HDPE composites strengthened–toughened synergistically by l‐aspartic acid functionalized graphene/carbon nanotubes hybrid nanomaterials

Ethylenediamine (EDA) covalently functionalized graphene sheets (GS‐EDA) and acidized carbon nanotubes (MWNTs‐COOH) were first prepared, followed by synthesizing l ‐aspartic acid functionalized GS‐EDA/MWNTs‐COOH (LGC) hybrid nanomaterials by using l ‐aspartic acid as a bridging agent. Then nanocomposites of high density polyethylene‐g ‐maleic anhydride (HDPE‐g ‐MAH) synergistic strengthening–toughening using LGC hybrids were prepared via melt compounding method. The surface structure of filler was characterized by using infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectrum. The synergistic strengthening–toughening effects of LGC hybrids on the HDPE‐g ‐MAH were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile, and impact tests. FTIR showed that EDA has been grafted on the graphene sheets, and ? COOH group has been introduced into MWNTs. The l ‐aspartic acid connected GS‐EDA and MWNTs‐COOH through chemical bonds. SEM observations showed that LGC hybrids were homogeneously dispersed in HDPE‐g ‐MAH nanocomposites. Tensile and impact tests indicated that the mechanical properties of nanocomposites were improved obviously when LGC hybrid nanomaterials were incorporated simultaneously. DMA analysis indicated that the storage modulus of composites was higher than that of pure HDPE‐g ‐MAH matrix. TGA results revealed that the maximum decomposition temperature of HDPE‐g ‐MAH composites containing 0.75 wt % of LGC showed 11.5 °C higher than that of HDPE‐g ‐MAH matrix. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 45055.     

Effects of drug and polymer molecular weight on drug release from PLGA‐mPEG microspheres

This study investigated the effects of drug and polymer molecular weight on release kinetics from poly (g ‐co‐glycolic acid)‐methoxypoly(ethyleneglycol) (PLGA‐mPEG) microspheres. Bovine serum albumin (BSA, 66 kDa), lysozyme (LZ, 13.4 kDa), and vancomycin (VM, 1.45 kDa) were employed as the model drugs, and encapsulated in PLGA‐mPEG microspheres of different molecular weight. Release of macromolecular BSA was mainly dependent on diffusion of drug at/ near the surface of the matrix initially and dependent on degradation of matrix at later stages, while, the small drug of vancomycin seemed to depend totally on diffusion for the duration of the release study. The release behavior of lysozyme was similar to bovine serum albumin, except a shorter lag period. PLGA‐mPEG molecular weight also affected the release behavior of bovine serum albumin and lysozyme, but not obviously. PLGA‐mPEG microspheres in smaller molecular weight seemed to degrade more quickly to obtain a mass lose and matrix erosion, and thus, an accelerated release rate of bovine serum albumin and lysozyme. Vancomycin released much faster than bovine serum albumin and lysozyme, and exhibited no lag period, as it is thought to be diffusion‐controlled. Besides, vancomycin showed no difference in release behavior as PLGA‐mPEG molecular weight change. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41431.     

In vitro release of complexed pDNA from biodegradable polymer films

The controlled delivery of low‐molecular weight drugs and proteins from biodegradable polymers has received considerable attention. However, controlled release studies of pDNA from such polymers have not been reported to date. In this study, a plasmid DNA was complexed with the cationic polymer called polyethylenimine (PEI). This gene vector has been shown to be very effective in transfecting cells. The complexed DNA were then incorporated into different types of poly‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) film; PLGA 53/47 (M_w 90 kDa), 50/50 (M_w 11 kDa, end group is lauryl ester) and 75/25 (M_w 120 kDa). Their release profiles from a buffer solution were studied. An initial (small) burst release of PEI‐DNA from film was observed in PLGA 53/47 and 50/50, followed by a plateau phase and finally a rapid erosion‐controlled release. For PLGA 50/50, the rapid release started after 14 days; erosion‐controlled release for PLGA 53/47 started after 9 days; for PLGA 75/25, the release rate was governed by an initial burst release (10%) followed by a slow release controlled by diffusion. No obvious erosion‐controlled release rate was observed for this polymer up to 27 days. Thus, the controlled release of complexed DNA follows the general features exhibited by lower‐ M_w drugs. This is of significance in designing gene vector matrices that offer the promise of more lasting gene therapy compared with particulate formulations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Sustained release of dexamethasone from drug‐loading PLGA scaffolds with specific pore structure fabricated by supercritical CO2 foaming

