Reduced Burst Release Research Articles

Novel thermal-regulation and temperature-responsive controlled-release fibermats with porous sheath-core structures

Active regulation of the wound microenvironment as well as on-demand drug delivery have proven to be effective ways to accelerate wound healing, and the development of advanced textiles offers feasibility. A novel fibermat with thermal-regulation and temperature-responsive controlled-release properties was fabricated by using coaxial electrospinning, consisting of porous sheath-core polylactic acid (PLA)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) fibers. The pore generation in the PLA shell of the PLA/PEG fiber was achieved through a phase separation method. The fiber diameter and pore size of the obtained fiber could be controlled by adjusting the flow rate of shell solution during electrospinning. Increasing the flow rate of shell solution form 0.8 mm min−1 to 1.4 mm min−1 resulted in an increase in fiber diameter from 4.8 μm to 15.3 μm, and an increase in pore size from 59.4 nm to 305.6 nm. Due to the high enthalpy and coverage of the PEG core, the PLA/PEG fibermats exhibited excellent thermal-regulation performance, with a surface temperature that was 2.5 °C–5.6 °C lower than that of pure PLA fibermat during heating process. On-demand release was achieved by directly controlling the core layer of the coaxial PLA/PEG fiber through temperature. The hydrophobicity of the PLA shell initially reduced burst release, followed by increased release as the temperature reached the phase transition temperature of PEG. Furthermore, this advanced fibermat demonstrated desirable moisture permeability, appropriate mechanical properties and good thermal stability, indicating broad potential applications in medical and health fields.

Integrating Graphene Oxide-Hydrogels and Electrical Stimulation for Controlled Neurotrophic Factor Encapsulation: A Promising Approach for Efficient Nerve Tissue Regeneration.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a crucial role in cellular growth and neurodifferentiation. To achieve significant neuronal regeneration and repair using in vitro NGF delivery, spatiotemporal control that follows the natural neuronal processes must be developed. Notably, a challenge hindering this is the uncontrolled burst release from the growth factor delivery systems. The rapid depletion of NGF reduces treatment efficacy, leading to poor cellular response. To address this, we developed a highly controllable system using graphene oxygen (GO) and GelMA hydrogels modulated by electrical stimulation. Our system showed superior control over the release kinetics, reducing the burst up 30-fold. We demonstrate that the system is also able to sequester and retain NGF up to 10-times more efficiently than GelMA hydrogels alone. Our controlled release system enabled neurodifferentiation, as revealed by gene expression and immunostaining analysis. The increased retention and reduced burst release from our system show a promising pathway for nerve tissue engineering research toward effective regeneration.

Polydopamine-Coated Polymer Nanofibers for In Situ Protein Loading and Controlled Release.

Nanofibrous polymeric materials, combined with protein therapeutics, play a significant role in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. However, the upload of proteins into nanofibers with a high yield and controlled release has been a challenging issue. Here, we report the in situ loading of a model protein (bovine serum albumin) into hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers via ice-templating, with a 100% protein drug loading efficiency. These protein-loaded nanofibers were further coated by polydopamine in order to improve the nanofiber stability and achieve a controlled protein release. The mass ratio between poly(vinyl alcohol) and bovine serum albumin influenced the percentage of proteins in composite nanofibers and fiber morphology. More particles and less nanofibers were formed with an increasing percentage of bovine serum albumin. By varying the coating conditions, it was possible to produce a uniform polydopamine coating with tunable thickness, which acted as an additional barrier to reduce burst release and achieve a more sustained release profile.

Stimulus-Responsive Nano-Prodrug Strategies for Cancer Therapy: A Focus on Camptothecin Delivery.

