/kg bw/day. The results suggest that copaiba oleoresin does not pose a health risk to pregnant women when used according to the recommended doses (up to five drops, three times a day).     

利福喷丁/聚乳酸-羟基乙酸纳米粒的制备及处方工艺优化

目的： 研制负载利福喷丁的聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物[poly（lactic-co-glycolic acid）,PLGA]纳米粒,并对其处方及制备工艺进行优化。方法： 采用快速膜乳化法制备利福喷丁/PLGA纳米粒。通过单因素实验考察了乳化剂浓度、PLGA浓度、油相/水相体积比、初乳制备转速、初乳制备时间、过膜压力、过膜次数对纳米粒制备的影响。在此基础上以粒径、载药率、包封率为评价指标,使用正交实验设计对纳米粒制备的处方工艺进行优化,以TOPSIS法进行多指标综合分析。然后对最优处方工艺进行验证,并对载药纳米粒的体外释药行为进行考察。结果： 经最优处方工艺制备的载药纳米粒,粒径（428±11.4）nm,粒径分布为（0.186±0.036）,包封率为（76.89±2.6）%,载药率为（10.89±1.2）%。用透视电镜观察呈均匀分布的球形。在体外药物释放实验中,药物在72 h内累计释放了78.81%。结论： 采用快速膜乳化可以简单快捷地制备均匀圆整、包封性好、具有良好缓释性能的利福喷丁/PLGA纳米粒,并为新型抗结核精准治疗的开发提供了基础。     

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles for sustained release of allyl isothiocyanate: characterization,in vitro release and biological activity

The objective of this study is to establish the ability of entrap allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) into polymeric nanoparticles to extend its shelf life and enhance its antiproliferative properties. Natural compounds, such as AITC, have showed multi-targeting activity resulting in a wide-range spectrum of therapeutic properties in chronic and degenerative diseases, conversely with most current pharmaceutical drugs showing single targeting activity and often result in drug resistance after extended administration periods. Apparently, AITC-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) reduced AITC degradation and volatility and were able to extend AITC shelf life compared with free AITC (65% vs. 20% in 24?h, respectively). Cell viability and uptake of AITC-loaded nanoparticles were studied in vitro, showing that the protection and sustained release of AITC from polymeric NPs involved a larger toxicity of tumoral cells. These nanoparticles could be used as protective systems for enhancing a biological activity.     

Local drug delivery using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles in thermosensitive gels for inner ear disease treatment

Intratympanic (IT) therapies have been explored to address several side effects that could be caused by systemic administration of steroids to treat inner ear diseases. For effective drug delivery to the inner ear, an IT delivery system was developed using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) and thermosensitive gels to maintain sustained release. Dexamethasone (DEX) was used as a model drug. The size and zeta potential of PLGA NPs and the gelation time of the thermosensitive gel were measured. In vitro drug release was studied using a Franz diffusion cell. Cytotoxicity of the formulations was investigated using SK-MEL-31 cells. Inflammatory responses were evaluated by histological observation of spiral ganglion cells and stria vascularis in the mouse cochlea 24 h after IT administration. In addition, the biodistribution of the formulations in mouse ears was observed by fluorescence imaging using coumarin-6. DEX-NPs showed a particle size of 150.0 ± 3.2 nm in diameter and a zeta potential of −18.7 ± 0.6. The DEX-NP-gel showed a gelation time of approximately 64 s at 37 °C and presented a similar release profile and cytotoxicity as that for DEX-NP. Furthermore, no significant inflammatory response was observed after IT administration. Fluorescence imaging results suggested that DEX-NP-gel sustained release compared to the other formulations. In conclusion, the PLGA NP-loaded thermosensitive gel may be a potential drug delivery system for the inner ear.     

不同表面活性剂修饰的汉防己甲素PLGA纳米粒制备表征及体外评价

目的:基于纳米粒的递送系统,以改善天然化合物汉防己甲素对肺癌的功效。方法:选取聚乙烯醇、普朗尼克-F127和双十二烷基二甲基溴化铵3种不同的稳定剂,采用单乳化扩散溶剂挥发法制备载汉防己甲素的PLGA纳米粒,考察不同稳定剂对载药纳米粒粒径、ζ电位以及对肺癌A549细胞摄取的影响。结果:2%,1%和0.1%浓度的PVA、PF127和DMAB制备的纳米粒呈表面光滑、大小均一的球形,粒径范围均控制在180~200nm;药物包封率为50%~60%;体外释放实验显示,在pH 7.4的PBS溶液中3组载药纳米粒均呈现缓慢持续释药;细胞学实验结果表明3组纳米粒给药系统均表现出比药物更强的抗肿瘤活性。结论:对PLGA进行表面修饰制备的纳米载体能使汉防己甲素的给药效率得到明显提升。     

