Controlled Release of Linalool Using Nanofibrous Membranes of Poly(lactic acid) Obtained by Electrospinning and Solution Blow Spinning: A Comparative Study.

The controlled-release of natural plant oils such as linalool is of interest in therapeutics, cosmetics, and antimicrobial and larvicidal products. The present study reports the release characteristics of linalool encapsulated at three concentrations (10, 15 and 20 wt.%) in poly(lactic acid) nanofibrous membranes produced by electrospinning and solution blow spinning (SBS) as well as the effect of linalool on fiber morphology and structural properties. PLA nanofibrous membranes were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and contact angle measurements. The average diameters of the electrospun and solution blow spun nanofibers were similar, ranging from 176 to 240 nm. Linalool behaved as a plasticizer to PLA decreasing the glass transition temperature (Tg), melting point (Tm) and crystallization temperature (TC) of PLA. Curves of the release of linalool at 35 °C were non-linear, showing a clear biphasic pattern consistent with one or more Fickian release components. The time required to release 50% of linalool (t1/2) decreased with increasing linalool concentration. The range in t1/2 values for SBS nanofibers was higher (291-1645s) than the t1/2 values for electrospun fibers (76-575s).

Modeling maternal fetal RSV F vaccine induced antibody transfer in guinea pigs.

BACKGROUND: Protection of newborns and young infants against RSV disease via maternal immunization mediated by transplacental transfer of antibodies is under evaluation in third-trimester pregnant women with the RSV recombinant F nanoparticle vaccine (RSV F vaccine). Since the hemichorial placental architecture in guinea pigs and humans is similar, the guinea pig model was employed to assess RSV F vaccine immunogenicity in pregnant sows and to compare RSV-specific maternal antibody levels in their pups. METHODS: Thirty (30) presumptive pregnant guinea pigs were immunized on gestational day 25 and 46 with placebo (PBS), 30µg RSV F, or 30µg RSV F+400µg aluminum phosphate. Sera at delivery/birth (sows/pups) and 15 and 30 days post-partum (pups) were analyzed for the presence of anti-F IgG, palivizumab-competitive antibody (PCA) and RSV/A microneutralization (MN). RESULTS: The rates of pregnancy and stillbirth were similar between controls and vaccinees. The vaccine induced high levels of anti-F IgG, PCA and MN in sows, with the highest levels observed in adjuvanted vaccinees. Placental transfer to pups was proportional to the maternal antibody levels, with concentration effects observed for all immune measures. CONCLUSIONS: The RSV F vaccine was safe and immunogenic in pregnant guinea pigs and supported robust transplacental antibody transfer to their pups. Relative concentration of antibodies in the pups was observed even in the presence of high levels of maternal antibody. Guinea pigs may be an important safety and immunogenicity model for preclinical assessment of candidate vaccines for maternal immunization.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of solution blow spun poly(lactic acid)/polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofibers loaded with Copaiba (Copaifera sp.) oil.

In this study poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) micro- and nanofiber mats loaded with Copaiba (Copaifera sp.) oil were produced by solution blow spinning (SBS). The Copaiba (Copaifera sp.) oil was characterized by gas chromatography (GC). Neat PLA and four PLA/PVP blends containing 20% (wt.%) oil were spun and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by studying the surface contact angle, in vitro release rate, and antimicrobial activity. All compositions evaluated were able to produce continuous and smooth fibers by SBS. The addition of PVP increased fiber diameter, and decreased the surface contact angle. GC analysis demonstrated that the main component of the Copaiba oil was ß-caryophyllene, a known antimicrobial agent. In vitro release tests of Copaiba oil volatiles demonstrated a higher release rate in fibers containing PVP. Fiber mats made from blends containing higher amounts of PVP had greater antimicrobial action against Staphylococcus aureus. The results confirm the potential of the fiber mats for use in controlled drug release and could lead to promising applications in the biomedical field.

Safety and immunogenicity of a Sf9 insect cell-derived respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein nanoparticle vaccine.

OBJECTIVE: We performed a Phase 1 randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion (F) protein nanoparticle vaccine. METHODS: Six formulations with (5, 15, 30 and 60 µg) and without (30 and 60 µg) aluminum phosphate (AdjuPhos) were administered intramuscularly on day 0 and 30 in a dose escalating fashion to healthy adults 18-49 years of age. Solicited and unsolicited events were collected through day 210. Immunogenicity measures taken at day 0, 30 and 60 included RSV A and B microneutralization, anti-F IgG, antigenic site II peptide and palivizumab competitive antibodies. RESULTS: The vaccine was well-tolerated, with no evident dose-related toxicity or attributable SAEs. At day 60 both RSV A and B microneutralization was significantly increased in vaccinees versus placebo. Across all vaccinees there was a 7- to 19-fold increase in the anti-F IgG and a 7- to 24-fold increase in the antigenic site II binding and palivizumab competitive antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: The RSV F nanoparticle vaccine candidate was well tolerated without dose-related increases in adverse events. Measures of immunity indicate that neutralization, anti-RSV F IgG titers and palivizumab competing antibodies were induced at levels that have been associated with decreased risk of hospitalization. NCT01290419.

Encapsulation of plant oils in porous starch microspheres.

Natural plant products such as essential oils have gained interest for use in pest control in place of synthetic pesticides because of their low environmental impact. Essential oils can be effective in controlling parasitic mites that infest honeybee colonies, but effective encapsulants are needed to provide a sustained and targeted delivery that minimizes the amount of active ingredient used. The present study reports the encapsulation of essential oils in porous microspheres that are within the size range of pollen grains and can be easily dispersed. The microspheres were made by pumping an 8% aqueous high-amylose starch gelatinous melt through an atomizing nozzle. The atomized starch droplets were air-classified into two fractions and collected in ethanol. The size range for each fraction was measured using a particle size analyzer. The mean particle size for the largest fraction was approximately 100 microm with a range from 5 microm to over 300 microm. Part of the reason for the large particle size was attributed to the merging of smaller particles that impinged upon each other before they solidified. The smaller fraction of spheres had a mean particle size of approximately 5 microm. The starch-based porous microspheres were loaded with 16.7% (w/w) essential oils including thymol (5-methyl-2-isopropylphenol), clove, origanum, and camphor white oil. The essential oils appeared to be largely sequestered within the pore structure, since the spheres remained a free-flowing powder and exhibited little if any agglomeration in spite of the high loading rate. Furthermore, SEM micrographs verified that the pore structure was stable, as evidenced by the persistence of pores in spheres that had first been loaded with essential oils and then had the oil removed by solvent extraction. Thermal gravimetric analyses were consistent with a loading rate at predicted levels.