Camptothecin (CPT) is a highly cytotoxic molecule with excellent antitumor activity against various cancers. However, its clinical application is severely limited by poor water solubility, easy inactivation, and severe toxicity. Structural modifications and nanoformulations represent two crucial avenues for camptothecin's development. However, the potential for further structural modifications is limited, and camptothecin nanoparticles fabricated via physical loading have the drawbacks of low drug loading and leakage. Prodrug-based CPT nanoformulations have shown unique advantages, including increased drug loading, reduced burst release, improved bioavailability, and minimal toxic side effects. Stimulus-responsive CPT nano-prodrugs that respond to various endogenous or exogenous stimuli by introducing various activatable linkers to achieve spatiotemporally responsive drug release at the tumor site. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest research advances in stimulus-responsive CPT nano-prodrugs, including preparation strategies, responsive release mechanisms, and their applications in cancer therapy. Special focus is placed on the release mechanisms and characteristics of various stimulus-responsive CPT nano-prodrugs and their application in cancer treatment. Furthermore, clinical applications of CPT prodrugs are discussed. Finally, challenges and future research directions for CPT nano-prodrugs are discussed. This review to be valuable to readers engaged in prodrug research is expected.

The Modified Exenatide Microspheres: PLGA-PEG-PLGA Gel and Zinc-Exenatide Complex Synergistically Reduce Burst Release and Shorten Platform Stage.

The existing exenatide microspheres have the problem of burst release in the early stage, and minimal release in the middle stage which makes it difficult to achieve effective blood drug concentration (platform period). In this study, the modified exenatide microspheres were constructed to address the aforementioned issues. Poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and triblock copolymer with sol-gel conversion characteristics (PLGA-PEG-PLGA gel) were introduced as carriers to prepare microspheres. The hot gel characteristics and hydrophilicity of PLGA-PEG-PLGA gel were utilized to decline the burst release and shorten the platform period. Simultaneously, zinc acetate and exenatide were combined to generate an insoluble complex to further reduce the burst release. Herein, we prepared three types of exenatide microspheres using the solvent evaporation method and investigated their characterization as well as in vitro and in vivo release. According to the experimental findings, the modified exenatide microspheres, i.e., PLGA-PEG-PLGA gel and PLGA co-loaded zinc-exenatide insoluble complex microspheres (Zn-EXT-Gel-MS), had smooth and rounded surfaces, with a particle size of 24.7 μm, and the encapsulation rate reached 89.43%. And it was released for 40 days in vitro, behaving better than the other two microspheres in terms of release behavior. When this product was administered subcutaneously to rats, it produced a comparatively constant plasma exenatide concentration that lasted for 24 days and superior bioavailability than the exenatide microspheres (EXT-MS). The creation of modified exenatide microspheres may serve as a heuristic method for other long-acting medications. Schematic diagram of the synthesis process and release curves of three types of exenatide microspheres in vitro and in vivo.

Oilfield sustained-release tracers based on different binding forms and their controlled-release mechanism

The problem of water breakthrough in horizontal wells is serious, so it is urgent to use sustained release tracers predict and monitor the time and position of horizontal wells. In this paper, the physically bonded epoxy resin-based slow-release tracer and the chemically bonded isocyanate-linked sustained release tracer were prepared using sulfosalicylic acid as the core material. The release and key characteristics of the two sustained-release tracers at different temperatures and salinities were discussed by observing the morphological changes and release curves. The results showed that both the sustained release rate and cumulative release were positively correlated with temperature and salinity, and the epoxy resin-based sustained release tracer had obvious burst release phenomenon due to physical blending. Isocyanate-linked slow-release tracers greatly reduce burst release. The cumulative release of the isocyanate-linked slow-release tracer at 85 °C is about 1%, while the cumulative release of the epoxy resin-based slow-release tracer is about 3%. Obviously, the chemical combination is better than the physical combination. At the same time, the possible controlled release mechanism was confirmed, and the controlled release mechanism of the epoxy resin sustained-release tracer was mainly tracer diffusion. The controlled release mechanism of the isocyanate slow-release tracer is the synergistic effect of polymer degradation and tracer diffusion, and its explanation is helpful for the sustained release tracer system required for horizontal well effect monitoring.

