Transdermal Delivery Systems for Ibuprofen and Ibuprofen Modified with Amino Acids Alkyl Esters Based on Bacterial Cellulose

The potential of bacterial cellulose as a carrier for the transport of ibuprofen (a typical example of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) through the skin was investigated. Ibuprofen and its amino acid ester salts-loaded BC membranes were prepared through a simple methodology and characterized in terms of structure and morphology. Two salts of amino acid isopropyl esters were used in the research, namely L-valine isopropyl ester ibuprofenate ([ValOiPr][IBU]) and L-leucine isopropyl ester ibuprofenate ([LeuOiPr][IBU]). [LeuOiPr][IBU] is a new compound; therefore, it has been fully characterized and its identity confirmed. For all membranes obtained the surface morphology, tensile mechanical properties, active compound dissolution assays, and permeation and skin accumulation studies of API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) were determined. The obtained membranes were very homogeneous. In vitro diffusion studies with Franz cells were conducted using pig epidermal membranes, and showed that the incorporation of ibuprofen in BC membranes provided lower permeation rates to those obtained with amino acids ester salts of ibuprofen. This release profile together with the ease of application and the simple preparation and assembly of the drug-loaded membranes indicates the enormous potentialities of using BC membranes for transdermal application of ibuprofen in the form of amino acid ester salts.     

Polymerization at the gas/solution interface: Preparation of polymer microstructures with gas bubbles as templates

We report on the chemical polymerization of 2‐methoxyaniline at the interface between an aqueous solution and air. The polymer is formed in the interfacial region, whereas the soluble trimer is yielded in the bulk of the polymerization solution. The preferential polymerization of 2‐methoxyaniline is discussed in terms of monomer and oligomer accumulation at the interface, which influences the reactivity of these species and allows further polymerization. The phenomenon of polymer growth is employed to selectively deposit polymeric material onto glass slides decorated with gas microbubbles. Because of preferential polymerization at the bubble/solution interface, hemispherical features are produced on the surface of glass. When some polymeric material is mechanically removed, microrings or microholes are obtained. The anomalous polymerization of 2‐methoxyaniline is compared to that of 2‐methylaniline. This monomer polymerizes uniformly within the entire volume of the reaction mixture; thus, no preferential polymer formation at the gas/solution interface is observed. As a result, deposition on microbubble‐decorated glass slides produces polymeric films containing a number of microholes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

The Ductility and Shape-Memory Properties of Ni–Mn–Ga–Cu Heusler Alloys

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A - The effect of Cu addition on crystal structure, compressive properties and shape-memory effect of Ni50Mn25Ga25−xCux alloys was studied. With...     

Designing for human use: Examples of kitchen interiors for persons with disability and elderly people

Around 15% of the global population has a moderate or severe disability. For this reason, a design where the needs of elderly and disabled population are included, should become more common practise and should not be limited only to medical and rehabilitation products. In this study, the inclusive design practices related to the kitchens were applied. All the important stages in a design process, such as market research, planning, concept designing, detailed designing, research (ergonomic assessment), and production preparation were completed. In market research we market research examined the preferences of 216 respondents. Sixty percent of them were either elderly and/or disabled persons (direct users), 40% were caretakers, physiotherapists, and managers of care centres (indirect users). Implementation of obtained results is three kitchen lines with assistive technology solutions, which are the response to the requirements identified as appropriate in meeting the needs of the elderly and disabled kitchen users. The main conclusion of the article is the statement that the needs of seniors can and should be efficiently included in a design process of home interiors. It can be recognised as an important “social” designing criterion which can constitute a good basis for going beyond the traditional design and going toward the sustainable design.     

Einfluß der Erwärmung von Rotbuche in Wasser auf das rheologische Verhalten bei zyklischer Belastung quer zur Faser

Ohne Zusammenfassung

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The effect of the heating of beechwood in water on its rheological behaviour during cyclic loading perpendicular to grain

     

The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Intra-Articular Microenvironment in Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) represents a clinical challenge due to poor potential for spontaneous healing of cartilage lesions. Several treatment options are available for KOA, including oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, braces, activity modification, and finally operative treatment. Intra-articular (IA) injections are usually used when the non-operative treatment is not effective, and when the surgery is not yet indicated. More and more studies suggesting that IA injections are as or even more efficient and safe than NSAIDs. Recently, research to improve intra-articular homeostasis has focused on biologic adjuncts, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The catabolic and inflammatory intra-articular processes that exists in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) may be influenced by the administration of PRP and its derivatives. PRP can induce a regenerative response and lead to the improvement of metabolic functions of damaged structures. However, the positive effect on chondrogenesis and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is still highly controversial. Recommendations from in vitro and animal research often lead to different clinical outcomes because it is difficult to translate non-clinical study outcomes and methodology recommendations to human clinical treatment protocols. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanism of PRP action. In this review, we will discuss mechanisms related to inflammation and chondrogenesis in cartilage repair and regenerative processes after PRP administration in in vitro and animal studies. Furthermore, we review clinical trials of PRP efficiency in changing the OA biomarkers in knee joint.