Exploring the immunopotentiation of Chinese yam polysaccharide poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles in an ovalbumin vaccine formulation in vivo

Biocompatible and biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and has frequently been used to develop potential vaccine delivery systems. The immunoregulation and immunopotentiation of Chinese yam polysaccharide (CYP) have been widely demonstrated. In the current study, cell uptake mechanisms in dendritic cells (DCs) were monitored in vitro using confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and flow cytometry. To study a CYP-PLGA nanoparticle-adjuvanted delivery system, CYP and ovalbumin (OVA) were encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles (CYPPs) to act as a vaccine, and the formulation was tested in immunized mice. The CYPPs more easily underwent uptake by DCs in vitro, and CYPP/OVA could stimulate more effective antigen-specific immune responses than any of the single-component formulations in vivo. Mice immunized using CYPP/OVA exhibited more secretion of OVA-specific IgG antibodies, better proliferation, and higher cytokine secretion by splenocytes and significant activation of CD3⁺CD4⁺ and CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cells. Overall, the CYPP/OVA formulation produced a stronger humoral and cellular immune response and a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response with a greater Th1 bias in comparison with the other formulations. In conclusion, the data demonstrate that the CYPP-adjuvanted delivery system has the potential to strengthen immune responses and lay the foundation for novel adjuvant design.     

紫杉醇PLGA微球制备及体外性质评估

目的：以乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物（PLGA）为材料,制备用于肿瘤内注射的紫杉醇PLGA长效缓释微球.方法：采用改良溶剂蒸发法制备,对微球的体外性质以及不同剂量（10,15,25 kGy）60Coγ射线对微球性质的影响进行考察.结果：制得的微球形态圆整,载药量、包封率、平均粒径和跨距分别为1.53%,97.29%,42.72μm和0.95.药物体外释放30 d累计释放达到56.19%,体外降解30 d后微球失去完整结构,表面粗糙.3个剂量60Coγ射线的灭菌效果均良好,且对微球的体外性质均无明显影响.微球中二氯甲烷的残留量低于药典规定的限度.结论：紫舷杉醇PLGA微球满足缓释长效的要求,对恶性肿瘤的间质化疗具有一定前景.     

Formulation and in-vitro characterization of retinoic acid loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres

Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres containing all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) were prepared by emulsion/solvent evaporation technique. PLGA (50:50) with inherent viscosities of 0.17 and 0.39 dL g(-1) was used. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or PVA and sodium oleate (SO) combinations (4:1) were used to stabilize the emulsions. The effect of polymer viscosity, emulsifier type and concentration on the in vitro release of atRA from the microspheres was investigated. The stability of the microparticles was also tested at the temperatures of 4, 25 and 40 degrees C. The particle size ranged between 1-2 microm. Microspheres were smooth and spherical in shape, as determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs. The yield of microspheres ranged from 50-75% and the encapsulation efficiency was determined between 45-75%. In vitro release studies showed that atRA release from microspheres lasted for 11 days.     

壳聚糖包衣对胰岛素聚酯纳米粒胃肠道吸收的促进作用

目的研究壳聚糖包衣胰岛素乳酸/羟基乙酸共聚物(PLGA)纳米粒对胰岛素胃肠道吸收的促进作用。方法以双乳化法制备了胰岛素PLGA复乳,壳聚糖用作稳定剂,制备了包衣纳米粒;观察了粒子大小、表面形态及Zeta电位;测定了包封率;考察了体外释药行为;以糖尿病大鼠评价降血糖水平。结果包衣纳米粒粒度分布均匀,隐约可见层状结构,壳聚糖可改变粒子表面Zeta电位,提高包封率,降低突释;灌服10 u·kg^-1包衣纳米粒,14～16 h降血糖水平显著高于未包衣纳米粒(P＜0.05),药理相对生物利用度提高到15.4%。结论壳聚糖包衣聚酯纳米粒可以促进胰岛素胃肠道吸收。     

Preparation and characterization of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres loaded with a labile antiparkinson prodrug

L-dopa-α-lipoic acid (LD-LA) is a new multifunctional prodrug for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In human plasma, LD-LA catechol esters and amide bonds are chemically and enzymatically cleaved, respectively, resulting in a half-life time of about fifty minutes. In the present work, the unstable LD-LA was entrapped into biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres designed as depot systems to protect this prodrug against degradation and to obtain a sustained release of the intact compound. The microspheres were prepared by an oil-in-water emulsion/solvent evaporation technique and the effect of formulation and processing parameters (polymer concentration in the organic solvent, volumes ratio of the phases, rate of the organic solvent evaporation) on microspheres characteristics (size, loading, morphology, release) was investigated. Also emphasis was given on the stability of the drug before and after release as well as on the underlying mass transport mechanisms controlling LD-LA release. Interestingly, when encapsulated in appropriate conditions into PLGA microspheres, the labile prodrug was stabilized and released via Fickian diffusion up to more than one week.     