Development of protein-polymer conjugate nanoparticles for modulation of dendritic cell phenotype and antigen-specific CD4 T cell responses.

Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) comprised of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) have found success in modulating antigen (Ag)-specific T cell responses for the treatment multiple immunological diseases. Common methods by which Ags are associated with NPs are through encapsulation and surface conjugation; however, these methods suffer from several limitations, including uncontrolled Ag loading, burst release, and potential immune recognition. To overcome these limitations and study the relationship between NP design parameters and modulation of innate and Ag-specific adaptive immune cell responses, we developed ovalbumin (OVA) protein-PLGA bioconjugate NPs (acNP-OVA). OVA was first modified by conjugation with multiple PLGA polymers to synthesize OVA-PLGA conjugates, followed by precise combination with unmodified PLGA to form acNP-OVA with well-defined Ag loadings, reduced burst release, and reduced antibody recognition. Expression of MHC II, CD80, and CD86 on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) increased as a function of acNP-OVA Ag loading. NanoString studies using BMDCs showed that PLGA NPs generally induced anti-inflammatory gene expression profiles independent of the Ag delivery method, where S100a9, Sell, and Ppbp were most significantly reduced. Co-culture studies using acNP-OVA-treated BMDCs and OT-II CD4+ T cells revealed that Ag-specific T cell activation, expansion, and differentiation were dependent on Ag loading and formulation parameters. CD25 expression was induced using acNP-OVA with the lowest Ag loading; however, the induction of robust CD4+ T cell proliferative and cytokine responses required acNP-OVA formulations with higher Ag loading, which was supported using a regulatory T cell (Treg) induction assay. The distinct differences in Ag loading required to achieve various T cell responses supported the concept of an Ag loading threshold for Ag-specific immunotherapy. We anticipate this work will help guide NP designs and aid in the future development of NP-based immunotherapies for Ag-specific immunomodulation.

Cytocompatibility, antibacterial, and corrosion properties of chitosan/polymethacrylates and chitosan/poly(4-vinylpyridine) smart coatings, electrophoretically deposited on nanosilver-decorated titania nanotubes.

The development of novel implants subjected to surface modification to achieve high osteointegration properties at simultaneous antimicrobial activity is a highly current problem. This study involved different surface treatments of titanium surface, mainly by electrochemical oxidation to produce a nanotubular oxide layer (TNTs), a subsequent electrochemical reduction of silver nitrate and decoration of a nanotubular surface with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and finally electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of a composite of chitosan (CS) and either polymethacrylate-based copolymer Eudragit E 100 (EE100) or poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) coating. The effects of each stage of this multi-step modification were examined in terms of morphology, roughness, wettability, corrosion resistance, coating-substrate adhesion, antibacterial properties, and osteoblast cell adhesion and proliferation. The results showed that the titanium surface formed nanotubes (inner diameter of 97 ± 12 nm, length of 342 ± 36 nm) subsequently covered with silver nanoparticles (with a diameter of 88 ± 8 nm). Further, the silver-decorated nanotubes were tightly coated with biopolymer films. Most of the applied modifications increased both the roughness and the surface contact angle of the samples. The deposition of biopolymer coatings resulted in reduced burst release of silver. The coated samples revealed potent antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Total elimination (99.9%) of E. coli was recorded for a sample with CS/P4VP coating. Cytotoxicity results using hFOB 1.19, a human osteoblast cell line, showed that after 3 days the tested modifications did not affect the cellular growth according to the titanium control. The proposed innovative multilayer antibacterial coatings can be successful for titanium implants as effective postoperative anti-inflammation protection.

Nanofiber matrix formulations for the delivery of Exendin-4 for tendon regeneration: In vitro and in vivo assessment.

