Composite Poly(vinyl alcohol) Beads for Controlled Drug Delivery

A new method of preparing composite poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) beads with a double-layer structure has been developed, which involves a stepwise saponification of suspension polymerized poly (vinyl acetate) (PVAc) beads and subsequent stepwise cross-linking of the PVA core and shell with glu-taraldehyde. This process results in PVA beads with thin, highly cross-linked outer shells and lightly cross-linked inner cores of different degrees of cross-linking. In addition to structural characterization of the polymer based on equilibrium swelling measurements, the kinetics of water swelling and drug release from these beads were studied at 37°C using acetaminophen and proxyphylline as model drugs. The results show that the outer shell functions as a rate-controlling membrane upon increasing its cross-linking ratio, X, above 0.47. This aspect is reflected in the observed diffusional time lags and constant-rate regions during swelling and drug release. Based on observed time lags, the diffusion coefficient of water through the outer PVA shell with a high cross-linking ratio of X = 0.5 is estimated to be at least six times higher than that of acetaminophen and proxyphylline. In addition, drug diffusion coefficients in the lightly cross-linked PVA core appear to be at least 10 times larger than that in the highly cross-linked outer shell. At lower shell cross-linking ratios (X < 0.4), the diffusional time lags appear to be absent and the diffusion profiles are apparently first-order (Fickian) in nature.     

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.     

The Stability of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone in Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) Microspheres

Purpose. The development of a sustained release formulation for recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) as well as other proteins requires that the protein be stable at physiological conditions during its in vivo lifetime. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres may provide an excellent sustained release formulation for proteins, if protein stability can be maintained. Methods. rhGH was encapsulated in PLGA microspheres using a double emulsion process. Protein released from the microspheres was assessed by several chromatrographic assays, circular dichroism, and a cell-based bioassay. The rates of aggregation, oxidation, diketopiperazine formation, and deamidation were then determined for rhGH released from PLGA microspheres and rhGH in solution (control) during incubation in isotonic buffer, pH 7.4 and 37°C. Results. rhGH PLGA formulations were produced with a low initial burst (<20%) and a continuous release of rhGH for 30 days. rhGH was released initially from PLGA microspheres in its native form as measured by several assays. In isotonic buffer, pH 7.4 and 37°C, the rates of rhGH oxidation, diketopiperazine formation, and deamidation in the PLGA microspheres were equivalent to the rhGH in solution, but aggregation (dimer formation) occured at a slightly faster rate for protein released from the PLGA microspheres. This difference in aggregation rate was likely due to the high protein concentration used in the encapsulation process. The rhGH released was biologically active throughout the incubation at these conditions which are equivalent to physiological ionic strength and pH. Conclusions. rhGH was successfully encapsulated and released in its fully bioactive form from PLGA microspheres over 30 days. The chemical degradation rates of rhGH were not affected by the PLGA microspheres, indicating that the internal environment of the microspheres was similar to the bulk solution. After administration, the microspheres should become fully hydrated in the subcutaneous space and should experience similar isotonic conditions and pH. Therefore, if a protein formulation provides stability in isotonic buffer, pH 7.4 and 37°C, it should allow for a safe and efficacious sustained release dosage form in PLGA microspheres.     

丙交酯-乙交酯共聚物中残留单体的去除

将丙交酯-乙交酯共聚物(PLGA)溶于二氯甲烷中,用稀盐酸为萃取剂(即稀酸萃取法)或乙醇为沉淀剂(乙醇沉淀法)去除PLGA中残留的乙交酯和丙交酯单体.考察了两种方法的工艺参数对单体残留量的影响.结果表明,稀酸萃取法比乙醇沉淀法的去除效果好,但所用盐酸会破坏PLGA;沉淀法能有效避免PLGA的降解,且工艺简单.上述两法的去除效果均优于真空加热法.     

超氧化物歧化酶乳酸-羟乙酸共聚物微球的制备及其性质

利用复乳溶剂挥发法制备了超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）的乳酸－羟乙酸共聚物（PLGA）微球，考察了各工艺因素对微球粒径、包封率等的影响，通过扫描电子显微镜（SEM）、差示扫描量热分析（DSC）初步研究了其性质，结果表明，通过调整内水相的体积及浓度，分散相体积及PH值，可得到较高包封率，粒径在20－30μm，形态圆整，表面多孔的SOD微球，DSC表明SOD被有效地包入了PLGA微球中。     

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.     