Inducing differentiation of bone marrow stem cells to generate new bone tissue is highly desirable by controlling the release of some osteoinductive or osteoconductive factors from porous scaffolds. In this study, dexamethasone was selected as a representative of small molecule drugs and dexamethasone‐loading porous poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) scaffolds were successfully fabricated by supercritical CO₂ foaming. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that scaffolds had rough and relatively interconnected pores facilitating cells adhesion and growth. Specially, dexamethasone which was incorporated into PLGA matrix in a molecularly dispersed state could serve as a nucleation agent to be helpful for the formation of interconnected pores. Dexamethasone‐loading porous PLGA scaffolds exhibited sustained release profile, and the delivery of dexamethasone from porous scaffolds could last for up to 2 months. The cumulative released amount of dexamethasone was relevant with drug loading capacity (1.66%–2.95%) and pore structure of scaffolds; while the release behavior was anomalous (non‐Fickian) transport by fitting with the simple exponential equation, which had a diffusional exponent n higher than 0.5. It is feasible to fabricate drug‐loading porous scaffolds by supercritical CO₂ foaming with specific pore structure and sustained release profile, which can be well applied in bone tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46207.     

Preparation of microencapsulated aluminum hypophosphite and flame retardancy and mechanical properties of flame‐retardant ABS composites

Microencapsulated aluminum hypophosphite (MFAHP) with a shell of melamine–formaldehyde resin (MF) was prepared via in situ condensation polymerization. The presence of MFAHP increased the water resistance of flame‐retarded (FR) acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) composites after hot water treatment. The mechanical properties indicate that the tensile strength and flexural strength of the FR ABS/MFAHP composites is enhanced with the incorporation of MFAHP. Cone calorimeter test results demonstrated that the peak heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke release values of the ABS/MFAHP composites were significantly decreased. Digital photos and scanning electron microscopy images of the residues of ABS/25 wt % MFAHP₂ composites exhibited compact char layer structures, with many cobweb‐like nanoparticle arrangements formed on the surface by the burning process. The investigation of flame‐retardant mechanisms of ABS/MFAHP composites using infrared spectroscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy indicated that both the formation of char residue in the condensed phase and the release of inert gases by the MF shell in the gas phase led to the formation of compact and stable char layers containing carbon/pyrophosphate and aluminum polyphosphate, consequently leading to the good flame‐retardant performance of MFAHP. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45008.     

Drug Release Kinetics and Mechanism from PLGA Formulations

The release kinetics of indomethacin (IND) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) from drug/PLGA formulations with different copolymer composition and molecular weight of PLGA were measured in vitro by using a rotating disk system (USP II). The release mechanism of IND and HCT from their PLGA formulations was analyzed using a chemical‐potential‐gradient model combined with the Perturbed‐Chain Statistical Associating Fluid Theory (PC‐SAFT). Furthermore, the release kinetics of IND and HCT from the PLGA formulations with different copolymer composition and molecular weight of PLGA were correlated and predicted in good accordance with the experimental data. It was found that the chemical‐potential‐gradient model combined with the PC‐SAFT helped to understand the drug release mechanism from the drug/PLGA formulations. It also well correlated and predicted the drug release kinetics as function of copolymer composition and molecular weight of PLGA as well as of drug type. It helps to save time and costs for determination of the long‐term drug release kinetics, especially for sustained drug release as obtained from the drug/PLGA formulations in this work. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 4055–4065, 2016     

Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 immobilization on porous PCL‐BCP‐Col composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

