Enzyme immobilization onto micro-sized modified PMMA microspheres

Micro-sized acrolein-modified PMMA (poly[methyl methacrylate]) microspheres were used as the support for enzyme immobilization. The properties of immobilized enzyme as well as the immobilizing behavior were studied. The immobilized amount reached 76.8 mg.g(-1) support, which is relatively high compared with some analogous supports. The K(m) value was larger and the V(max) was smaller in the immobilized form than in the free form. Better resistance of the immobilized enzyme against the temperature, time and pH changes showed that the modified PMMA microspheres could be a good support for immobilization of pepsin.     

Enhanced cellular association of paclitaxel delivered in chitosan-PLGA particles

We have previously demonstrated that the cellular association, cytotoxicity, and in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of paclitaxel are significantly greater when delivered in PLGA microparticles compared to nanoparticles. The purpose of this research is to test the hypothesis that mucoadhesive chitosan promotes adhesion of PLGA particles to mucus on the tumor epithelium, resulting in enhanced cellular association and cytotoxicity of paclitaxel. PLGA particles containing paclitaxel or Bodipy(?) were prepared and chitosan was either adsorbed or chemically conjugated to the particle surface. The cellular association and cytotoxicity of paclitaxel in 4T1 cells was determined. A 4-10 fold increase in cellular association of paclitaxel was observed when chitosan was adsorbed or conjugated to the PLGA particles. Chitosan-conjugated PLGA microparticles were most cytotoxic with an IC(50) value of 0.77 μM. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that chitosan-PLGA microparticles adhered to the surface of 4T1 cells. Pretreatment of either 4T1 cells or chitosan-PLGA particles with mucin resulted in significant increase in cellular association of paclitaxel. A linear correlation was established between theoretical amount of chitosan used and experimentally determined amount of chitosan adsorbed or conjugated to PLGA nanoparticles. In conclusion, cellular association and cytotoxicity of paclitaxel was significantly enhanced when delivered in chitosan-PLGA particles.     

Physiological pharmacokinetie model of adriamycin delivered via magnetic albumin microspheres in the rat

The influence of magnetic albumin microspheres on the disposition of adriamycin was evaluated. Adriamycin concentrations were monitored in multiple rat tissues for 48 hr after its intra-arterial administration (2 mg/kg) as a solution and associated with magnetic albumin microspheres. The magnetic dosage form was targeted to a predefined tail segment with a magnetic field strength of 8000 G applied for 30 min after dosing. A physiological pharmacokinetic model was used to describe the disposition of adriamycin following its administration from either dosage fcrm. The model developed for the data resulting from administration of adriamycin as a solution served as a foundation for the model developed for adriamycin resulting from the administration of adriamycin associated with the magnetic dosage form. The model for adriamycin following administration of the magnetic microspheres required additional relationships to describe the transport of adriamycin associated with the microspheres. For both models, the predicted adriamycin concentrations were in adequate agreement with the observed values. The present investigation demonstrates the use of a physiological pharmacokinetic modeling method to represent drug kinetics following its administration via a targeted drug delivery system.Research support from the Medical Research Council of New Zealand is gratefully acknowledged.     

Physiological pharmacokinetic model of adriamycin delivered via magnetic albumin microspheres in the rat

The influence of magnetic albumin microspheres on the disposition of adriamycin was evaluated. Adriamycin concentrations were monitored in multiple rat tissues for 48 hr after its intra-arterial administration (2 mg/kg) as a solution and associated with magnetic albumin microspheres. The magnetic dosage form was targeted to a predefined tail segment with a magnetic field strength of 8000 G applied for 30 min after dosing. A physiological pharmacokinetic model was used to describe the disposition of adriamycin following its administration from either dosage form. The model developed for the data resulting from administration of adriamycin as a solution served as a foundation for the model developed for adriamycin resulting from the administration of adriamycin associated with the magnetic dosage form. The model for adriamycin following administration of the magnetic microspheres required additional relationships to describe the transport of adriamycin associated with the microspheres. For both models, the predicted adriamycin concentrations were in adequate agreement with the observed values. The present investigation demonstrates the use of a physiological pharmacokinetic modeling method to represent drug kinetics following its administration via a targeted drug delivery system.     