Controlled Delivery Systems for Proteins Based on Poly(Lactic/Glycolic Acid) Microspheres

This paper describes an investigation of the use of poly(lactic/glycolic acid) polymers for long-term delivery of high molecular weight, water-soluble proteins. Poly(lactic/glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres, containing (fluorescein isothiocyanate)-labeled bovine serum albumin and (fluorescein isothiocyanate)-labeled horseradish peroxidase, were prepared by a modified solvent evaporation method using a double emulsion. The microspheres were spherical with diameters of 55–95 µm and encapsulated more than 90% of the protein. The preparation method was gentle and maintained enzyme activity and protein solubility. Stability studies showed that the encapsulation of an enzyme inside PLGA microspheres can protect them from activity loss. When not placed inside PLGA microspheres, (fluorescein isothiocyanate)-labeled horseradish peroxidase lost 80% of its activity in solution at 37°C in a few days, whereas inside the PLGA microspheres it retained more than 55% of its activity after 21 days of incubation at 37°C. In vitro release studies revealed that different release profiles (i.e., near-constant or biphasic) and release rates can be achieved by simply modifying factors in the preparation procedure such as mixing rate and volume of inner water and organic phases. Degradation studies by scanning electron microscopy and gel-permeation chromatography suggested that the mechanism responsible for protein release is mainly through matrix erosion.     

Preparation and Characterization of a Composite PLGA and Poly(Acryloyl Hydroxyethyl Starch) Microsphere System for Protein Delivery

Purpose. To prepare and characterize a novel composite microsphere system based on poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(acryloyl hydroxyethyl starch) (acHES) hydrogel for controlled protein delivery. Methods. Model proteins, bovine serum albumin, and horseradish peroxidase were encapsulated in the acHES hydrogel, and then the protein-containing acHES hydrogel particles were fabricated in the PLGA matrix by a solvent extraction or evaporation method. The protein-loaded PLGA-acHES composite microspheres were characterized for protein loading efficiency, particle size, and in vitro protein release. Protein stability was examined by size-exclusion chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and monitoring the enzymatic activity. Results. Scanning electron microscopy showed discrete PLGA microspheres containing many acHES particles. The composite microspheres were spherical and smooth in size range of 39-93 m. The drug loading efficiency ranged from 51 to 101%. The composite microspheres showed more favorable in vitro release than conventional PLGA microspheres. The composite microspheres showed 20% less initial with a gradual sustained release compared to high burst (60%) followed by a very slow release with the conventional PLGA microspheres. The composite microspheres also stabilized encapsulated proteins from the loss of activity during the microsphere preparation and release. Proteins extracted from the composite microspheres showed good stability without protein degradation products and structural integrity changes in the size-exclusion chromatography and SDS-PAGE analyses. Horseradish peroxidase extracted from microspheres retained more than 81% enzymatic activity. Conclusion. The PLGA-acHES composite microsphere system could be useful for the controlled delivery of protein drugs.     

Evaluation of Poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate) Nanoparticles for Mucoadhesive Ocular Drug Delivery. I. Effect of Formulation Variables on Physicochemical Characteristics of Nanoparticles

A factorial design was applied to evaluate the effect of formulation variables on physicochemical properties of poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles. Formulation variables were dextran T40 or T70 and Pluronic F68 or Tween 20 acting as stabilizer and surfactant respectively, and three pH levels (2, 4 and 7). Nanoparticles possessed unimodal particle size distribution with significant effect of dextran, surfactant and pH. A wide range of molecular weight distribution was observed with significant effect of pH and dextran on average molecular weight. NMR studies revealed the presence of dextran, monomer and surfactants in the nanoparticles. Solid state surface analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of three chemical environments to the carbon envelope, O – C = O,C – O/CN and C – C.     

