Data on statistical experimental design to formulate amphotericin B-loaded Eudragit RL100 nanoparticles coated with hyaluronic acid for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Data described in this article are related to the research article entitled "Amphotericin B-loaded Eudragit RL100 nanoparticles coated with hyaluronic acid (AMP EUD nanoparticles/HA) for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis" [1]. In this work, we report original data on the statistical experimental design to formulate uncoated AMP EUD nanoparticles, data on the validation of spectrophotometric method to quantify the AMP released from uncoated EUD nanoparticles and coated with HA to obtain the in vitro drug release profiles as well as the drug encapsulation efficiency. In addition, we describe original data on characterization, including diameter size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, FTIR, DSC/TG, and XRD; data on diameter of in vitro inhibition halos of Candida albicans; and on the vaginal burden of infected animals treated with uncoated AMP EUD nanoparticles and AMP EUD nanoparticles/HA. Finally, different histological sections of endocervix collected from treated and untreated animals were inserted into this manuscript.

Anti-Toxoplasma activity and impact evaluation of lyophilization, hot molding process, and gamma-irradiation techniques on CLH-PLGA intravitreal implants.

Intraocular delivery systems have been developed to treat many eye diseases, especially those affecting the posterior segment of the eye. However, ocular toxoplasmosis, the leading cause of infectious posterior uveitis in the world, still lacks an effective treatment. Therefore, our group developed an intravitreal polymeric implant to release clindamycin, a potent anti-Toxoplasma antibiotic. In this work, we used different techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to investigate drug/polymer properties while manufacturing the delivery system. We showed that the lyophilization, hot molding process, and sterilization by gamma irradiation did not change drug/polymer physical-chemistry properties. The drug was found to be homogeneously dispersed into the poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) chains and the profile release was characterized by an initial burst followed by prolonged release. The drug profile release was not modified after gamma irradiation and non-covalent interaction was found between the drug and the PLGA. We also observed the preservation of the drug activity by showing the potent anti-Toxoplasma effect of the implant, after 24-72 h in contact with cells infected by the parasite, which highlights this system as an alternative to treat toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis.

Tacrolimus-loaded PLGA implants: in vivo release and ocular toxicity.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vivo release and ocular toxicity of a tacrolimus-loaded PLGA intravitreal implant. METHODS: Tacrolimus-loaded PLGA implants were inserted into the vitreous cavity of rabbits' eye. At different time points, the vitreous was retrieved and the concentration of tacrolimus released from the implants was determined. Clinical examination was performed to evaluate the implant tolerance. RESULTS: PLGA implants provided controlled and prolonged release of tacrolimus. Approximately 99.97% of the drug was released from the devices at 6 weeks. Ophthalmic examination revealed no evidence of toxic effects of implants. CONCLUSIONS: Tolerance and feasibility of the tacrolimus-loaded PLGA implants, as sustained intraocular drug delivery systems, were demonstrated.

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.