Improved bioavailability through floating microspheres of lovastatin

BACKGROUND AND THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Lovastatin is an antihyperlipidemic agent which has low bioavailability due to the extensive first pass metabolism. It was sought to increase gastric retention of lovastatin by development of a sustained release gastroretentive drug delivery system leading to reduced fluctuation in the plasma concentration and improved bioavailability. MEHODS: Floating microspheres were prepared by emulsion solvent diffusion technique, using various polymers and their blends. The in vitro performance was evaluated for drug-polymer compatibility, percent yield, particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro onset and duration of floatation, in vitro drug release as well as in vivo determination of serum cholesterol level. RESULTS: The mean particle size of microspheres was observed to be between 6.9 to 9.5 μm and the maximum particle size was around 50 μm. In vivo studies of the selected batches indicated lower level of serum cholesterol compared to the marketed tablet at the same dose but was not significant. MAJOR CONCLUSION: The data obtained in this study suggested that a microparticulate floating dosage form of lovastatin can be successfully designed to yield controlled delivery with improved therapeutic efficacy.     

Enhanced oral bioavailability of calcium using bovine serum albumin microspheres

Low oral bioavailability of calcium leads to impairment of calcium homeostasis particularly during the high requirement phases of human growth. The objective of the current study was to prepare microspheres of calcium using bovine serum albumin and assess its viability to enhance the oral bioavailability. Microspheres of calcium were prepared by emulsion chemical cross linking method, characterized, evaluated for in vitro release and in vivo absorption. The prepared microspheres were found to be spherical in shape with smooth surface. High entrapment efficiency (>50%), desired particle size (<10 µm), high zeta potential values (?30.91?±?3.06 to ?34.65?±?1.01 mV) and low polydispersity indices (0.61?±?0.04 to 0.88?±?0.05) were recorded in the prepared microspheres. In vitro release profile suggests that <10% of calcium was discharged in the gastric media (in 30?min) from the microspheres prepared using higher drug/polymer ratio (1:1, formulation F4). The pharmacokinetic data obtained in Sprague–Dawley rats showed that the rate and extent of calcium absorption was significantly enhanced following the administration of microspheres. The serum calcium level profiles indicate that the C_max and AUC_0–α were significantly higher (p < 0.001) when calcium was administered from microspheres when compared to control. Rapid absorption of calcium was also observed from microspheres and may be attributed to a greater uptake into intestinal Peyer’s patches. Given the excellent results in the in vivo studies, it can be concluded that calcium loaded bovine serum albumin microspheres could be an effective and promising approach for the oral therapy of calcium. Indeed, this approach can be an alternative to parenteral therapy in acute hypocalcaemia as well.     

Enhanced oral bioavailability of calcium using bovine serum albumin microspheres

Low oral bioavailability of calcium leads to impairment of calcium homeostasis particularly during the high requirement phases of human growth. The objective of the current study was to prepare microspheres of calcium using bovine serum albumin and assess its viability to enhance the oral bioavailability. Microspheres of calcium were prepared by emulsion chemical cross linking method, characterized, evaluated for in vitro release and in vivo absorption. The prepared microspheres were found to be spherical in shape with smooth surface. High entrapment efficiency (>50%), desired particle size (<10 μm), high zeta potential values (-30.91?±?3.06 to -34.65?±?1.01 mV) and low polydispersity indices (0.61?±?0.04 to 0.88?±?0.05) were recorded in the prepared microspheres. In vitro release profile suggests that <10% of calcium was discharged in the gastric media (in 30?min) from the microspheres prepared using higher drug/polymer ratio (1:1, formulation F4). The pharmacokinetic data obtained in Sprague-Dawley rats showed that the rate and extent of calcium absorption was significantly enhanced following the administration of microspheres. The serum calcium level profiles indicate that the C(max) and AUC(0-α) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) when calcium was administered from microspheres when compared to control. Rapid absorption of calcium was also observed from microspheres and may be attributed to a greater uptake into intestinal Peyer's patches. Given the excellent results in the in vivo studies, it can be concluded that calcium loaded bovine serum albumin microspheres could be an effective and promising approach for the oral therapy of calcium. Indeed, this approach can be an alternative to parenteral therapy in acute hypocalcaemia as well.     

Preparation and characterization of gelatin surface modified PLGA microspheres

This study optimized conditions for preparing and characterizing gelatin surface modified poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) copolymer microspheres and determined this systems interaction with fibronectin. Some gelatin microspheres have an affinity for fibronectin-bearing surfaces; these miscrospheres exploit the interaction between gelatin and fibronectin. PLGA copolymer microspheres were selected because they have reproducible and slowrelease characteristics in vivo. The PLGA microspheres were surface modified with gelatin to impart fibronectin recognition. Dexamethasone was incorporated into these microspheres because dexamethasone is beneficial in chronic human diseases associated with extra fibronectin expression (eg, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disorders, rheumatoid arthritis). The gelatin surface modified PLGA microspheres (prepared by adsorption, conjugation, and spray coating) were investigated and characterized by encapsulation efficiency, particle size, in vitro release, and affinity for fibronectin. The gelatincoated PLGA microspheres had higher interaction with fibronectin compared with the other gelatin surface modified PLGA microspheres (adsorption and conjugation). Dexamethasone was released slowly (over 21 days) from gelatin surface modified PLGA microspheres.     