The objective of this study was to develop novel porous composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering through surface modification of polycaprolactone–biphasic calcium phosphate‐based composites (PCL–BCP). PCL–BCP composites were first fabricated with salt‐leaching method followed by aminolysis. Layer by layer (LBL) technique was then used to immobilize collagen (Col) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP‐2) on PCL–BCP scaffolds to develop PCL–BCP–Col–BMP‐2 composite scaffold. The morphology of the composite was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The efficiency of grafting of Col and BMP‐2 on composite scaffold was measured by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Both XPS and FTIR confirmed that Col and BMP‐2 were successfully immobilized into PCL–BCP composites. MC3TC3‐E1 preosteoblasts cells were cultivated on composites to determine the effect of Col and BMP‐2 immobilization on cell viability and proliferation. PCL–BCP–Col–BMP‐2 showed more cell attachment, cell viability, and proliferation bone factors compared to PCL–BCP‐Col composites. In addition, in vivo bone formation study using rat models showed that PCL–BCP–Col–BMP‐2 composites had better bone formation than PCL–BCP‐Col scaffold in critical size defect with 4 weeks of duration. These results suggest that PCL–BCP–Col–BMP‐2 composites can enhance bone regeneration in critical size defect in a rat model with 4 weeks of duration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45186.     

Preparation and evaluation of novel blend microspheres of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic)acid and pluronic F68/127 for controlled release of repaglinide

The objective of the present work was to study the release behavior of plain and blend microspheres (MS) of PLGA and Pluronic F68/127. In this study, a novel blend MS of poly(D ,L ‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) and Pluronic F68/127 (PLF68/127) were prepared by the emulsion–solvent evaporation method. Repaglinide, an antidiabetic drug with a very short half‐life, was successfully encapsulated into the blend MS. Various formulations were prepared by varying the ratio of PLGA and PLF68/127. Drug encapsulation up to 91% was achieved as measured by UV spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy showed that MS have smooth surfaces even after incorporation of PLF68/127. Particle size, as measured by using laser light scattering technique, gave an average size ranging from 12 to 47 μm. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed to understand the crystalline nature of the drug after encapsulation into MS. DSC revealed the crystalline dispersion in the polymer matrix. In vitro release experiments performed in simulated intestinal fluid, indicated the dependence of release rate on the amount of PLF68/127 present in the MS; slow release was extended up to 153 h. Release data have been fitted to an empirical equation to compute the diffusional exponent (n), which indicated that the release mechanism to be non‐Fickian type. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Preparation and characterization of Chitosan and PLGA‐based scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

Three dimensional (3D) biodegradable porous scaffolds play a crucial role in bone tissue repair. In this study, four types of 3D polymer/hydroxyapatite (HAp) composite scaffolds were prepared by freeze drying technique in order to mimic the organic/inorganic nature of the bone. Chitosan (CH) and poly(lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) were used as the polymeric part and HAp as the inorganic component. Properties of the resultant scaffolds, such as morphology, porosity, degradation, water uptake, mechanical and thermal stabilities were examined. 3D scaffolds having interconnected macroporous structure and 77–89% porosity were produced. The pore diameters were in the range of 6 and 200 µm. PLGA and HAp containing scaffolds had the highest compressive modulus. PLGA maintained the strength by decreasing water uptake but increased the degradation rate. Scaffolds seeded with SaOs‐2 osteoblast cells showed that all scaffolds were capable of encouraging cell adhesion and proliferation. The presence of HAp particles caused an increase in cell number on CH‐HAp scaffolds compared to CH scaffolds, while cell number decreased when PLGA was incorporated in the structure. CH‐PLGA scaffolds showed highest cell number on days 7 and 14 compared to others. Based on the properties such as interconnected porosity, high mechanical strength, and in vitro cell proliferation, blend scaffolds have the potential to be applied in hard tissue treatments. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1917–1930, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effects of biocide treatments on durability of wood and bamboo/high density polyethylene composites against algal and fungal decay

