Nanostructured lipid carriers enhances the safety profile of tretinoin: in vitro and healthy human volunteers' studies.

Aim: To enhance the tretinoin (TRE) safety profile through the encapsulation in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC). Materials & methods: NLC-TRE was developed using a 23 experimental factorial design, characterized (HPLC, dynamic light scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, x-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, cryo-transmission electron microscopy) and evaluated by in vitro studies and in healthy volunteers. Results: The NLC-TRE presented spherical structures, average particle size of 130 nm, zeta potential of 24 mV and encapsulation efficiency of 98%. The NLC-TRE protected TRE against oxidation (p < 0.0001) and promoted epidermal targeting (p < 0.0001) compared with the marketed product, both 0.05% TRE. The in vitro assay on reconstructed human epidermis and the measurement of transepidermal water loss in healthy volunteers demonstrated an enhanced safety profile in comparison to the marketed product (p < 0.0002). Conclusion: The NLC-TRE enhances the epidermal targeting and safety profile of TRE, representing a potential safer alternative for the topical treatment of skin disorders using TRE.

Ion Pair Strategy in Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: a Targeted Approach to Improve Epidermal Targeting with Controlled Adapalene Release, Resulting Reduced Skin Irritation.

PURPOSE: Adapalene (AD) is one of the main retinoids used in the topical therapy of acne, an extremely common skin disease usually associated with psychological morbidity. However, like other retinoids, AD is frequently associated with skin irritation. To overcome the skin irritation, we proposed the encapsulation of AD in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) using the ion pair strategy. METHODS: The developed SLN-AD was characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. In vitro permeation tests using porcine skin and in vivo mice skin irritation test were performed to evaluate, respectively, the drug's skin distribution and the skin irritation. RESULTS: The characterization studies were able to demonstrate that the proposed strategy effectively provided high AD encapsulation in SLNs and its incorporation into a hydrophilic gel. Sustained release, epidermal targeting, and less skin irritation were observed for SLN-AD gel in comparison to the marketed AD gel. CONCLUSIONS: The studies demonstrated that the encapsulation of AD in SLNs through the formation of an ion pair is a valuable alternative to diminish the adverse skin reactions caused by AD and can optimize patient adherence to treatment.

Multi-drug hybrid delivery systems with distinct release profiles based on gelatin/collagen containing vesicles derived from block copolymers.

Hybrid delivery systems can release multiple drugs with different profiles and have several applications, including skin dressing. In this work, the co-solvent technique was used for the preparation of nanometric vesicles based on poly(styrene-b-ethylene oxide) block copolymer (BCPVs) containing adapalene (AD). The BCPVs were incorporated into collagen and gelatin matrices together with free AD and silver sulfadiazine (SSD). The AD content of BCPVs and their release capacity were analyzed by using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The gelatin and collagen matrices were evaluated for their ability to release AD and SSD through an in vitro release study. The obtained results confirmed that the production of empty and AD-loaded BCPVs was viable. The degree of AD encapsulation in BCPVs was 9.0% and the in vitro test revealed a constant, slow, and prolonged release of AD content from AD-loaded BCPVs. The combination of free and encapsulated multiple drugs in hybrid delivery systems based on gelatin and collagen matrices was shown to act as a skin dressing that combined the progressive release of large amounts of drugs within the first hours of use (to restrict infection) with a more prolonged and slow release of AD to enhance skin healing.

Polyurethane foams containing residues of petroleum industry catalysts as recoverable pH-sensitive sorbents for aqueous pesticides.

To investigate ways of mitigating the contamination of water with herbicides, which is a well-recognized global problem, we prepared natural resource-based polyurethane foams containing different amounts of petroleum industry catalyst residue (RC) and tested them as atrazine (ATZ, a common herbicide) sorbents in aqueous solutions. The above sorbents were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy, microtomography, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The adsorption/desorption of ATZ thereon was investigated as a function of foam composition, pH, initial ATZ concentration, and time. The obtained results showed that the porosity, pore size, and pore interconnectivity of the prepared sorbents were well suited for optimal ATZ removal. At pH 2, foams with high RC contents achieved higher ATZ removal efficiencies (e.g., 25%) than the pristine foam (12%). Conversely, ATZ removal was disfavored at high pH, which was attributed to restricted ATZ-sorbent interactions due to changes in the sorbent surface charge. The presence of other species (such as pectin, which is usually found in fruits) did not interfere with ATZ removal. ATZ desorption was most effective at high pH, enabling the regeneration and re-use of sorbents and thus reducing large-scale application costs.