Enhanced nasal retention of hydrophobically modified polyelectrolytes

Hydrophobically modified polyelectrolytes (HMP) are polymers with a high content of ionizable groups bonded to hydrophobic groups. Copolymers of poly(acrylic acid) and Pluronic surfactants constitute a special class of HMP whereby poly(propylene oxide) segments act as hydrophobes. The poly(propylene oxide) segments possess temperature-dependent aqueous solubility and the solutions of the Pluronic-poly(acrylic acid) copolymers (MW > 3,000,000) undergo a sol-gel transition when kept at body temperature. Due to the presence of the poly(acrylic acid) segments, the Pluronic-poly(acrylic acid) copolymers are bioadhesive. We have examined the hypothesis that the in-situ gelling polymer formulations of Pluronic-poly(acrylic acid) copolymers may have an enhanced retention in the nasal cavity. The effects of putative bioadhesive (Carbomer 934P) and thermogelling (Pluronic F127) polymers on nasal clearance were compared with Pluronic-poly(acrylic acid) copolymers using a rat model. The enhancement of the residence time of fluorescent labels by the Pluronic-poly(acrylic acid) copolymers was shown to be 5-8-fold that of Carbomer, and 3-6-fold that of Pluronic F127. The results unequivocally demonstrate the superior retention of the HMP that combines bioadhesive and thermogelling capabilities over either a bioadhesive polyelectrolyte or a polymer of a low molecular weight that undergoes a sol-gel transition.     

In vitro modified release of acyclovir from ethyl cellulose microspheres

The aim of this study was to demonstrate a sustained-release microparticulate dosage form for acyclovir via an in vitro study. Ethyl cellulose was selected as a model encapsulation material. All of the microspheres were prepared by an oil-in-water solvent evaporation technique. A 2(3) full factorial experiment was applied to study the effects of the viscosity of polymer, polymer/drug ratio, and polymer concentration on the drug encapsulation efficiency and the dissolution characteristics. The encapsulation efficiency of acyclovir in microspheres was in the range of 20.0-56.6%. Increase in the viscosity of ethyl cellulose and the ratio of CH2Cl2/ethyl cellulose increased drug encapsulation efficiency. The drug continuously released from microspheres for at least 12 h, and the release rate depended on the pH of the release medium. The sustained release characteristic was more prominent in the simulated intestine fluid than in the simulated gastric fluid. A faster release of drug was observed when a high viscosity polymer was used. The decomposition of acyclovir significantly decreased when encapsulated by ethyl cellulose, especially when stored at 37 and 50 degrees C.     

In vitro modified release of acyclovir from ethyl cellulose microspheres

The aim of this study was to demonstrate a sustained-release microparticulate dosage form for acyclovir via an in vitro study. Ethyl cellulose was selected as a model encapsulation material. All of the microspheres were prepared by an oil-in-water solvent evaporation technique. A 2³ full factorial experiment was applied to study the effects of the viscosity of polymer, polymer/drug ratio, and polymer concentration on the drug encapsulation efficiency and the dissolution characteristics. The encapsulation efficiency of acyclovir in microspheres was in the range of 20.0-56.6%. Increase in the viscosity of ethyl cellulose and the ratio of CH₂Cl₂/ethyl cellulose increased drug encapsulation efficiency. The drug continuously released from microspheres for at least 12 h, and the release rate depended on the pH of the release medium. The sustained release characteristic was more prominent in the simulated intestine fluid than in the simulated gastric fluid. A faster release of drug was observed when a high viscosity polymer was used. The decomposition of acyclovir significantly decreased when encapsulated by ethyl cellulose, especially when stored at 37 and 50 °C.     

Enhanced antisense efficacy of oligonucleotides adsorbed to monomethylaminoethylmethacrylate methylmethacrylate copolymer nanoparticles.

