Simple measurements for prediction of drug release from polymer matrices - Solubility parameters and intrinsic viscosity.

PURPOSE: This study describes how protein release from polymer matrices correlate with simple measurements on the intrinsic viscosity of the polymer solutions used for casting the matrices and calculations of the solubility parameters of polymers and solvents used. METHOD: Matrices of poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) were cast with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model drug using different solvents (acetone, dichloromethane, ethanol and water). The amount of released protein from the different matrices was correlated with the Hildebrand and Hansen solubility parameters of the solvents, and the intrinsic viscosity of the polymer solutions. Matrix microstructure was investigated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM). Polycaprolactone (PCL) matrices were used in a similar way to support the results for PLGA matrices. RESULTS: The maximum amount of BSA released and the release profile from PLGA matrices varied depending on the solvent used for casting. The maximum amount of released BSA decreased with higher intrinsic viscosity, and increased with solubility parameter difference between the solvent and polymer used. The solvent used also had an effect on the matrix microstructure as determined by TEM and SEM. Similar results were obtained for the PCL polymer systems. CONCLUSIONS: The smaller the difference in the solubility parameter between the polymer and the solvent used for casting a polymer matrix, the lower will be the maximum protein release. This is because of the presence of smaller pore sizes in the cast matrix if a solvent with a solubility parameter close to the one of the polymer is used. Likewise, the intrinsic viscosity of the polymer solution increases as solubility parameter differences decrease, thus, simple measurements of intrinsic viscosity and solubility parameter difference, allow the prediction of protein release profiles.

Nanobiotechnological approaches to delivery of DNA vaccine against fungal infection.

Vaccines play an essential role in keeping humans healthy. Innovative approaches to their use include the utilization of plasmid DNA encoding sequences to express foreign antigens. DNAhsp65 from Mycobacterium leprae is suitable for this purpose due to its ability to elicit a powerful immune response. Controlled release systems represent a promising approach to delivering vaccines. In this work, we used liposomes or PLGA systems to deliver DNAhsp65 to treat the pulmonary fungal infection Paracoccidioidomycosis. Both formulations modulated a protective immune response and reduced the pulmonary fungal burden even in the groups receiving less than four times the amount of the DNAhps65 entrapped within the nanoparticles. Although both systems had the same effective therapeutic results, the advantage of the liposome formulation was that it was administered intranasally, which may be more easily accepted by patients. These systems are a great alternative to be considered as adjuvant vaccine therapy for systemic mycosis.

A subunit vaccine based on biodegradable microspheres carrying rHsp65 protein and KLK protects BALB/c mice against tuberculosis infection.

Of the hundreds of new tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidates, some have therapeutic value in addition to their prophylactic properties. This is the case for the DNA vaccine encoding heat-shock protein 65 (DNAhsp65) from Mycobacterium leprae. However, there are concerns about the use of DNA vaccines in certain populations such as newborns and pregnant women. Thus, the optimization of vaccination strategies that circumvent this limitation is a priority. This study evaluated the efficacy of a single dose subunit vaccine based on recombinant Hsp65 protein against infection with M. tuberculosis H37Rv. The Hsp65 protein in this study was either associated or not with immunostimulants, and was encapsulated in biodegradable PLGA microspheres. Our results demonstrate that the protein was entrapped in microspheres of adequate diameter to be engulfed by phagocytes. Mice vaccinated with a single dose of Hsp65-microspheres or Hsp65+CpG-microspheres developed both humoral and cellular-specific immune responses. However, they did not protect mice against challenge with M. tuberculosis. By contrast, Hsp65+KLK-microspheres induced specific immune responses that reduced bacilli loads and minimized lung parenchyma damage. These data suggest that a subunit vaccine based on recombinant protein Hsp65 is feasible.

Structure formation and characterization of injectable drug loaded biodegradable devices: in situ implants versus in situ microparticles.