Evaluation of the effect of reprocessing on the structure and properties of low density polyethylene/thermoplastic starch blends.

The great quantity of synthetic plastic discarded inappropriately in the environment is forcing the search for materials that can be reprocessable and biodegradable. Blends between synthetic polymers and natural and biodegradable polymers can be good candidates of such novel materials because they can combine processability with biodegradation and the use of renewable raw materials. However, traditional polymers usually present high levels of recyclability and use the well-established recycling infrastructure that can eventually be affected by the introduction of systems containing natural polymers. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the effect of reprocessing (simulated here by multiple extrusions) on the structure and properties of a low density polyethylene/thermoplastic starch (LDPE/TPS) blend compared to LDPE. The results indicated that multiple extrusion steps led to a reduction in the average size of the starch-rich phases of LDPE/TPS blends and minor changes in the mechanical and rheological properties of the materials. Such results suggest that the LDPE/TPS blend presents similar reprocessability to the LDPE for the experimental conditions used.

Differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells seeded on mineralized electrospun co-axial poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/gelatin nanofibers.

Mineralized poly(ε-caprolactone)/gelatin core-shell nanofibers were prepared via co-axial electrospinning and subsequent incubation in biomimetic simulated body fluid containing ten times the calcium and phosphate ion concentrations found in human blood plasma. The deposition of calcium phosphate on the nanofiber surfaces was investigated through scanning electronic microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Energy dispersive spectroscopy results indicated that calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite had grown on the fibers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis suggested the presence of hydroxyl-carbonate-apatite. The results of a viability assay (MTT) and alkaline phosphatase activity analysis suggested that these mineralized matrices promote osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) when cultured in an osteogenic medium and have the potential to be used as a scaffold in bone tissue engineering. hASCs cultured in the presence of nanofibers in endothelial differentiation medium showed lower rates of proliferation than cells cultured without the nanofibers. However, endothelial cell markers were detected in cells cultured in the presence of nanofibers in endothelial differentiation medium.

Thermal welding of biological tissues derived from porcine aorta for manufacturing bioprosthetic cardiac valves.

Sutures in cardiac valve bioprostheses have several disadvantages as they have to be manually processed and the suturing region is always a mechanically weak spot. Thermal welding of biological tissues has been evaluated as a means of replacing sutures by the direct application of heat to tissues. The mechanical strength of the welds increased up to 50°C and with lower degrees of humidity and longer times of welding. Chemical fixation was essential for the stability of the weld during re-hydration. The average mechanical strength of the welds (0.87 MPa) was lower than the strength of sutures (1.36 MPa) but some results showed strengths that were similar to sutures. Raman and electron micrographs showed that weld formation is primarily associated with chemical bonds between collagen fibers rather than chain flow and interpenetration.

Polyurethanes as supports for human retinal pigment epithelium cell growth.

PURPOSE: The transplant of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells on supports may well be an effective therapeutic approach to improve the visual results of patients with age-related macular degeneration. In this study, two biodegradable polyurethanes were investigated as supports for human RPE cells (ARPE-19). METHODS: Polyurethane aqueous dispersions based on poly(caprolactone) and/or poly(ethylene glycol) as soft segments, and isophorone diisocyanate and hydrazine as hard segments were prepared. Polyurethane films were produced by casting the dispersions and allowing them to dry at room temperature for one week. The ARPE-19 cells were seeded onto the polyurethane films and they were investigated as supports for in vitro adhesion, proliferation, and uniform distribution of differentiated ARPE-19 cells. Additionally, the in vivo ocular biocompatibility of the polyurethane films was evaluated. RESULTS: The RPE adhered to and proliferated onto the polyurethane supports, thus establishing cell-PUD surface interactions. Upon confluence, the cells formed an organized monolayer, exhibited a polygonal appearance, and displayed actin filaments which ran along the upper cytoplasm. At 15 days of seeding, the occluding expression was confirmed between adjacent cells, representing the barrier functionality of epithelial cells on polymeric surfaces and the establishment of cell-cell interactions. Results from the in vivo study indicated that polyurethanes exhibited a high degree of short-term intraocular biocompatibility. CONCLUSIONS: Biodegradable polyurethane films display the proper mechanical properties for an easy transscleral-driven subretinal implantation and can be considered as biocompatible supports for a functional ARPE-19 monolayer.

