Formation of ordered microporous films with water as templates from poly(D,L‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) solution

Recently a method that uses water droplets at the air–solution interface as an ordered template was reported for the preparation of ordered micrometer‐size honeycomb structures. Here we show that the method can also be used for formation of honeycomb‐like porous films from random copolymers with certain hydrophilicity, besides those polymers with defined structures such as block copolymers, starlike homopolymers, amd amphiphilic polymers. This demonstrates that the stabilization of water droplets is the key factor for the regular structure. Also we indicate that size and structure of the films can be regulated by such variables as concentration and atmospheric humidity. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 1846–1850, 2003     

Improved Controlled Release and Brain Penetration of the Small Molecule S14 Using PLGA Nanoparticles

Phosphodiesterase 7 (PDE7) is an enzyme responsible for the degradation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), an important cellular messenger. PDE7’s role in neurotransmission, expression profile in the brain and the druggability of other phosphodiesterases have motivated the search for potent inhibitors to treat neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. Different heterocyclic compounds have been described over the years; among them, phenyl-2-thioxo-(1H)-quinazolin-4-one, called S14, has shown very promising results in different in vitro and in vivo studies. Recently, polymeric nanoparticles have been used as new formulations to target specific organs and produce controlled release of certain drugs. In this work, we describe poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based polymeric nanoparticles loaded with S14. Their preparation, optimization, characterization and in vivo drug release profile are here presented as an effort to improve pharmacokinetic properties of this interesting PDE7 inhibitor.     

Evaluation of PLGA/chitosan/HA conduits for nerve tissue reconstruction

A micro-envioment for nerve cells and tissue growth were designed and constructed via surface modification of poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide)(PLGA) with chitosan and hydroxyapatite(HA). The poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide)/chitosan/hydroxyapatite (PLGA/chitosan/HA) conduits were manufactured by a combined solvent casting and particulate leaching technique. The conduits were highly porous with an interconnected pore structure and 76.5% porosity. Micropores with 50–100 micrometer diameter were formed in the conduits. In vivo application of PLGA/chitosan/HA conduits for reconstruction of 10 mm sciatic nerve defect was assessed by the walking track analysis, the quantifying of the wet weight of tibialis anterior muscle and the histological assessment. The conduits in host rats in vivo can not only be an effective in promoting regenerating of nerves but can also lead to favorable nerve functional recovery. Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.50774096)     

Modulating drug release from poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid microparticles by the addition of alginate and pectin

The aim of the present work is the characterization of PLGA microparticles including biopolymers for the controlled release of tilmicosin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Microparticles were prepared using the double-emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The effect of alginate and pectin incorporation over particle size and porosity, encapsulation efficiency (EE) and pH-responsive drug release was evaluated. Formulations presented a mean particle size of 5.5 μm approximately and a drug EE ranged from 22%–57%. PLGA-Alginate particles showed an increased porosity. Tilmicosin release profiles from PLGA and PLGA-biopolymer microparticles were affected by the particular combination of polymers and the pH of the release medium. The experimental data was simulated using a mathematical model, which takes into account the autocatalytic polymer degradation and the different mechanisms of drug transport. The combination of PLGA and biopolymers strongly influenced the morphology of the particles, offering the possibility of controlling the drug release profiles according to the therapy.     

Polymeric Nanoparticle-Based Photodynamic Therapy for Chronic Periodontitis in Vivo

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is increasingly being explored for treatment of periodontitis. Here, we investigated the effect of aPDT on human dental plaque bacteria in suspensions and biofilms in vitro using methylene blue (MB)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic) (PLGA) nanoparticles (MB-NP) and red light at 660 nm. The effect of MB-NP-based aPDT was also evaluated in a clinical pilot study with 10 adult human subjects with chronic periodontitis. Dental plaque samples from human subjects were exposed to aPDT—in planktonic and biofilm phases—with MB or MB-NP (25 µg/mL) at 20 J/cm² in vitro. Patients were treated either with ultrasonic scaling and scaling and root planing (US + SRP) or ultrasonic scaling + SRP + aPDT with MB-NP (25 µg/mL and 20 J/cm²) in a split-mouth design. In biofilms, MB-NP eliminated approximately 25% more bacteria than free MB. The clinical study demonstrated the safety of aPDT. Both groups showed similar improvements of clinical parameters one month following treatments. However, at three months ultrasonic SRP + aPDT showed a greater effect (28.82%) on gingival bleeding index (GBI) compared to ultrasonic SRP. The utilization of PLGA nanoparticles encapsulated with MB may be a promising adjunct in antimicrobial periodontal treatment.     