Tendon and ligament injuries are the most common musculoskeletal injuries, which not only impact the quality of life but result in a massive economic burden. Surgical interventions for tendon/ligament injuries utilize biological and/or engineered grafts to reconstruct damaged tissue, but these have limitations. Engineered matrices confer superior physicochemical properties over biological grafts but lack desirable bioactivity to promote tissue healing. While incorporating drugs can enhance bioactivity, large matrix surface areas and hydrophobicity can lead to uncontrolled burst release and/or incomplete release due to binding. To overcome these limitations, we evaluated the delivery of a peptide growth factor (exendin-4; Ex-4) using an enhanced nanofiber matrix in a tendon injury model. To overcome drug surface binding due to matrix hydrophobicity of poly(caprolactone) (PCL)-which would be expected to enhance cell-material interactions-we blended PCL and cellulose acetate (CA) and electrospun nanofiber matrices with fiber diameters ranging from 600 to 1000nm. To avoid burst release and protect the drug, we encapsulated Ex-4 in the open lumen of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), sealed the HNT tube endings with a polymer blend, and mixed Ex-4-loaded HNTs into the polymer mixture before electrospinning. This reduced burst release from ∼75% to ∼40%, but did not alter matrix morphology, fiber diameter, or tensile properties. We evaluated the bioactivity of the Ex-4 nanofiber formulation by culturing human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on matrix surfaces for 21 days and measuring tenogenic differentiation, compared with nanofiber matrices in basal media alone. Strikingly, we observed that Ex-4 nanofiber matrices accelerated the hMSC proliferation rate and elevated levels of sulfated glycosaminoglycan, tendon-related genes (Scx, Mkx, and Tnmd), and ECM-related genes (Col-I, Col-III, and Dcn), compared to control. We then assessed the safety and efficacy of Ex-4 nanofiber matrices in a full-thickness rat Achilles tendon defect with histology, marker expression, functional walking track analysis, and mechanical testing. Our analysis confirmed that Ex-4 nanofiber matrices enhanced tendon healing and reduced fibrocartilage formation versus nanofiber matrices alone. These findings implicate Ex-4 as a potentially valuable tool for tendon tissue engineering.

Protein-polymer Bioconjugate Nanoparticles To Investigate Innate and Antigen-Specific CD4 T Cell Responses

Abstract Nanoparticles (NP) comprised of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) have been shown to be effective delivery systems for peptide and protein antigens (Ags) capable of modulating Ag-specific T cell responses. Encapsulation and surface conjugation are common Ag association methods using NPs. However, these methods are associated with caveats such as imprecise Ag loading, high Ag burst release, and immune recognition. To improve the efficiency of Ag delivery and address these limitations, we prepared ovalbumin (OVA)-PLGA conjugates that were systematically combined with unmodified PLGA to produce NPs (acNP-OVA) with three precise Ag loadings, negligible immune recognition, and a reduced burst release. acNP-OVA was used to elucidate how NP formulation parameters, such as Ag content, influence innate and Ag-specific CD4 +T cell responses. We observed Ag loading-dependent innate immune cell activation (MHCII, CD80/86) and Ag-specific CD4 +T cell proliferation, cytokine secretions, and regulatory T cell induction in vitro. Ag-encapsulated NPs were employed as a control. CD25 expression and T cell expansion were achieved using both Ag delivery methods and observed at low Ag loading. However, high Ag loading was required to induce IFNg and IL-2 cytokine secretions. Notably, nanostring analysis identified inflammation-associated genes, such as S100a9, was significantly downregulated in dendritic cells due to NP treatment. We anticipate this study will aid in designing NP-based immunotherapies for Ag-specific immunomodulation.