The objective of the study was to investigate key formulation variables affecting the release of bupivacaine hydrochloride, a local anesthetic, from different in situ forming biodegradable drug delivery devices. The formulations included ISM systems [in situ microparticles, a poly(lactide)-solvent phase dispersed into an external oil phase] and poly(lactide) solutions (in situ implant systems). The solubility of the biodegradable polymer poly(d,l-lactide) (PLA) in various organic solvents was determined using the Hansen multicomponent solubility parameter concept. The solvent release from ISM and polymer solutions into phosphate buffer which influences the polymer precipitation rate was investigated as a function of the type of solvent, polymer concentration and polymer:oil phase ratio by using a HPLC assay. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed in order to relate the drug release to the surface properties of the precipitated implants or microparticles. Suitable solvents for the preparation of the in situ forming drug delivery systems, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and 2-pyrrolidone were found using the Hansen multicomponent solubility parameter concept. The injection of the polymer solutions (in situ implants) into the aqueous medium led to a rapid solvent/non-solvent exchange. The resulting in situ implants were porous, thus explaining the rapid initial drug release. Upon contact with the release medium, the internal polymer phase of the ISM system solidified and formed microparticles as shown by SEM measurements. Due to the presence of an external oil phase the solvent release into the buffer medium from ISM was significantly slower compared to the polymer solutions. The solvent release of the ISM systems into the phosphate buffer decreased with increasing polymer concentration and decreasing polymer:oil phase ratio. The type of solvent used also affected the solvent release. A slower solvent release into the aqueous medium resulted in less porous microparticles, thus explaining the reduced initial drug release from ISM systems compared to the polymer solutions.

Bioavailability and chemotherapeutic activity of clofazimine against Mycobacterium avium complex infections in beige mice following a single implant of a biodegradable polymer.

We have studied the bioavailability of clofazimine following administration of a single dose of the drug in the biodegradable polymer polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA). We compared the levels of clofazimine achieved in the liver with single implants with those obtained with daily oral treatment. Even though the levels achieved with implants were much lower than those obtained after daily oral treatment, they were higher than the MIC of clofazimine for Mycobacterium leprae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Experimental studies in beige mice after infection with MAC strain 101 showed similar reductions in cfu counts, after both single dose polymer and daily oral treatment. Macroscopically, hyperpigmentation giving an orange-yellow colour to all visceral organs, was seen in animals after daily oral treatment but not in those animals that received polymer implants.

Fracture fixation with biodegradable rods. Forty-one cases of severe ankle fractures.

In a prospective study of 41 patients, severe ankle fractures of Lauge-Hansen types SE III-IV, PA III, and PE III-IV were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using biodegradable self-reinforced polyglycolide cylinder-shaped rods. Disruption of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis and/or fracture of the posterior tibial margin requiring reduction and fixation were the inclusion criteria for the study. The mean follow-up time after operation was 16 (12-32) months. Two failures of fixation necessitated reoperation. A secondary displacement of 1-2 mm of the lateral malleolus occurred in 3 cases. Transient accumulation of soluble polyglycolide mass complicated the course in 3 cases, but did not influence the radiographic or the functional result. Function became good in 30 patients. The advantage of the biodegradable implants is that they do not need to be removed at secondary operations.

[Mechanism of action of the inhibition of pyridine-nucleotide-dependent flavine enzymes using the systemic fungicide Dexon]. / Zum Wirkungsmechanismus der Hemmung von pyridinnukleotidabhängigen Flavinenzymen durch das Systemfungizid Dexon.

The actions of Dexon on the NADH-ferricyanide oxidoreductase and the NADPH oxidase system of electron transfer particles (ETP) from beef heart as well as on the NADPH-cytochrome c oxidoreductase from brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces carlsbergensis Hansen) were investigated. The inhibition of the NADH dehydrogenase activity of ETP and that of the yeast enzyme correspond with respect to the following characteristics: 1) increase in the inhibition, 2) enhancement of the Dexon sensitivity by one order of magnitude after preincubation in the presence of NAD(P)H, 3) irreversibility of the inhibition, 4) no detectable changes in the spectral properties and in coenzyme activity of FMN after acid extraction from Dexon-treated enzyme. The inhibition of the NADH dehydrogenase activity of ETP is diminished by both NAD+ and FMN. However, no interaction of Dexon with NAD(P)H or FMN could be detected in the absence of enzyme or apoenzyme. The concentration of half-inhibition by Dexon for the yeast enzyme corresponds with its FMN concentration. It is proposed that both apoenzyme, NAD(P)H and FMN are involved in the interaction with Dexon. Possible mechanisms of binding are both complanar complexations of the ring systems and a triazene formation between FMNH2 and Dexon. The NADPH oxidase activity of the ETP is partly inhibited; the share inhibited by Dexon may represent the pathway via the transhydrogenase reaction.