A Novel in Vitro Delivery System for Assessing the Biological Integrity of Protein upon Release from PLGA Microspheres

Purpose. The development of a novel in vitro system is required to assess the stability and release kinetics of a protein microsphere formulation used for drug delivery to the brain. Methods. Microspheres containing lysozyme as model protein were prepared using a (w/o/w) emulsion-solvent evaporation process. Both the active and total (active + inactive) encapsulation efficiencies and release profiles were determined. The biologic activity of lysozyme was measured using bacterial cell lysis; total protein content was measured using a ¹²⁵I-radiolabel. A novel in vitro apparatus was developed to determine kinetics over a sustained time period (>30 days). Results. The microencapsulation technique allowed an entrapment of active lysozyme at 80 ± 4% and a sustained (>42 days) in vitro release. The kinetics study showed that the novel in vitro system was able to detect the release of low amounts (ng) of protein. To improve the stability of the protein within microspheres and allow the release of biologically active lysozyme, a basic additive ( Mg(OH)₂ ) was successfully encapsulated. Conclusions. This novel in vitro system was appropriate to study protein microsphere release kinetics. In addition, the model is cost-effective and mimes brain physiological conditions more closely than previous models.     

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microsphere production based on quality by design: a review

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) has garnered increasing attention as a candidate drug delivery polymer owing to its favorable properties, including its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, non-immunogenicity, and mechanical strength. PLAG are specifically used as microspheres for the sustained/controlled and targeted delivery of hydrophilic or hydrophobic drugs, as well as biological therapeutic macromolecules, including peptide and protein drugs. PLGAs with different molecular weights, lactic acid (LA)/glycolic acid (GA) ratios, and end groups exhibit unique release characteristics, which is beneficial for obtaining diverse therapeutic effects. This review aims to analyze the composition of PLGA microspheres, and understand the manufacturing process involved in their production, from a quality by design perspective. Additionally, the key factors affecting PLGA microsphere development are explored as well as the principles involved in the synthesis and degradation of PLGA and its interaction with active drugs. Further, the effects elicited by microcosmic conditions on PLGA macroscopic properties, are analyzed. These conditions include variations in the organic phase (organic solvent, PLGA, and drug concentration), continuous phase (emulsifying ability), emulsifying stage (organic phase and continuous phase interaction, homogenization parameters), and solidification process (relationship between solvent volatilization rate and curing conditions). The challenges in achieving consistency between batches during manufacturing are addressed, and continuous production is discussed as a potential solution. Finally, potential critical quality attributes are introduced, which may facilitate the optimization of process parameters.     

Visual Evidence of Acidic Environment Within Degrading Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) Microspheres

Purpose. In the past decade, biodegradable polymers have becomethe materials of choice for a variety of biomaterials applications. Inparticular, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres havebeen extensively studied for controlled-release drug delivery. However,degradation of the polymer generates acidic monomers, andacidification of the inner polymer environment is a central issue in thedevelopment of these devices for drug delivery. Methods. To quantitatively determine the intrapolymer acidity, weentrapped pH-sensitive fluorescent dyes (conjugated to 10,000 Dadextrans) within the microspheres and imaged them with confocalfluorescence microscopy. The technique allows visualization of thespatial and temporal distribution of pH within the degradingmicrospheres (1). Results. Our experiments show the formation of a very acidicenvironment within the particles with the minimum pH as low as 1.5. Conclusions. The images show a pH gradient, with the most acidicenvironment at the center of the spheres and higher pH near the edges,which is characteristic of diffusion-controlled release of the acidicdegradation products.     

Immunotoxicity of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles: influence of surface properties on dendritic cell activation

Abstract

Modified nanoparticles (NPs) can interact with the immune system by causing its activation to fight tumors or for vaccination. During this activation, dendritic cells (DCs) are effective in generating robust immune response. However, the effect of nanomaterials on dendritic cell (DC) maturation, and the associated adjuvant effect, should be assessed as a novel biocompatibility criteria for biomaterials since immune consequences may constitute potential complications in nanomedicine. Among emerging biomaterials, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) NPs (PLGA NPs) are widely explored for various applications in which the degree of desired adjuvant effect may vary. As contradictory results are reported regarding their effects on DCs, we aimed at clarifying this point with particular emphasis on the relative impact of particle surface properties. To that end, NP uptake and effects on the viability, phenotype, and secretory activity of DC primary cultures. Intracellular signaling pathways were explored and evaluated. Immature human and murine DCs were exposed to cationic, neutral, or anionic PLGA NPs. Particle uptake was assessed by both confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Cell viability was then evaluated prior to the study of maturation by examination of both surface marker expression and cytokine release. Our results demonstrate that PLGA NPs are rapidly engulfed by DCs and do not exert cytotoxic effects. However, upon exposure to PLGA NPs, DCs showed phenotypes and cytokine secretion profiles consistent with maturation which resulted, at least in part, from the transient intracellular activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Interestingly, NP-specific stimulation patterns were observed since NP surface properties had a sensible influence on the various parameters measured.     