Development of poly(glycerol adipate) nanoparticles loaded with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The aim of this study was to assess acylated and non-acylated poly(glycerol adipate) polymers (PGA) as suitable nanoparticulate systems for encapsulation and release of ibuprofen, ibuprofen sodium salt (IBU-Na) and ketoprofen as model drugs. Drug encapsulated nanoparticles were prepared using the interfacial deposition method in the absence of surfactants. Physicochemical characterisation studies of the produced loaded nanoparticles showed that drug–polymer interactions depend on the characteristics of the actual active substance. IBU-Na showed strong interactions with the polymers and it was found to be molecularly dispersed within the polymer matrix while ibuprofen and ketoprofen retained their crystalline state. The drug release profiles showed stepwise patterns which involve an initial burst release effect, diffusion of the drug from the polymer matrix and eventually drug release possibly via a combined mechanism. PGA polymers can be effectively used as drug delivery carriers for various active substances.     

姜黄素PLGA纳米粒的制备及制剂学性质分析

目的制备姜黄素(Curcumin,Cur)聚乳酸羟基乙酸共聚物(PLGA)纳米粒(Cur-PLGA-NPs)并对其理化性质进行考察。方法采用改良的自乳化溶剂挥发法制备纳米粒,通过正交设计,以粒径、包封率和载药量为评价指标优化处方工艺。结果制备Cur-PLGA-NPs的优化条件为PLGA 100 mg,泊洛沙姆188浓度1.0%,丙酮与乙醇体积比3∶1,有机相体积15 m L。按优化条件所制备的Cur-PLGA-NPs粒径为(120.33±2.44)nm,多分散系数为0.10±0.02,包封率为84.50%±1.13%,载药量为4.75%±0.22%。结论采用改良的自乳化溶剂挥发法成功制备了Cur-PLGA-NPs,为后续"纳米粒-脂质体系统"的研究奠定了基础,有望实现药物在肝脏的浓集。     

白藜芦醇PLGA长效注射微球的制备及工艺考察

目的采用乳化溶剂挥发法制备白藜芦醇聚乳酸羟基乙酸[poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid),PL-GA]长效微球,评价各因素对微球性质的影响。方法以微球的包封率、载药量、突释和粒径作为微球的质量评价指标,研究分散相与连续相的体积比、PLGA浓度、聚乙烯醇(polyvinyl alcohol,PVA)浓度、搅拌速度对微球性质的影响,并优化白藜芦醇PLGA微球的制备工艺。结果分散相与连续相的体积比为1∶50时,包封率高,但4 h突释量达到76%,当分散相与连续相体积比由1∶50提升到1∶150时,突释降低了22%;随着聚合物浓度的增加粒径明显增大,突释显著降低;理论载药量对粒径影响不大,在高载药量时突释显著减少;搅拌速度的增加使粒径减小,突释增加;PVA浓度的增加对粒径没有明显的影响,但当PVA的质量浓度从1 g.L-1增加到5 g.L-1时,包封率从93.57%降低到80.31%。结论分散相与连续相的体积比、PLGA浓度、PVA浓度、搅拌速度对微球性质有很大的影响。优化条件下制备的微球形态完整,载药量为(27.86±1.00)%,包封率为(93.57±2.87)%,平均粒径约为21.12μm。白藜芦醇PLGA微球体外释放25 d的累积释药率达(94.04±4.94)%,有望研制成1个月给药1次的给药系统。     

Preparation and characterization of poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles for siRNA delivery

Synthetic short interfering RNA (siRNA) is promising for specific and efficient knockdown of disease-related genes. However, in vivo application of siRNA requires an effective delivery system. Commonly used siRNA carriers are based on polycations, which form electrostatic complexes with siRNA. Such poly- or lipoplexes are of limited use in vivo due to severe problems associated with toxicity, serum instability and non-specific immune-responses. The aim of the present study was to prepare uniformly sized nanoparticles (NPs) with a high load of siRNA by use of the safe and biodegradable poly-(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymer without including polycations. The siRNA was encapsulated in the core of NPs by the double emulsion solvent evaporation method. To optimize the NP formulation, the effects of important formulation and processing parameters were investigated systematically. Generally, spherical siRNA-loaded NPs (<300 nm, PDI < 0.2, zeta potential −40 mV) were obtained. An encapsulation efficiency of up to 57% was achieved by adjusting the inner water phase volume, the PLGA concentration, the first emulsification sonication time, and stabilization of the water–oil interface with serum albumin. The integrity of siRNA was preserved during the preparation. Preparation of core-loaded siRNA-NPs based on PLGA and no cationic excipient seems possible and promising for delivery of siRNA.     