Studying spatial drug distribution in golf ball-shaped microspheres to understand drug release

Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres have been one of the most successful products for slow drug release. While distribution of drugs in microspheres might be a fundamental factor affecting drug release, it has been often overlooked. Indeed, very few studies are available on the distribution of drugs in microspheres with complex morphology like golf ball-shaped microspheres. In this paper, the distribution of rotigotine in golf ball-shaped microspheres (GSRM) was investigated by argon ion milling, combined with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (AIM-SEM-EDS). Rotigotine in GSRM was clearly observed in two forms, respectively in an aggregated state and as a molecular dispersion. The distribution of palmitic acid in the microspheres (used as an additive to reduce burst release) was also demonstrated: 10% was found on the microspheres' surface while 90% separated from the polymer to form small particles inside the microspheres onto which rotigotine aggregated through hydrogen bonding interactions. In in-vitro release studies we observed that first the phase-separated palmitic acid/rotigotine particles dissolved and released the drug, followed by the release of the molecularly dispersed rotigotines by osmosis. We also found that rotigotine accelerated the degradation and reduced the glass transition temperature of PLGA, which played an important role as well in the release of the drug from GSRM. Finally, two linear Level A in vitro-in vivo correlations were established and validated, indicating that the in vitro release testing could be a meaningful predictor for the in vivo performance of GSRM. Our work demonstrates the importance of studying drug distribution in complex microspheres to understand drug release.

Chitosan -based nanoniosome for potential wound healing applications: Synergy of controlled drug release and antibacterial activity

This study aims to develop a niosomal platform which can delivery drugs such as tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) to treat bacterial infections in wounds. To this end, chitosan (CS) was used to obtain a controlled drug release and at the same time antibacterial activity. By design of experiments the niosome encapsulated TCH (TCH-Nio) were optimized for their particle size and encapsulation efficiency, followed by analysis of the release profile of TCH and stability of TCH-Nio and TCH-Nio@CS. The antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of the fabricated nanoparticles were investigated as well. The release rate of TCH from TCH-Nio@CS in all conditions is less than TCH-Nio. In addition, higher temperature increases the release rate of drug from these formulations. The size, polydispersity index, and encapsulation efficacy of TCH-Nio and TCH-Nio@CS were more stable in 4 °C compared to 25 °C. TCH, TCH-Nio, and TCH-Nio@CS had MIC values of 7.82, 3.91, and 1.95 μg/mL for Escherichia coli, 3.91, 1.95, and 0.98 μg/mL for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 1.96, 0.98, and 0.49 μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Coating of chitosan on niosome encapsulated TCH (TCH-Nio@CS) led to a reduced burst release of TCH from niosome (TCH-Nio), and enabled 2-fold higher antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against the tested bacterial pathogens E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, compared to the uncoated TCH-Nio, and 4-folder higher than the TCH solution, suggesting the synergetic effect of niosome encapsulation and chitosan coating. Moreover, the formulated niosomes displayed no in vitro toxicity toward the human foreskin fibroblast cells (HFF). Both TCH-Nio and TCH-Nio@CS were found to down-regulate the expression of certain biofilm genes, i.e., csgA, ndvB, and icaA in the tested bacteria, which might partially explain the improved antibacterial activity compared to TCH. The obtained results demonstrated that TCH-Nio@CS is capable of controlled drug release, leading to high antibacterial efficacy. The established platform of TCH-Nio@CS enlighten a clinic potential toward the treatment of bacterial infections in skin wounds, dental implants and urinary catheter.

Gelatin Nanoparticles for Targeted Dual Drug Release out of Alginate-di-Aldehyde-Gelatin Gels.

The aim of the present work was to develop a dual staged drug release of an antibiotic (clindamycin) and a growth factor: bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) from a biodegradable system consisting of hydrogel and gelatin nanoparticles (GNP). Two-step de-solvation allowed us to prepare GNPs (~100 nm) as drug carriers. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated protein A was used as a model substance for BMP-2. A 28-day release experiment was performed to determine the release kinetics from GNP for both FITC-protein A and BMP-2, and for clindamycin (CLI) from the hydrogel. The size, structure, and overall morphology of GNP samples (empty, loaded with FITC-protein A and BMP-2) were examined using an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). Cell culture assays (Live/dead; cell proliferation; cytotoxicity) were performed with MG-63 cells and BMP-2-loaded GNPs. Drug release experiments using clindamycin-loaded alginate-di-aldehyde (ADA) gelatin gels containing the drug-loaded GNPs were performed for 28 days. The resulting GNPs showed an empty size of 117 ± 29 nm, 176 ± 15 nm and 216 ± 36 nm when containing 2% FITC-protein A and 1% BMP-2, respectively. No negative effects of BMP-2-loaded GNPs on MG-63 cells were observed in live/dead staining. In the proliferation assay, an increase in cell proliferation was observed for both GNPs (GNP + BMP-2 and controls). The cytotoxicity assay continuously showed very low cytotoxicity for GNPs (empty; loaded). Clindamycin release showed a concentration of 25-fold higher than the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Staphylococcus aureus throughout the 28 day period. BMP-2 showed a reduced burst release and a steady release (~2 µg/mL) over a 28 day period.

