A sensitive chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay based on molecularly imprinted polymers solid-phase extraction of parathion.

The chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) method responds differently to various sample matrices because of the matrix effect. In this work, the CLEIA method was coupled with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) synthesized by precipitation polymerization to study the matrix effect. The sample recoveries ranged from 72.62% to 121.89%, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.74-18.14%.The ratio of the sample matrix-matched standard curve slope rate to the solvent standard curve slope was 1.21, 1.12, 1.17, and 0.85 for apple, rice, orange and cabbage in samples pretreated with the mixture of PSA and C18. However, the ratio of sample (apple, rice, orange, and cabbage) matrix-matched standard-MIPs curve slope rate to the solvent standard curve was 1.05, 0.92, 1.09, and 1.05 in samples pretreated with MIPs, respectively. The results demonstrated that the matrices of the samples greatly interfered with the detection of parathion residues by CLEIA. The MIPs bound specifically to the parathion in the samples and eliminated the matrix interference effect. Therefore, the CLEIA method have successfully applied MIPs in sample pretreatment to eliminate matrix interference effects and provided a new sensitive assay for agro-products.

Quantification of DOX bioavailability in biological samples of mice by sensitive and precise HPLC assay.

CONTEXT: Doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded folate-targeted poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyoctanoate) [P(HB-HO)] nanoparticles [DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs] were prepared by the W1/O/W2 solvent extraction/evaporation method for applications in cancer treatment. However, the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and targeting of the nanoparticles (NPs) have not yet been studied. OBJECTIVE: The biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and targeting of DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs were evaluated in female BALB/c nude mice bearing HeLa tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three DOX formulations were injected into the tail vein of the mice at a dosage of 5 mg/kg. At each time point, blood and various tissues were collected. All samples were then processed and analyzed by a validated high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. RESULTS: The t1/2 values of DOX/P(HB-HO) NPs and DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs were 2.7- and 3.5-times higher than that of free DOX. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was found in Cmax between the NPs and free DOX. The Tmax values of the two NPs were prolonged from 0.25 to 1 h. The AUC0-t values were 1.55- and 3.05-folds higher than that of free DOX, and MRT increased to 15.99 h for DOX/P(HB-HO) NPs and 25.14 h for DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs. For DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs, the DOX content in the tumors were 10.81- and 3.33-times higher than those for free DOX and DOX/P(HB-HO) NPs at 48 h, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs displayed reduced cardiac toxicity and improved bioavailability. Moreover, the NPs exhibited a significant extent of DOX accumulation in the tumors, thus suggesting that folate-targeted NPs could effectively transport into HeLa tumors with satisfying targeting.

Preparation and characterization of novel microparticles based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyoctanoate).

In this study, a novel poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyoctanoate) (P(HB-HO)) microparticle with an encapsulated antibiotic (azithromycin, AZI) was prepared by the electrospinning method. The resulting microparticles were evaluated for surface morphology, particle size, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro drug-release and degradation. The in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo pharmacokinetics were also studied. The sizes of microparticles showed a narrow monodisperse size distribution approximately from 3 to 30 µm. In vitro release experiments exhibited sustained release behavior. The results of in vitro degradation tests demonstrated that the mass loss of the P(HB-HO) microparticles was 9.6% and the morphology varied greatly within 24 weeks. P(HB-HO) showed no cytotoxicity to fibroblast when incubated with blank P(HB-HO) microparticles during the tests. The in vivo pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that the microparticles exhibited longer circulation properties than free AZI. It is suggested that novel AZI-loaded P(HB-HO) microparticles can be utilized as a biodegradable and biocompatible drug delivery system.

ApoE-modified liposomes mediate the antitumour effect of survivin promoter-driven HSVtk in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignant tumour with high global morbidity and mortality associated with its multiple aetiologies, poor prognosis, resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and high rate of recurrence. Here, we evaluated a gene therapy strategy that targets HCC using the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSVtk/GCV) suicide gene system in HCC cell lines and in an in vivo human HCC xenograft mouse model. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-modified liposomes were used for targeted gene delivery to the tumour tissue, and the survivin promoter was used to drive HSVtk expression in HCC cells. Our results showed that the survivin promoter was specifically activated in tumour cells, and HSVtk was expressed selectively in tumour cells. In combination with GCV treatment, HSVtk expression resulted in the inhibition of HCC cell proliferation via enhanced apoptosis. In addition, tail vein injection of ApoE-HSVtk significantly suppressed the growth of xenograft tumours through an apoptosis-dependent pathway and extended the survival time of tumour-bearing mice. In summary, this study illustrates an effective cancer-specific gene therapy strategy for HCC that can be further developed for future clinical trials.