Amphotericin B-Loaded Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanofibers: An Alternative Therapy Scheme for Local Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is an inflammation localized in the vulvovaginal area. It is mostly caused by Candida albicans. Its treatment is based on the systemic and local administration of antifungal drugs. However, this conventional therapy can fail owing to the resistance of the Candida species and noncompliance of patients. Amphotericin B-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanofibers are single-use, antifungal, controlled drug delivery systems, and represent an alternative therapeutic scheme for the local treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Nanofibers were characterized by analytical techniques and with an in vitro drug delivery study. In vitro and in vivo fungicidal activity of amphotericin B released from nanofibers was evaluated using the agar diffusion method and an experimental murine model of vulvovaginal candidiasis, respectively. Analytical techniques showed that amphotericin B was physically mixed in the polymeric nanofibers. Nanofibers controlled the delivery of therapeutic doses of amphotericin B for 8 consecutive days, providing effective in vitro antifungal activity and eliminated the in vivo vaginal fungal burden after 3 days of treatment and with only one local application. Amphotericin B-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanofibers could be potentially applied as an alternative strategy for the local treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis without inducing fungal resistance, yet ensuring patient compliance.     

水溶性添加剂对聚乳酸-聚乙烯醇酸共聚物基质释药动力学的影响

目的选择不同亲水性及空间构型的添加剂，研究其对聚乳酸-聚乙烯醇酸共聚物(poly lactic-co-glycolic acid, PLGA)药物释放动力学的影响，为心血管药物局部用药控释制剂的研究提供理论依据。方法用抗细胞增生药物2-氨基色酮(U-86)作为代表性药物，用溶剂浇铸和压膜结合的方法制备药物/PLGA/添加剂双层膜，在37 ℃磷酸缓冲液中测定体外药物释放并用扫描电镜观察表面形态。结果水溶性添加剂明显地提高了U-86的释放率，并转变为近似的单阶段模式。药物释放速率与基质的失重速率非常吻合。水溶性添加剂的基质在水中形成高度多孔的结构。结论添加剂的水溶性、分子量大小及空间构型等对于聚合物基质的孔隙结构具有决定性作用，而这些孔隙结构的特征又影响着药物释放机制以及释放动力学模式。     

Microencapsulation of lobster carotenoids within poly(viny1 alcohol) and poly(D,L-lactic acid) membranes

Abstract

The use of natural pigments such as lobster carotenoids in fish feed formulations offers advantages over the use of the synthetic alternatives. Microencapsulation of the pigments, with or without the addition of antioxidants to the formulation, may be of benefit in terms of stabilizing pigment colour. In the present study, lobster carotenoids were extracted from lobster shell into petroleum ether and microencapsulated by phase separation and salt coacervation within poly(viny1 alcohol) and poly(viny1 alocohol)/poly(D,L-lactic acid) membranes. Spherical microcapsules, with smooth, thin and resilient membranes were obtained with mean diameters ranging from 50 to 150μm, depending on the membrane material, and source of pigment. The microcapsules were pink-orange in colour, and colour stability was followed spectrophotometrically. Enhanced stability was observed in both membrane materials, in comparison to the non-encapsulated control. Rates of discoloration were determined under a variety of storage conditions, including the absence of light, reduced temperatures and under nitrogen atmosphere. The best stability of lobster carotenoids was observed under a nitrogen atmosphere within PVA/PLA membranes, representing an 11-fold enhancement of pigment stability in comparison to the controls. Under ambient conditions, the enhancement in pigment stability was approximately 6-fold. The optimum concentration of PVA during microencapsulation was 3–4%, and the microencapsulated pigments appeared most stable under acidic conditions. The rate of discoloration appeared independent of pigment concentration.     