The main objective of this study was to investigate the algal and fungal resistance of biocide‐treated wood flour (WF)/high density polyethylene (HDPE) and bamboo flour (BF)/HDPE composites. The biocides included 4,5‐dichloro‐2‐octyl‐isothiazolone (DCOIT), zinc pyrithione (ZPT), and carbendazim (MBC). Resistance to algae and fungi was evaluated by artificially accelerated tests. Treated and untreated samples were exposed to algae (Chlorella vulgaris, Ulothrix sp., Scenedesmus quadricauda, and Oscillatoria sp.) and fungi (Coriolus versicolor and Poria placenta) for 21 days and 12 weeks, respectively. The volatile components of WF and BF extractives were analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The results indicated that incorporation of DCOIT, ZPT, and MBC effectively enhanced the durability of WF/HDPE and BF/HDPE composites against algal and fungal decay. Accordingly, DCOIT, ZPT, and MBC can be used as potential biocides for both WF/HDPE and BF/HDPE composites. GC‐MS analysis suggested that palmitic acid, oleic acid, stigmasta‐3,5‐dien‐7‐one, and vanillin in WF possibly provided some resistance to fungal attack, whereas di (2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate and linoleic acid in BF were responsible for algal resistance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45148.     

Preparation and characterization of gelatin/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite for bone tissue engineering

Homogeneous gelatin/hydroxyapatite (GEL/HA) nano‐composites were synthesized by a novel in situ precipitation method, and its corresponding characterizations, including composition, morphology, pore structure, thermal stability, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility, were carried out. High‐magnified scanning electron microscope (SEM) images indicated that nano‐HA with particle size ranging from 20 to 50 nm were uniformly distributed in GEL matrix and tightly integrated with organic phase. Wide angle X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed that, during the process of mineralization, there existed preferred oriented growth of HA crystals along (002) and (211) crystal planes. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) indicated that, the thermal stability of GEL molecules enhanced by hybridizing with HA nanocrystals. Interconnected porous GEL/HA nanocomposites with pore size ranging between 50 and 350 μm were prepared by a freeze‐drying method. This pore size was adequate for bone tissue engineering (BTE) applications. In addition, in vitro MG63 osteoblast‐like cell culture illuminated that GEL/HA nanocomposites had excellent cytocompatibility and could promote proliferation of cells. These results suggested that GEL/HA nanocomposite might be an ideal bone substitute. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1579–1590, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synergistic effect of expandable graphite and melamine phosphate on flame‐retardant polystyrene

The halogen‐free flame‐retardant polystyrene (PS) composites containing expandable graphite (EG) and melamine phosphate (MP) were prepared successfully, and the thermal degradation behavior and fire performance were investigated by various measurements. The experimental results show that EG and MP have a synergistic effect on flame‐retardant PS, which can catalyze the char formation from PS. PS/MP/EG_(1:2) composite achieves limited oxygen index value of 28.0% and UL‐94V‐0 (1.6 mm) rate. The mass retention at high temperature (800 °C) under air atmosphere of PS composites have a large increase by the introduction of EG and MP. Microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) and cone calorimetric analysis indicate that the heat release rate and total heat release of PS/MP/EG_(1:2) composite are reduced significantly, because the formed thick char layer has a notable barrier property. The study on the char residue of PS/MP/EG_(1:2) composite by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirms the formation of the stable structures containing P? O? C. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of PS composites were also investigated; compared with neat PS, the addition of flame retardants leads to the decrease of tensile strength and flexural strength, but the impact strength of PS/MP/EG_(1:2) has increased by 44.2%. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 45474.     

Effect of carbon nanotube on PA6/ECO composites: Morphology development,rheological, and thermal properties