Antitumor Efficacy of Doxorubicin-Loaded Electrospun Attapulgite-Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Composite Nanofibers.

Currently, cancer chemotherapeutic drugs still have the defects of high toxicity and low bioavailability, so it is critical to design novel drug release systems for cancer chemotherapy. Here, we report a method to fabricate electrospun drug-loaded organic/inorganic hybrid nanofibrous system for antitumor therapy applications. In this work, rod-like attapulgite (ATT) was utilized to load a model anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX), and mixed with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) to form electrospun hybrid nanofibers. The ATT/DOX/PLGA composite nanofibers were characterized through various techniques. It is feasible to load DOX onto ATT surfaces, and the ATT/DOX/PLGA nanofibers show a smooth and uniform morphology with improved mechanical durability. Under neutral and acidic pH conditions, the loaded DOX was released from ATT/DOX/PLGA nanofibers in a sustained manner. In addition, the released DOX from the nanofibers could significantly inhibit the growth of tumor cells. Owing to the significantly reduced burst release profile and increased mechanical durability of the ATT/DOX/PLGA nanofibers, the designed organic–inorganic hybrid nanofibers may hold great promise as a nanoplatform to encapsulate different drugs for enhanced local tumor therapy applications.

Recent advances in the synthesis and applications of pH-responsive CaCO3

The biocompatible calcium carbonate (CaCO3) dissociates at low pH, making it a safe pH-responsive building block. Many synthesis routes have been introduced to build CaCO3 based pH-responsive solutions, but there is a lack of detailed comparison. This review aims to compare synthesis routes and applications of pH-responsive CaCO3 based drug delivery systems, nondrug delivery systems, imaging techniques, sensors, and templates. The novelty and limitations in each synthesis and application were successfully identified. CaCO3 based drug delivery systems were extensively developed through impregnation or encapsulation for cancer treatment. The polymer coatings reduced burst release, while metal doping promoted therapeutic effects. Fe2O3 nanoparticles with magnetic properties could initiate Fenton reactions for destroying mitochondrial. Alginate further controlled drug loading and release, allowing dissociation at the reduced condition in the presence of glutathione. Poly(ethylene glycol) delayed release at low pH, and its copolymer micelles are the effective template to build CaCO3 drug delivery systems. Cholesterol-lowering drugs, insulin, and other biocompounds were also loaded into CaCO3 delivery systems. Due to the generation of carbon dioxide, ultrasound imaging could be enhanced. The release of Ca2+ ions triggered the alginate gelation, which enhances photoluminescent changes or electron transfer in sensors. CaCO3 was also utilized as the scarifying template in the drug delivery systems. Past works inspire more uses of CaCO3 for developing pH-responsive concrete, adsorbents, and membranes.

Exploring a Novel Fasudil-Phospholipid Complex Formulated as Liposomal Thermosensitive in situ Gel for Glaucoma.