Self-assembled nanoparticles of reduction-sensitive poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)-conjugated chondroitin sulfate A for doxorubicin delivery: preparation,characterization and evaluation

In this study, reduction-sensitive self-assembled polymer nanoparticles based on poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) were developed and characterized. PLGA was conjugated with CSA via a disulfide linkage (PLGA-ss-CSA). The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of PLGA-ss-CSA conjugate is 3.5?µg/mL. The anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was chosen as a model drug, and was effectively encapsulated into the nanoparticles (PLGA-ss-CSA/DOX) with high loading efficiency of 15.1%. The cumulative release of DOX from reduction-sensitive nanoparticles was only 34.8% over 96?h in phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4). However, in the presence of 20?mM glutathione-containing PBS environment, DOX release was notably accelerated and almost complete from the reduction-sensitive nanoparticles up to 96?h. Moreover, efficient intracellular DOX release of PLGA-ss-CSA/DOX nanoparticles was confirmed by CLSM assay in A549 cells. In vitro cytotoxicity study showed that the half inhibitory concentrations of PLGA-ss-CSA/DOX nanoparticles and free DOX against A549 cells were 1.141 and 1.825?µg/mL, respectively. Therefore, PLGA-ss-CSA/DOX nanoparticles enhanced the cytotoxicity of DOX in vitro. These results suggested that PLGA-ss-CSA nanoparticles could be a promising carrier for drug delivery.     

Formulation and evaluation of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres loaded with an altered collagen type II peptide for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the potential of water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) and solid-in-oil-in-water (s/o/w) emulsification techniques to prepare the altered collagen type II peptide AP268-270 (ACTP)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres to make ACTP more convenient as an rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Microspheres produced by the s/o/w method had higher drug encapsulation efficiency (69.7–79.8%) than those prepared by the w/o/w method (21.8–39.3%). In vitro drug release was influenced by the microencapsulation technique, molecular weight, and composition of the polymer. After intramuscular injection of the optimal formulation to Lewis rats, the concentration of ACTP peptide in serum reached its maximum level on day 3 and then remained nearly stable for approximately 4 weeks. In a collagen-induced arthritis rat model, a single intramuscular injection of ACTP-loaded PLGA microspheres had comparable efficacy to the intravenous injection of ACTP peptide solution once every other day.     

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.     

Sustained delivery of timolol maleate from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/poly(lactic acid) microspheres for over 3 months

Abstract

It is estimated that 2.2 million people have glaucoma in the US and 67 million people worldwide. The majority of cases are associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and decreasing IOP eliminates or greatly reduces degeneration in most cases, including cases in which the IOP is in the normal range but optic neuropathy occurs. Timolol maleate has the longest record of safety and efficacy to lower IOP and is administered via eye drops one or more times per day. Unfortunately, compliance is poor across patient populations leading to degeneration. Patients typically see their ophthalmologist once every 3–4 months. If one could administer a long-acting treatment while in the doctor's office, one might overcome the compliance issue and effectively preserve sight. The critical step is to develop a formulation for timolol maleate that leads to sustained delivery for greater than 90 days and would permit a different treatment paradigm, namely subconjunctival administration once every 3–4 months. By using a 50 : 50 blend of PLGA 502H and PLA, this study was able to fabricate microspheres that delivered timolol maleate continually over 107 days, well within the time frame needed to make subconjunctival administration feasible and permit a new approach to treating glaucoma and diseases of the eye more broadly.     

SN-38 active loading in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles and assessment of their anticancer properties on COLO-205 human colon adenocarcinoma cells

Abstract

SN-38 is a highly effective drug against many cancers. The development of an optimal delivery system for SN-38 is extremely challenging due to its low solubility and labile lactone ring. Herein, SN-38 encapsulated in poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles (NPs) is introduced to enhance its solubility, stability and cellular uptake. SN-38-loaded NPs prepared by spontaneous emulsification solvent diffusion (SESD) method had an average diameter of 310?nm, a zeta potential of ?9.69?mV and a loading efficiency of 71%. They were able to protect the active lactone ring of SN-38 against inactivation under physiological condition. A colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (COLO-205) was used to assess the NPs effects on cytotoxicity and cellular uptake. Result showed a significant decreased cell proliferation and cell apoptosis. These results suggest that these SN-38-loaded NPs can be an effective delivery system for the treatment of colon cancer and potentially for other types of cancers.