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) nanocomposites based on polyamide‐6 (PA6)/poly(epichlorohydrin‐co‐ethylene oxide) (ECO)/multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) were prepared by melt compounding process. Different weight ratios of ECO (20, 40, and 60 wt %) and two kinds of functionalized and non‐functionalized MWCNTs were employed to fabricate the nanocomposites. The morphological, rheological, and mechanical properties of MWCNTs‐filled PA6/ECO blends were studied. The scanning electron microscopy of PA6/ECO blends showed that the elastomer particles, ECO, are well‐dispersed within the PA6 matrix. The significant improvement in the dispersibility of the carboxylated carbon nanotubes (COOH‐MWCNTs) compared to that of non‐functionalized MWCNTs (non‐MWCNTs) was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy images. The tensile modulus of samples improved with the addition of both types of MWCNTs. However, the effect of COOH‐MWCNTs was much more pronounced in improving mechanical properties of PA6/ECO TPE nanocomposites. Crystallization results demonstrated that the MWCNTs act as a nucleation agent of the crystallization process resulted in increased crystallization temperature (T_c) in nanocomposites. Rheological characterization in the linear viscoelastic region showed that complex viscosity and a non‐terminal storage modulus significantly increased with incorporation of both types of MWCNTs particularly at low frequency region. The increase of rheological properties was more pronounced in the presence of carboxylic (COOH) functional groups, in the other words by addition of COOH‐MWCNTs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45977.     

Flurbiprofen axetil loaded coaxial electrospun poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)–nanopoly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) core–shell composite nanofibers: Preparation,characterization, and anti‐adhesion activity

Flurbiprofen axetil (FA)‐loaded coaxial electrospun poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP)–nanopoly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) core–shell composite nanofibers were successfully fabricated by a facile coaxial electrospinning, and an electrospun drug‐loaded system was formed for anti‐adhesion applications. The FA, which is a kind of lipid microsphere nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, was shown to be successfully adsorbed in the PVP, and the formed poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)/PVP/FA composite nanofibers exhibited a uniform and smooth morphology. The cell viability assay and cell morphology observation revealed that the formed PLGA/PVP/FA composite nanofibers were cytocompatible. Importantly, the loaded FA within the PLGA/PVP coaxial nanofibers showed a sustained‐release profile and anti‐adhesion activity to inhibit the growth of the IEC‐6 and NIH3T3 model cells. With the significantly reduced burst‐release profile, good cytocompatibility, and anti‐adhesion activity, the developed PLGA/PVP/FA composite nanofibers were proposed to be a promising material in the fields of tissue engineering and pharmaceutical science. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41982.     

Characterization and thermal degradation of poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) composites with nanofillers

Chemical and thermal characterization of poly(d ,l ‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) composites filled with hydroxyapatite (HA) or carbon nanotubes (CNT) were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and dynamic–mechanical–thermal analysis. The morphology and distribution of the nanoparticles were studied by transmission electron microscopy. The composites were prepared by solvent casting using 30% HA or 1, 3, and 5% of pristine and functionalized CNT as nanoparticles and PLGA 75:25 and PLGA 50:50 as copolymer matrix. The Coats–Redfern and E₂ function methodologies were used to calculate the reaction order and the activation energy (E_a) of the thermal degradation process. It was found that the addition of nanoparticles increased the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the composites. Also, higher degradation temperatures and E_a values were obtained for PLGA–HA composites and compared with the neat copolymer, and the opposite behavior was exhibited by PLGA–CNT composites. The thermal and mechanical properties were highly dependent on the morphology and dispersion of the filler. The functionalization process of CNT promoted, to some extent, a better distribution and dispersion of CNT into the matrix, and these composites exhibited a slight enhancement on storage modulus. On the other hand, PLGA–HA composites showed a good dispersion but no improvement on the storage modulus below T_g. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Tribological behaviors of polyurethane composites containing self‐lubricating microcapsules and reinforced by short carbon fibers

Self‐lubricating microcapsules containing methyl silicone oil as core materials, were prepared with poly(melamine‐formaldehyde) as shell material by in situ polymerization method. Combining with synergistic effect of the short carbon fibers (SCFs) which were systematically treated by liquid‐phase oxidation and chemical grafting, they were simultaneously adopted as reinforcing additives to improve the tribological and mechanical properties of polyurethane materials. The tribological behaviors and mechanical properties of the polyurethane composites have been investigated by a block‐on‐ring wear tester and electronic universal testing machine, respectively. The results indicate that the friction coefficient and wear rate of polyurethane composites without SCFs significantly decreased with increased self‐lubricating microcapsule concentration from 2.5 to 10 wt % due to the release of methyl silicone oil; meanwhile, the polyurethane composites filled with 10 wt % microcapsule and 15 wt % SCFs not only exhibited the lowest friction and wear behaviors, but also improved mechanical strength and thermal stability of polyurethane composites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45331.     