PurposeFasudil hydrochloride (Fas), a rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor, proved to be promising for glaucoma management owing to its IOP lowering and antioxidant effects. However, its highly hydrophilic nature limits ocular permeation and bioavailability. Hence, the study objective was the development of Fas loaded vesicular system with high entrapment efficiency formulated as a thermosensitive gel for local administration aiming to enhance ocular retention and permeation and hence therapeutic efficacy.MethodsFasudil complex with phospholipid (Fas/PL) was prepared by solvent evaporation technique and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Fas/PL was further formulated as liposomes by methanol injection method and characterized regarding colloidal properties, entrapment efficiency (EE%) and in vitro drug release. The prepared liposomes were incorporated into an optimized thermosensitive in situ gel (Fas/PL-LipoP407/HPMCgel) selected based on gelling time and temperature and rheological properties. The effect of incorporation into gel on the in vitro characteristics of liposomes was investigated. The in vitro mucoadhesive potential, ex vivo permeation, irritability and efficacy in a glaucoma rabbit model were also assessed.ResultsFT-IR and XRD suggested interactions between Fas and PL, proposing complexation. Fas/PL liposomal dispersions showed good colloidal properties (particle size: 132.5 ± 1.6 nm, zeta potential: −21.6 ± 0.9 and %EE 78.6 ± 0.3%) with sustained drug release. In situ thermosensitive gel (20% poloxamer 407 and 0.5% HPMC) showed optimum gelling properties. The selected gel formulation reduced burst release of the drug, enhanced mucoadhesive properties and prolonged corneal permeation ex vivo. HET-CAM test confirmed that the prepared formulations were non-irritant. In vivo pharmacodynamic study indicated improved bioavailability and significantly lower intraocular pressure (IOP) of Fas/PL-LipoP407/HPMC gel compared to drug solution and liposomal dispersion.ConclusionThe results present Fas/PL-LipoP407/HPMC gel as a potential platform for ophthalmic delivery of fasudil with improved pharmaceutical attributes and enhanced bioavailability and efficacy in glaucoma.

Controlled and Local Delivery of Antibiotics by 3D Core/Shell Printed Hydrogel Scaffolds to Treat Soft Tissue Infections.

Soft tissue infections in open fractures or burns are major cause for high morbidity in trauma patients. Sustained, long-term and localized delivery of antimicrobial agents is needed for early eradication of these infections. Traditional (topical or systemic) antibiotic delivery methods are associated with a variety of problems, including their long-term unavailability and possible low local concentration. Novel approaches for antibiotic delivery via wound coverage/healing scaffolds are constantly being developed. Many of these approaches are associated with burst release and thus seldom maintain long-term inhibitory concentrations. Using 3D core/shell extrusion printing, scaffolds consisting of antibiotic depot (in the core composed of low concentrated biomaterial ink 3% alginate) surrounded by a denser biomaterial ink (shell) were fabricated. Denser biomaterial ink (composed of alginate and methylcellulose or alginate, methylcellulose and Laponite) retained scaffold shape and modulated antibiotic release kinetics. Release of antibiotics was observed over seven days, indicating sustained release characteristics and maintenance of potency. Inclusion of Laponite in shell, significantly reduced burst release of antibiotics. Additionally, the effect of shell thickness on release kinetics was demonstrated. Amalgamation of such a modular delivery system with other biofabrication methods could potentially open new strategies to simultaneously treat soft tissue infections and aid wound regeneration.

Feasibility evaluation of a Cu-38 Zn alloy for intrauterine devices: In vitro and in vivo studies