Microparticulated systems based on chitosan and poly(vinyl alcohol) with potential ophthalmic applications

Abstract

Spherical microparticles for encapsulation of drugs for the treatment of diseases, with a diameter ranging between 2 and 4?µm, were obtained by double crosslinking (ionic and covalent) of chitosan and poly(vinyl alcohol) blend in a water-in-oil emulsion. Microparticles characterisation was carried out in terms of structural, morphological and swelling properties in aqueous media. The presence of chitosan in particles composition confers them a pH-sensitive character. Toxicity and hemocompatibility tests prove the biocompatible character of microparticles. The pilocarpine loading capacity is high as well as the release efficiency which increases up to 72 and 82% after 6?h. The obtained results recommend the microparticles as sustained release drug carriers for the treatment of eye diseases.     

The pharmacokinetics of recombinant human interferon-alpha-2b poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres in rats

Interferon-alpha2b (IFN α-2b) microspheres were prepared at various concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%) and viscosities (0.39, 0.6, 0.89 and 1.13?dL/g) of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) using double emulsion solvent evaporation. The optimal formulation of IFN α-2b microspheres was determined to be 0.89?dL/g PLGA, as assessed by the in vitro release test. The pharmacokinetics of IFN α-2b microspheres was investigated. Nine groups of rats were injected intramuscularly with three doses (0.5, 1 and 2?MIU) of commercial lyophilized IFNα-2b injection or IFN α-2b microspheres. At a dose of 0.5?MIU, the IFN α-2b microsphere released significantly longer than that of the IFN α-2b injection. At a dose of 2?MIU, each pharmacokinetics parameter of microspheres prepared with the IFNa-2b stock solution was manifestly greater than those of the injection. Our study indicated that the IFN α-2b microspheres prepared in 15% of 0.89?dL/g PLGA provided a sustained drug effect for up to 21 days in rats.     

In vitro characteristics of poly（lactic-co-glycolic acid） microspheres incorporating gelatin particles loading basic fibroblast growth factor

AIM: To construct a sustained drug release system for basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). With this special system, bFGF can be used to repair an injured peripheral nerve, injured spinal cord, or as a carrier for other drugs that need to be released over a long time. METHODS: Microsphere composite was prepared by encapsulating bFGF into gelatin particles with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as its outer-coating. The encapsulation was conducted by a phase separation method. RESULTS: The average diameter of the gelatin particle-PLGA microsphere composite was 5-18 mum, and bFGF-loading efficiency was up to 80.5%. The bFGF releasing experiment indicated that this new composite system could release bFGF continuously and protect bFGF from denaturation. CONCLUSION: A modified approach was successfully employed to develop a biodegradable system for sustained release of the drug of bFGF in vitro.     

Loading of Tetanus Toxoid to Biodegradable Nanoparticles from Branched Poly(Sulfobutyl-Polyvinyl Alcohol)-g-(Lactide-Co-Glycolide) Nanoparticles by Protein Adsorption: A Mechanistic Study

Purpose. Mucosal delivery of vaccine-loaded nanoparticles (NP) is an attractive proposition from an immunologic perspective. Although numerous NP preparation methods are known, sufficient antigen loading of NP remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate adsorptive loading of NP with a negatively charged surface structure using tetanus toxoid (TT) as a model vaccine. Methods. Blank NP, consisting of poly(sulfobutyl-polyvinyl alcohol)-g-(lactide-co-glycolide), as well as poly(lactide-co-glycolide) NP were prepared by a solvent displacement technique. The use of polymers with different degrees of substitution resulted in NP with different negative surfaces charges. Adsorption of TT to NP was performed varying to NP surface properties, protein equilibrium concentration, and loading conditions. Results. The protein adsorption was controlled by NP surface properties, and maximum TT adsorption occurred at highly negatively charged NP surfaces. Results from isothermal titration calorimetry and -potential measurement suggest an adsorption process governed by electrostatic interactions. The adsorption followed the Langmuir isotherm in the concentration ranges studied. TT withstood this gentle loading procedure in a nonaggregated, enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay-active form. Conclusions. The results demonstrate that negatively charged NP consisting of poly(sulfobutyl-polyvinyl alcohol)-g-(lactide-co-glycolide) are suitable for adsorptive loading with TT and may have potential for mucosal vaccination.