Preparation and delayed release of poly(lactide‐ co‐glycolide)/ketoconazole composite fiber mats

In this study, slow release materials–poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) ultrafine fiber mats containing different ketoconazole (KCZ) contents were prepared and their release behaviors were investigated in vitro. PLGA/KCZ ultrafine fiber mats were prepared via electrospinning and characterized by means of scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis. The slow release properties of PLGA/KCZ fiber mats in vitro were studied by measuring the concentrations of KCZ dissolved in the phosphate buffered solution (pH = 4.5) at a programmed time. Results indicated that KCZ could be dispersed in PLGA very well in a wide range of KCZ content from 10 to 100% with respect to PLGA. Most KCZ in PLGA fibers were physically dispersed. The thermal decomposition temperature of PLGA was lowered due to the incorporation of KCZ. With increased drug concentration, the release amount would increase in unit time. The two‐stage releases would be sustained to achieve the effective utilization of KCZ. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Heterogeneous hydrolytic degradation of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) microspheres: Mathematical modeling

A new mathematical model for the prediction of the heterogeneous hydrolytic degradation of poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA)‐based microspheres was developed. The model takes into account the autocatalytic effect of carboxylic groups and polymer composition on the degradation rate. It is based on mass balances for the different species, considering the kinetic and mass transport phenomena involved. The model estimates the evolution of average molecular weight, mass loss, and morphological change of the particles during degradation, and it was validated with novel experimental data. Theoretical predictions are in agreement with the hydrolysis data of PLGA microspheres (error values less than 5%). The model is able to predict the effect of particle size and molecular weight on the degradation of PLGA‐based microspheres and estimates the morphological changes of the particles due to the autocatalytic effect. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45464.     

Synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4/poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) composite and its coating effects on magnesium alloy

The Fe₃O₄/poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) composites were prepared via a surface grafting technique. Initially, the poly(lactic acid) oligomer was synthesized and surface‐grafted to Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. Then, the grafted Fe₃O₄ particles were compounded with PLGA matrix by a simple solution blending method. The grafted Fe₃O₄ particles presented enhanced compatibility with PLGA matrix and the composites indicated enhanced dynamic mechanical performance. Electrochemical tests showed that the Fe₃O₄/PLGA composite coating can help improve the impedance of magnesium samples by 100–300%, and the impedance of the metal may be tunable by altering the components ratio of LA/GA within PLGA matrix. The composites may have potential application for magnesium alloy used in degradable medical implants. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1369–1374, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Tamoxifen‐loaded microspheres based on mixtures of poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) and poly(D,L‐lactide) polymers: Effect of polymeric composition on drug release and in vitro antitumoral activity

Mixtures of different bioerosionable polyesters were used to prepare microparticulated tamoxifen delivery systems to achieve anticancer effects in breast malignant cancer cells. Tamoxifen (TMX) was included into microspheres (MS) formulated via spray‐drying. Mixtures of poly(D ,L ‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) of different lactide/glycolide proportions (50 : 50 and 75 : 25) and poly(D ,L ‐lactic acid) (PLA) were used. The average diameter of the resultant TMX‐loaded microparticles was in the range 1.04 ± 0.51–1.55 ± 0.95 μm. The encapsulation efficiency of TMX was between 97.8% [48.9 ± 0.1 TMX (μg)/MS (mg)] and 69.6% [36.6 ± 0.1 TMX (μg)/MS (mg)] depending on the polymeric composition of the formulation. Drug burst effect was not observed. TMX was released from the polymeric matrices in a sustained release manner between 11 and 58 days depending on polymeric composition of microspheres. TMX‐loaded microspheres showed high efficacy in causing cell death in MCF7 breast malignant cancer cells. Thus, these TMX‐loaded PLGA‐based microspheres hold potential to treat breast malignant cancer cells. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012