The existing adverse effects of copper in copper-containing intrauterine devices (Cu-IUDs) have raised concerns regarding their use. These adverse effects include burst release of cupric ions (Cu2+) at the initial stage and an increasingly rough surface of the Cu-IUDs. In this study, we investigated the use of two copper alloys, Cu-38 Zn and H62 as the new upgrading or alternative material for IUDs. Their corrosive properties were studied in simulated uterine fluid (SUF) by using electrochemical methods, with pure Cu as a control. We studied the in vitro long-term corrosion behaviors in SUF, cytotoxicity to uterine cells (human endometrial epithelial cells and human endometrial stromal cells), in vivo biocompatibility and contraceptive efficacy of pure Cu, H62, and Cu-38 Zn. In the first month, the burst release rate of Cu2+ in the Cu-38 Zn group was significantly lower than those in the pure Cu and H62 groups. The in vitro cytocompatibility Cu-38 Zn was better than that of pure Cu and H62. Moreover, Cu-38 Zn showed improved tissue biocompatibility in vivo experiments. Therefore, the contraceptive efficacy of the Cu-38 Zn is still maintained as high as the pure Cu while the adverse effects are significantly eased, suggesting that Cu-38 Zn can be a suitable potential candidate material for IUDs. Statement of significanceThe existing adverse effects associated with the intrinsic properties of copper materials for copper-containing intrauterine devices (Cu-IUD) are of concern in their employment. Such as, burst release of cupric ions (Cu2+) at the initial stage and an increasingly rough surface of the Cu-IUD. In this work, Cu alloyed with a high amount of bioactive Zn was used for a Cu-IUD. The Cu-38 Zn alloy exhibited reduced burst release of Cu2+ within the first month compared with the pure Cu and H62. Furthermore, the Cu-38 Zn alloy displayed significantly improved biocompatibility and a much smoother surface. Therefore, high antifertility efficacy of the Cu-38 Zn alloy was well maintained, while the adverse effects are significantly eased, suggesting that the Cu-38 Zn alloy is promising for a Cu-IUD.

In vitro, ex vivo and in vivo evaluation of a novel metal-liganded nanocomposite for the controlled release and improved oral bioavailability of sulpiride

This study aimed to develop a metal complex polymer nanocomposite (MCPN) with enhanced transmembrane permeation and release of sulpiride (SPR) drug with controlled kinetics. Nanocomposites were formulated from emulsion solvent evaporation method, characterised and screened. Permeability investigation across the porcine intestine revealed increased in vitro transmembrane penetration of SPR coupled with reduced burst release and steady drug release rate from the MCPN. The lead formulation was subjected to pharmacokinetic assessment in a Large White pig model. The optimized MCPN formulation demonstrated enhanced intestinal absorption of SPR, with a higher SPR peak plasma concentration (Cmax = 0.9895 μg/mL), reached at an increased time (tmax = 12 h) compared to the marketed product (Cmax = 0.8719 μg/mL and tmax = 6 h). The optimized MCPN formulation improved the bioavailability of SPR by 25.04% relative to the market comparator. The results suggest that our approach is a promising platform to improve bioavailability and to control the release of bioactives from metal-liganded bioactive complexes that are embedded in polymeric nanocomposites.

Ethyl cellulose coated sustained release aspirin spherules for treating COVID-19: DOE led rapid optimization using arbitrary interface; applicable for emergency situations

This work attempts to resolve one of the key issues related to the design and development of sustained-release spherule of aspirin for oral formulations, tailored to treat COVID-19. For that, in the Design of Experiments (DOE) an arbitrary interface, “coating efficiency” (CE) is introduced and scaled the cumulative percentage coating (CPC) to get predictable control over drug release (DR). Subsequently, the granules containing ASP are converted to spherules and then to Ethyl cellulose (EC) Coated spherules (CS) by a novel bed coating during the rolling (BCDR) process. Among spherules, one with 0.35 mm than 0.71 mm shows required properties. The CS has a low 1200 angle by Optical Microscopy (OM), smooth surface without cracks by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and better flow properties (Angle of repose 29.69 ± 0.780, Carr's index 6.73 ± 2.24%, Hausner's Ratio 1.07 ± 0.03) than granules and spherules. Once certain structure-dependent control over release is attained (EC coated spherules shows 10% reduction in burst release (BR) than uncoated spherules showing a release of 80–91%) the predictability is achieved and Design of space (DOS) by DOE (CE-70.14%and CPC-200% and DR-61.54%) is established. The results of DOE to experimentally validated results were within 20% deviation. The aspirin is changing its crystal structure by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) from Form-I to Form-II showing polymorphism inside the drug reservoir with respect to the process. This CE and CPC approach in DOE can be used for delivery system design of other labile drugs similar to aspirin in emergency situations.