The purpose of this study was the investigation of cationic nanoparticles as drug delivery systems for antisense oligonucleotides. Cationic monomethylaminoethylmethacrylate (MMAEMA) copolymer nanoparticles were prepared from N-monomethylaminoethylmethacrylate hydrochloride and methylmethacrylate. Oligonucleotides were adsorbed onto MMAEMA nanoparticles. Cell penetration was investigated in vitro with fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides and nanoparticles. Antisense effects of oligonucleotides adsorbed to MMAEMA nanoparticles were evaluated by sequence specific inhibition of ecto-5'-nucleotidase expression. The amount of enzyme expressed in PC12 cells was detected and quantified by immunocytochemistry using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled antibodies. Oligonucleotides were adsorbed to MMAEMA nanoparticles by the formation of ion-pairs between the positively charged secondary amino groups located on the particle surface and the anionic phosphodiester or phosphorothioate backbones of the oligonucleotides. Adsorption to nanoparticles led to an increased cellular uptake of oligonucleotides and to a significantly enhanced antisense efficacy of unmodified phosphodiester oligonucleotides as well as phosphorothioates. The results of the cell penetration and the antisense assay demonstrated that MMAEMA nanoparticles are promising carriers for oligonucleotide administration.     

The pain of antisense: in vivo application of antisense oligonucleotides for functional genomics in pain and analgesia

As the genomic revolution continues to evolve, there is an increasing demand for efficient and reliable tools for functional characterization of individual gene products. Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated knockdown has been used successfully as a functional genomics tool in animal models of pain and analgesia yet skepticism regarding the validity and utility of antisense technology remains. Contributing to this uncertainty are the lack of systematic studies exploring antisense oligonucleotide use in vivo and the many technical and methodological challenges intrinsic to the method. This article reviews the contributions of antisense oligonucleotide-based studies to the field of pain and analgesia and the general principles of antisense technology. A special emphasis is placed on technical issues surrounding the successful application of antisense oligonucleotides in vivo, including sequence selection, antisense oligonucleotide chemistry, DNA controls, route of administration, uptake, dose-dependence, time-course and adequate evaluation of knockdown.     

Enhanced targeting efficiency of PLGA microspheres loaded with Lornoxicam for intra-articular administration

Owing to its rationale of targeting the drug to the site of action and minimizing systemic toxic effects of the drug, intra-articular drug delivery system has gained growing interests. In this study, emphasis was placed on intra-articular Lornoxicam -loaded PLGA microspheres (Lnxc-PLGA-MS) preparation and improving the targeting of lornoxicam (Lnxc) in knee joint. The microspheres were prepared by a process involving solid-in-oil-in-water(S/O/W) emulsion, and evaluated for physicochemical properties. Joint cavity′s drug leakage into systemic circulation in rabbits was examined to define the drug stagnation. Meanwhile, drug retention in synovial fluid in rats was investigated to further validate the drug targeting. The microspheres were spherical as evidenced by the SEM photographs with mean size of 7.47μm, and encapsulation efficiency was observed 82.22% along with drug loading 12.17%. DSC revealed that the drug in the microspheres existed in the phase of uncrystallization. The formulated microspheres could prolong the drug release up to 32 days in vitro. Comparing with animals injected with lornoxicam solution, the plasma drug concentration decreased in rabbits and retention time increased in rats’ synovial fluid with intra-articular injections of microspheres, revealing good targeting efficiency. In conclusion, PLGA microspheres could be used to deliver lornoxicam following intra-articular administration for enhancing targeting efficiency.     

Enhanced targeting efficiency of PLGA microspheres loaded with Lornoxicam for intra-articular administration

Owing to its rationale of targeting the drug to the site of action and minimizing systemic toxic effects of the drug, intra-articular drug delivery system has gained growing interests. In this study, emphasis was placed on intra-articular Lornoxicam-loaded PLGA microspheres (Lnxc-PLGA-MS) preparation and improving the targeting of lornoxicam (Lnxc) in knee joint. The microspheres were prepared by a process involving solid-in-oil-in-water(S/O/W) emulsion, and evaluated for physicochemical properties. Joint cavity's drug leakage into systemic circulation in rabbits was examined to define the drug stagnation. Meanwhile, drug retention in synovial fluid in rats was investigated to further validate the drug targeting. The microspheres were spherical as evidenced by the SEM photographs with mean size of 7.47 μm, and encapsulation efficiency was observed 82.22% along with drug loading 12.17%. DSC revealed that the drug in the microspheres existed in the phase of uncrystallization. The formulated microspheres could prolong the drug release up to 32 days in vitro. Comparing with animals injected with lornoxicam solution, the plasma drug concentration decreased in rabbits and retention time increased in rats' synovial fluid with intra-articular injections of microspheres, revealing good targeting efficiency. In conclusion, PLGA microspheres could be used to deliver lornoxicam following intra-articular administration for enhancing targeting efficiency.     