Local drug delivery system: inhibition of inflammatory angiogenesis in a murine sponge model by dexamethasone-loaded polyurethane implants.

Implants are defined as controlled sustained release delivery systems of therapeutic agents incorporated or dispersed into a polymeric carrier. These systems can be implanted in specific organs and delivered by the therapeutic agents at the target site to treat various pathological processes. In the present study, the effects of dexamethasone-loaded polyurethane implants [PU ACT (dexamethasone acetate) implants] on inflammatory angiogenesis in a murine sponge model were investigated. PU ACT implants were inserted into nonbiocompatible sponges, used as a framework for fibrovascular tissue growth, and implanted into subcutaneous tissue located on the back of mice. After 7 days of implantation, the implant system was collected and processed for the assessment of hemoglobin (Hb; vascular index), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG; inflammatory enzymes activities) and collagen content. ACT released from the polymeric implants provided a significant decrease in the neovascularization in the sponge (Hb content). PU ACT implants provided no effects on neutrophil infiltration (MPO activity) but macrophage recruitment was affected by the glucocorticoid delivered by implants (NAG activity). ACT released from implants was able to reduce the collagen deposition. The qualitative histological findings corroborated with the measured biochemical parameters. These local drug delivery systems derived from polyurethane efficiently modulated the key components of inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis induced by sponge discs in an experimental animal model.

Shape-memory anchoring system for bladder sensors.

In this work, we propose the use of shape-memory polymer as an anchoring system for a bladder sensor. The anchoring system was designed from a biomedical biodegradable water-based poly(ester-urethane) produced in an aqueous environment by using isophorone diisocyanate/hydrazine (hard segment) and poly(caprolactone diol)/2,2-bis (hydroxymethyl) propionic acid (soft segment) as the main reagents. Tensile strength and elongation-at-break deterioration upon degradation in synthetic urine were investigated. In-body shape recovery was simulated and measured in synthetic urine. Results indicated that shape recovery can occur at body temperature and expulsion of the sensor by the body along with urine may occur through the combined effect of urine hydrolytic attack and compression exerted by the bladder walls.

Photopolymerizable and injectable polyurethanes for biomedical applications: synthesis and biocompatibility.

Two types of photopolymerizable and injectable polyurethane acrylates (PUAs), based on poly(propylene glycol) or poly(caprolactone diol) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate, were synthesized and characterized in order to obtain information regarding their use as an injectable material for biomedical applications. Structural characteristics of the biomaterials, including the degree of phase separation, were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The viscosities of the obtained biomaterials make them suitable for injection, molding and photopolymerization using visible light, as demonstrated by the injection test. The cured polymers had mechanical properties comparable to those of certain soft tissues, such as skin. An in vitro cell-polyurethane cytotoxicity study was carried out with mesenchymal stem cells from rat tibias and femurs. The proliferation/viability of the cells in the presence of the synthesized material was assessed by the MTT assay, collagen synthesis analysis and the expression of alkaline phosphatase. The results that were obtained through the in vitro tests indicated that PUAs are cytocompatible. The in vivo experiments were correlated with the in vitro tests and showed low levels of toxicity for the obtained biomaterials. Histology cross-sections showed that the biomaterials induced no significant inflammatory reaction. Our study demonstrates the potential for using synthesized photocurable polyurethanes in biomedical applications. Furthermore, the obtained injectable polymer systems employ minimally invasive procedures and can be molded in situ before photopolymerization with visible light.

Formation of ion pairing as an alternative to improve encapsulation and stability and to reduce skin irritation of retinoic acid loaded in solid lipid nanoparticles.