Folate-decorated poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyoctanoate) nanoparticles for targeting delivery: optimization and in vivo antitumor activity.

CONTEXT: Doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded folate-targeted poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyoctanoate) [P(HB-HO)] nanoparticles [DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs] have potential application in clinical treatments for cervical cancer due to specific affinity of folate and folate receptor in HeLa cells. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop an optimized formulation for DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs, and investigate the targeting and efficacies of the nanoparticles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs were prepared by W1/O/W2 solvent extraction/evaporation method, and an orthogonal experimental design [L9 (3(4))] was applied to establish the optimum conditions. The physico-chemical characteristics, microscopic observation and in vivo antitumor study of the nanoparticles were evaluated. RESULTS: The optimum formulation was obtained with DOX 10% (w/v), FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) 6.5% (w/v), PVA 3%(w/v) and oil phase/internal water phase volume ratio of 3/1. The size distribution, drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of the optimized nanoparticles were 150-350 nm, 29.6 ± 2.9% and 83.5 ± 5.7%, respectively. In vitro release study demonstrated that 80% of the drug could release from the nanoparticles within 11 days. Furthermore, in vitro microscopic observation and in vivo antitumor study showed that DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs could inhibit HeLa cells effectively, and the tumor inhibition rate (TIR) in vivo was 76.91%. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs have been successfully developed and optimized. In vitro drug release study suggested a sustained release profile. Moreover, DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs could effectively inhibit HeLa cells with satisfying targeting, and reduce side effects and toxicity to normal tissues. DOX/FA-PEG-P(HB-HO) NPs were superior in terms of inhibiting HeLa tumor over non-targeted formulations therapy.

Chitin nanowhisker-supported sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) proton exchange for fuel cell applications.

To balance the relationship among proton conductivity and mechanic strength of sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) (SPES) membrane, chitin nanowhisker-supported nanocomposite membranes were prepared by incorporating whiskers into SPES. The as-prepared chitin whiskers were prepared by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO) mediated oxidation of α-chitin from crab shells. The structure and properties of the composite membranes were examined as proton exchange membrane (PEM). Results showed that chitin nanowhiskers were dispersed incompactly in the SPES matrix. Thermal stability, mechanical properties, water uptake and proton conductivity of the nanocomposite films were improved from those of the pure SPES film with increasing whisker content, which ascribed to strong interactions between whiskers and between SPES molecules and chitin whiskers via hydrogen bonding. These indicated that composition of filler and matrix got good properties and whisker-supported membranes are promising materials for PEM.

Fallopian tube occlusion with a shape memory polymer device: evaluation in a rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: The present study evaluates the feasibility of a shape memory polymer (SMP) device for fallopian tube occlusion in rabbits. STUDY DESIGN: The SMP contraceptive device is made of poly(dl-lactic acid)-based poly(urethane urea) SMP in the shape of a spiral cylinder that was 10 mm long and had a diameter of 2.6 mm. Using this device, bilateral transuterine fallopian tube occlusions were performed in 78 New Zealand white female rabbits. Forty-eight female rabbits (group 1) were chosen as the experimental group and were implanted with the SMP devices. The remaining 30 female rabbits (group 2) served as the control group, which only received an incision in the abdomen but no SMP device. Follow-up consisted of hysterosalpingography, histologic evaluation and contraceptive effect. In addition, the shape memory behavior and in vivo degradation characterization of the SMP device were observed in this study. RESULTS: Under heat (37 °C) stimulation, the temporary shape SMP device returned to its permanent shape within 60 s. The average weight loss percentage of SMP devices was 7.0% at 2 weeks and 72.5% at 12 weeks. The inflammatory reactions caused by SMP devices were aseptic and nonspecific at 2 and 12 weeks, respectively. The SMP device boundaries and the surrounding tissues were obscured by fiber hyperplasia in 11/12 tubes at 24 weeks. Hysterosalpingography showed an occluded fallopian tube of Group 1 in 6/6 rabbits at 12 weeks and 6/6 rabbits at 24 weeks. No pregnancy was found in all 18 rabbits of group 1 (contraceptive rate of 100%); all 20 rabbits in the control group were pregnant. CONCLUSION: Biodegradable and biocompatible SMP devices could provide reliable, instant and permanent tubal occlusion.