Electroactive phases of poly(vinylidene fluoride): Determination,processing and applications

Poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, and its copolymers are the family of polymers with the highest dielectric constant and electroactive response, including piezoelectric, pyroelectric and ferroelectric effects. The electroactive properties are increasingly important in a wide range of applications such as in biomedicine, energy generation and storage, monitoring and control, and include the development of sensors and actuators, separator and filtration membranes and smart scaffolds, among others. For many of these applications the polymer should be in one of its electroactive phases. This review presents the developments and summarizes the main characteristics of the electroactive phases of PVDF and copolymers, indicates the different processing strategies as well as the way in which the phase content is identified and quantified. Additionally, recent advances in the development of electroactive composites allowing novel effects, such as magnetoelectric responses, and opening new applications areas are presented. Finally, some of the more interesting potential applications and processing challenges are discussed.     

聚乳酸及其共聚物制备医用多孔材料的研究进展(Ⅰ)

详细介绍了20世纪80～90年代间,聚乳酸及其共聚物制备生物可降解医用多孔支架材料技术及其发展状况,并对各种方法所制备多孔支架材料的性状进行了分析和比较.     

冠脉支架表面PLGA涂层制备及其血液相容性研究

采用静电喷涂沉积(electrospray deposition ESD)法在冠脉支架表面制备了PLGA涂层.采用OLYMPUS体式显微镜、原子力显微镜(AFM)观察了涂层宏观表面形貌及三维形貌;通过对涂层支架进行球囊扩张考察了PLGA涂层与支架的结合力;通过血小板粘附实验和动态凝血时间测定研究PLGA涂层的血液相容性.结果表明:ESD法在冠脉支架表面制备PLGA涂层,支架筋拐角处无明显的聚合物胶体缠绕、粘连且涂层表面光滑;PLGA涂层将316L不锈钢基体的微坑覆盖,基体Ra=16.174nm,PLGA涂层Ra=0.149nm,涂层表面粗糙度小;涂层支架撑开后在最大塑性变形位置无涂层撕裂、翘起等缺陷,涂层与支架有良好结合力;PLGA涂层血小板粘附量少,变形小,未引起血小板激活,动态凝血时间长,直到50min未产生凝血,PLGA涂层具有较好的血液相容性.     

Orthogonal ligation to spherical polymeric microparticles: Modular approaches for surface tailoring

Modular ligation strategies for the functionalization of polymeric microspheres provide new perspectives for their applications in material science. In the current trend article we highlight variable synthetic procedures for generating functional microspheres via orthogonal modular conjugation chemistries. An overview of the different surface chemistries available is provided, followed by surface-sensitive characterization techniques relevant for the microparticles. Finally, we explore future trends in modular orthogonal modification approaches on microparticles and provide an outlook on the perspectives that the field of surface-modification of polymeric microparticles holds.     

Fabrication of PLGA Based Tissue Engineering Scaffolds via Photocuring and Salt Leaching Techniques

The authors aimed to prepare UV curable porous scaffolds via photo curing and salt leaching techniques. A poly (α -hydroxy ester) based urethane acrylate oligomer was synthesized and a photocurable acrylic based formulation was prepared. Salt particles were introduced to the formulation, which was then poured into cylindrical molds and cured under UV irradiation. Porous scaffolds were obtained after salt leaching. 3T3 cells seeded on the UV cured scaffolds and it was found that cells were well spread on the collagen modified scaffold surface. It can be concluded that the scaffolds provided an effective physical support that allows cell adhesion and proliferation.