Significant and prolonged antisense effect of a multifunctional envelope-type nano device encapsulating antisense oligodeoxynucleotide

A multifunctional envelope-type nano device (MEND) was developed for use as an efficient non-viral system for the delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA) using octaarginine (R8) as an internalizing ligand. Three types of R8-MENDs were prepared, co-encapsulating luciferase-encoding pDNA and anti-luciferase oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) condensed by three polycations, stearyl octaarginine (STRR8), poly-L-lysine (PLL) and protamine, and the antisense effects of the ODN-encapsulated R8-MENDs (ODN-MEND) were analysed in-vitro. The ODN-MEND packaged using protamine as a condenser showed a 90% antisense effect 16 h after the transfection, and a persistent antisense effect of over 75% for up to 48 h, which was much more effective than that of LipofectAmine2000. On the other hand, the ODN-MENDs prepared using PLL and STR-R8 as condensers did not show any significant inhibition of luciferase activity. Although there was no specific relation between the physicochemical characteristics of the ODN-MENDs and their antisense effect, the pattern of the antisense effect among the ODN-MENDs was similar to that of the silencing effect of R8-MEND encapsulating plasmid DNA encoding siRNA. These results suggest that R8-MENDs are able to deliver encapsulated DNA to the cytosol as well as to the nucleus, and that protamine can also function as an efficient decondenser, not only in the nucleus but also in the cytosol. In conclusion, we successfully developed an ODN-MEND with a high antisense effect using protamine as a DNA condensing as well as a decondensing agent.     

Cytotoxicity and biological effects of functional nanomaterials delivered to various cell lines

Functional nanomaterials that included gold, silver nanoparticles and single wall carbon nanotubes were delivered to two cell lines (MLO‐Y4 osteocytic cells and HeLa cervical cancer cells) in various concentrations. The cells were found to uptake the nanomaterials in a relatively short time, a process that significantly affected the shape and the size of the cells. The percentage of cellular death, due to the delivery of these nanomaterials, was found to be the highest for carbon nanotubes and increased gradually with the concentration of these nanostructures. Moreover, when the nanomaterials were delivered to the cells combined with commonly used chemotherapeutic agents such as etoposide or dexamethasone, the number of the cells that died increased significantly (100–300%) as compared with the case when only the nanomaterials or the chemotherapeutic agents were delivered. The experimental results were confirmed by Caspase 3 studies, indicating a strong interaction between the nanomaterials used in this study and the protein structure of the cells, which allowed a more effective action of the apoptotic agents. These findings could be the foundation of a new class of cancer therapies that are composed of both chemotherapeutic agents and nanomaterials. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation of Eudragit E100 microspheres by modified solvent evaporation method

The objective of this investigation was to develop the hollow microspheres as a new dosage form of floating drug delivery system with prolonged stomach retention time. Hollow microspheres containing ranitidine hydrochloride were prepared by solvent evaporation method using Eudragit RLPO dissolved in a mixture of dichloromethane and ethanol. The maximum yield and drug loading amount of hollow microspheres were 88.45% and 80 +/- 4.0%, respectively. The in vitro release profiles showed that the drug release rate decreased with increasing viscosity of Eudragit RLPO, while diameter of hollow microspheres increased with the increase of drug polymer weight ratio. Hollow microspheres could prolong drug release time (approximately 24 h) and float over stimulate gastric fluid for more than 12 h. These results demonstrated that ranitidine HCl hollow microspheres were capable of sustained delivery of the drug for longer period with increased bioavailability.     

小柴胡汤加减治疗肠道气滞型功能性便秘的疗效

目的探讨小柴胡汤加减治疗肠道气滞型功能性便秘的疗效。方法收集2012年2月~2015年2月湖北省中医院诊断为肠道气滞型功能性便秘的患者。患者入院后给予小柴胡汤,通过某院中药房进行煎煮,每日服用2次,每次100m L,总疗程1个月。对比(1)患者治疗前和治疗后功能性便秘中医病症评分。(2)患者功能性便秘治疗2周、治疗4周时的治疗疗效。(3)患者治疗期间不良反应。(4)患者治疗前后生活质量评分。结果 (1)患者治疗前和治疗后功能性便秘中医病症各项评分,治疗后均低于治疗前,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。(2)患者功能性便秘治疗2周、治疗4周时的有效率分别为88%、96%,治疗4周时比治疗2周时有效率高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。(3)患者治疗期间未发生严重不良反应,仅1例患者出现便秘。(4)患者生活质量评分治疗前和治疗后分别为(52.4±6.5)分、(76.8±8.6)分,治疗后高于治疗前,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论小柴胡汤加减治疗肠道气滞型功能性便秘后疗效肯定。