This work aims to investigate the influence of the formation of ion pairing between all-trans retinoic acid (RA) and a lipophilic amine (stearylamine; STE) on the drug encapsulation efficiency (EE) and stability of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). The SLNs were characterized for EE and size. The EE and particle size were significantly improved and reduced, respectively, when the surfactant or co-surfactant concentration increased. However, while the formulation without STE allowed only 13% of RA encapsulation, the EE for RA-STE-loaded SLNs was 94%. The stability studies showed a significant decrease in EE for the SLNs without STE, while, for SLNs loaded with RA and STE, the EE remained constant after 360 days. The interactions among ion pairing components and the lipid matrix were investigated through small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The SAXS analysis revealed the presence of RA in the crystalline form in SLNs without ion pairing, while crystalline RA was not observed in SLNs loaded with RA/amine. Skin irritation studies showed that the SLNs loaded with the ion pairing were significantly less irritating when compared to the marketed RA-cream. This novel SLN formulation represents a promising alternative for topical treatment of acne with RA.

Synthesis, neutralization and blocking procedures of organic/inorganic hybrid scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.

Bioactive glasses (BaG) can bind to human bone tissues and have been used in many biomedical applications for the last 30 years. However they usually are weak and brittle. On the other hand, composites that combine polymers and BaG are of particular interest, since they often show an excellent balance between stiffness and toughness. Bioactive glass-poly(vinyl alcohol) foams to be used in tissue engineering applications were previously developed by our group, using the sol-gel route. Since bioactive glass-polymer composite derived from the sol-gel process cannot be submitted to thermal treatments at high temperatures (above 400 degrees C), they usually have unreacted species that can cause cytotoxicity. This work reports a technique for stabilizing the sol-gel derived bioactive glass/poly(vinyl alcohol) hybrids by using glutaraldehyde (GA), NH(4)OH solutions and a blocking solution containing bovine serum albumin. PVA/BaG/GA hybrids were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM/EDX) analyses. Moreover, MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) biocompatibility and cytotoxicity assays were also conducted. The hybrids exhibited pore size varying from 80 to 820 mum. After treatments, no major changes in the pore structure were observed and high levels of cell viability were obtained.

Effect of the macromolecular architecture of biodegradable polyurethanes on the controlled delivery of ocular drugs.

Controlled delivery of drugs is a major issue in the treatment of ocular diseases, such as in the treatment of uveitis. In this study, dexamethasone acetate, an important type of corticoid used in the treatment of some uveitis, was incorporated into biodegradable polyurethanes (PU) having different macromolecular architectures. The biodegradable polyurethanes were obtained by preparing PU aqueous dispersions having poly(caprolactone) and/or poly(ethylene glycol) as soft segments. The drug was incorporated into the polymer by dissolving it in the PU aqueous dispersion. FTIR results showed the presence of the drug in the polymer with its original chemical structure. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) results were explored to show that the incorporation of dexamethasone acetate led to the modification of the nanostructure of the polyurethane having only poly(caprolactone) as the soft segment, while the drug did not change significantly the microphase separated structure of PU having both poly(caprolactone) and poly(ethylene glycol) as soft segments. The evaluation of the release of the drug in vitro demonstrated that the obtained biodegradable polyurethanes were well succeeded in delivering dexamethasone acetate at an almost constant rate for 53 weeks. The presence of poly(ethylene glycol) together with poly(caprolactone) as soft segment in biodegradable PU was able to increase the rate of dexamethasone acetate release when compared to the rate of drug release from PU having only poly(caprolactone).

Development of a new solid lipid nanoparticle formulation containing retinoic acid for topical treatment of acne.

The development of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) containing all-trans retinoic acid (RA) is an interesting approach to topical treatment of acne. SLN has potential for controlled release and follicular penetration, which can reduce adverse effects in comparison with conventional formulations. However, the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of RA in SLN is usually low, unless a high surfactant/lipid ratio is used. The aim of this work was to develop SLN with high EE using a low surfactant/lipid ratio. Different formulations of RA-loaded SLN were prepared using glyceryl behenate as lipid matrix. The particle size, EE, zeta potential and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were investigated. High EE in SLN was obtained with addition of amines. These results indicate that the utilization of amines is an interesting approach to improve the EE of RA in SLN using a low surfactant/lipid ratio.