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Biomedical subjects

Corinne S Lengsfeld

Publications and source records attributed to Corinne S Lengsfeld.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Rationale for the selection of an aerosol delivery system for gene delivery.

Genetic therapeutics show great promise toward the treatment of illnesses associated with the lungs; however, current methods of delivery such as jet and ultrasonic nebulization decrease the activity and effectiveness of these treatments. Extremely low transfection rates exhibited by non-complexed plasmid DNA in these nebulizers have been primarily attributed to poor translocation and loss of molecular integrity as a consequence of shear-induced degradation. Current research focusing on methods to increase transfection rates via the pulmonary delivery route has largely concentrated on the incorporation of carbon dioxide in the air stream to increase breath depth as well as the addition of cationic agents that condense DNA into compact, ordered complexes. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of several classic as well as the latest atomization devices on the structure of non-complexed DNA. Various sizes of plasmid and cosmid DNA were processed through an electrostatic spray, ultrasonic nebulizer, vibrating mesh nebulizer, and jet nebulizer. Results varied dramatically based upon atomization device as well as DNA size. This may explain the inefficiency experienced by genetic therapeutics during pulmonary delivery. More importantly, this suggests that the selection of an atomization device should consider DNA size in order to achieve optimal gene delivery to the lungs.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Supercritical fluid crystallization of griseofulvin: crystal habit modification with a selective growth inhibitor.

Poly (sebacic anhydride) (PSA) was used as a growth inhibitor to selectively modify habit of griseofulvin crystals formed via the Precipitation with a compressed-fluid antisolvent (PCA) process. PSA and griseofulvin were coprecipitated within a PCA injector, which provided efficient mixing between the solution and compressed antisolvent process streams. Griseofulvin crystal habit was modified from acicular to bipyramidal when the mass ratio of PSA/griseofulvin in the solution feed stream was <or=1:1. The habit modification was attributed to the preferential adsorption of PSA to the fastest growing crystal face of the acicular crystal form, which inhibited growth. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the griseofulvin and PSA particles, and gave results consistent with a selective growth inhibition mechanism. SEM micrographs showed regions on griseofulvin crystals where PSA microparticles had preferentially adsorbed. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of the griseofulvin crystals indicated no changes in the crystalline form after the habit modification. Powder compressibility decreased from 49 +/- 3% to 28 +/- 7% with the modification in crystal habit. No change in the physical stability of the processed powder was observed after being stored at 25 degrees C/60% RH and 40 degrees C/70% RH for 23 days. Despite the change in crystal habit, griseofulvin crystals achieved 100% dissolution within 60 min in a simulated gastric fluid.

Anhydrides↗

Nucleation and growth rates of poly(L-lactic acid) microparticles during precipitation with a compressed-fluid antisolvent.

We measured nucleation and growth rates of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) microparticles produced during precipitation with a compressed-fluid antisolvent (PCA). The injector/precipitator used in this study satisfied the constraints and assumptions incorporated in the development of the mixed-suspension, mixed-product-removal population balance theory. A semicontinuous operation mode with batch product filtering was developed, and results from product particle size distributions allowed nucleation and growth rates to be determined through the use of population balances. Kinetic data, obtained by operating the precipitator under various degrees of supersaturation and suspension density, were used to generate a nucleation rate model for PLLA. Model results indicate a relative kinetic order of 1 and a linear dependence of the nucleation rate on the suspension density. First-order dependence of the nucleation rate on suspension density suggests secondary nucleation mechanism(s) are operative within this PCA flow system and may explain the relative insensitivity of particle size distributions to changes in PCA operating conditions.

Carbon Dioxide↗

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the effects of PLA microparticle crystallinity on cellular response.

Previous research suggests that crystallinity of poly(L-lactide) P(L)LA microparticles can influence surface free energy, which in turn might influence biocompatibility. This work studies the cellular response to P(L)LA microparticles of different crystallinity both in vitro and in vivo. Following incubation with P(L)LA microparticles, the in vitro production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) was measured as a marker of cellular response. In both fluorescence and chemiluminescence experiments to measure ROI, a small effect of microparticle crystallinity on NR8383 AM response was observed. Microparticles of higher crystallinity elicited a smaller inflammatory response compared to lower crystallinity particles. Compared to the elevated inflammatory response induced by zymosan, the response to all P(L)LA microparticles tested was practically negligible. Results from in vivo experiments further supported conclusions that P(L)LA microparticles elicit minimal inflammatory response. Following acute exposure to P(L)LA microparticles in guinea-pig lungs, the inflammatory response was not significantly different from the response observed when sterile saline was administered. In contrast to the in vitro experiments, there were not apparent differences in cellular responses to microparticles of different crystallinity.

Animals↗

Encapsulating DNA within biodegradable polymeric microparticles.

In order for genetic medicines to become viable commercial products, the active form of the drug (e.g., DNA) must be able to reach the site of action and remain there long enough to accomplish its intended function. Encapsulation of plasmid DNA into biodegradable microspheres is one approach towards solving this challenge. This review describes the primary methods for satisfactorily entrapping intact DNA into biodegradable polymeric matrices. In particular, the materials, processes, and equipment required for each encapsulation method are described in detail. The resulting microspheres could be used for parenteral, oral, and inhalation therapy.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