Biomedical subjects

Robert Gurny

Publications and source records attributed to Robert Gurny.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles labeled with biologically active Neutravidin for active targeting.

In this study, NeutrAvidin was covalently bound to the surface of poly(DL-lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles, with the aim of attaching targeting compounds, such as proteins, to their surface. Sulfhydryl groups were first introduced on the surface of PLA nanoparticles through a carbodiimide reaction. NeutrAvidin was then bound to the thiolated nanoparticles via a bifunctional cross-linker, which offers two binding sites, one for primary amine groups and one for thiol functions. The amount of sulfhydryl groups obtained on the surface of the nanoparticles was determined. The NeutrAvidin -labeled nanoparticles were evaluated with respect to particle size, protein concentration and biotin binding capacity. The concentration of thiol functions on the surface of nanoparticles was 105 +/- 15 mmol/mol PLA. The quantification of NeutrAvidin coupled to the nanoparticles revealed that a significant amount of the protein was covalently bound to the nanoparticles. The concentration of NeutrAvidin bound to the nanoparticles could be controlled by varying the amount of protein during the coupling reaction. The maximum concentration of NeutrAvidin attached to the particles was 6 mmol per mol of PLA. The specific activity of NeutrAvidin bound to the nanoparticles was also evaluated and results revealed that the protein maintained the capacity to bind biotin. The activity of the NAR-labeled nanoparticles was lower than expected, due to the undesired aggregation of the native NeutrAvidin. Altogether, the results suggest that other proteins, such as antibodies could be coupled to the nanoparticles for active targeting. Furthermore, PLA nanoparticles bearing NeutrAvidin are interesting candidates for active targeting with biotinylated antibodies using the biotin-avidin interaction in a two step procedure.

Avidin↗

PubMed2003

Ocular biocompatibility of a poly(ortho ester) characterized by autocatalyzed degradation.

The biocompatibility of autocatalyzed poly(ortho ester) (POE(70)LA(30)), a viscous, hydrophobic, bioerodible polymer, was investigated. POE(70)LA(30) was synthesized, sterilized by gamma irradiation, and injected in rabbit eyes at adequate volumes through subconjunctival, intracameral, intravitreal, and suprachoroidal routes. Clinical examinations were performed postoperatively at regular time points for 6 mo, and histopathologic analysis was carried out to confirm tissular biocompatibility. After subconjunctival injection, the polymer was well tolerated and persisted in the subconjunctival space for about 5 weeks. In the case of intracameral injections, polymer biocompatibility was good; the POE(70)LA(30) bubble was still present in the anterior chamber for up to 6 mo after injection. No major histopathologic anomalies were detected, with the exception of a localized Descemet membrane thickening. After intravitreal administration, POE(70)LA(30) biocompatibility was excellent, and no inflammatory reaction could be detected during the observation period. The polymer was degraded in approximately 3 mo. Suprachoroidal injections of POE(70)LA(30) were reproducible and well tolerated. POE(70)LA(30) triggered a slight elevation of the retina and choroid upon clinical observation. The polymer was detectable in the suprachoroidal space for about 6 mo. No inflammatory reaction and no major retinal anomalies could be detected by histology. In conclusion, POE(70)LA(30) appears to be a promising biomaterial for intraocular application, potentially providing sustained drug delivery over an extended period of time, with a good tolerance.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Cell interaction studies of PLA-MePEG nanoparticles.

Poly(D,L-lactic acid)-methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-MePEG) copolymers were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of D,L-lactide in the presence of MePEG of different molecular weights and stannous octoate as the catalyst. The chemical composition of the diblock-copolymer PLA-MePEG was confirmed by 1H-NMR and the molecular weight and distribution were assessed by gel permeation chromatography. Nanoparticles containing Nile red as a fluorescent dye were prepared using poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PLA), blends of PLA and PLA-MePEG or PLA-MePEG alone. Incubation of nanoparticles with human blood monocytes was performed in serum or in PBS and the cell-associated fluorescence was analyzed by flow cytometry. In serum, a protective effect was obtained and the interaction of particles with mononuclear leukocytes decreased to 40%.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2003

Surface modification of poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles by covalent attachment of thiol groups by means of three methods.

The aim of the present work was to find a suitable method for the introduction of thiol functions on the surface of poly(DL-lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles. Three different approaches were investigated. The modification of the surface involves the activation of PLA carboxylic acid groups followed by the attack of a nucleophile such as cysteine (method #1) or cystamine (method #2 and #3) that provide thiol functions via an amide bond. For the conjugation with cystamine, a second reaction step is required to expose the sulfhydryl function of cystamine that is otherwise protected in a disulfide bond. 1,4-Dithio-DL-threitol (DTT) (method #2) or Tris(2-carboxyethyl)-phosphine hydrochloride (method #3) were evaluated for their ability to reduce this linkage. Method #1 allowed a maximum of 8.5+/-2.8 mmol of thiol functions per mol of PLA to be attached on the surface of the nanoparticles. Method #2 allowed the introduction of a greater number of thiol functions (up to 190+/-15 mmol per mol of PLA). However, this latter method has a major drawback: DTT interacts strongly with the nanoparticle matrix during the reduction step. Method #3 has the advantage over method #2 in that it allowed a significant number of thiol functions to be covalently bound to the particles (up to 107.6+/-0.6 mmol per mol of PLA) without the problem of undesired interaction between DTT and the nanoparticle matrix. The introduction of thiol groups onto the surface of PLA nanoparticles is possible with all three suggested methods. The method #3 provides a straight forward approach for the substitution of carboxylic acid groups with a high number of activated sulfhydryl at the surface of PLA nanoparticles.

Lactic Acid↗

PubMed2003

Enhanced photodynamic activity of meso-tetra(4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin by incorporation into sub-200 nm nanoparticles.

A photosensitizer, meso-tetra(hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin (p-THPP) was incorporated into sterile submicronic nanoparticles of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (50:50 and 75:25 PLGA) and poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA). With all polymers used, sub-130 nm p-THPP-loaded nanoparticles with similar drug loadings and entrapment efficiencies were produced using the emulsification-diffusion technique. The photodynamic activity (photocytotoxicity) of these nanoparticles was evaluated on EMT-6 mammary tumour cells in comparison with the free drug. The influence of drug concentration (3-10 microg/ml), incubation time (5-60 min) and light dose (6-9 J/cm(2)) on p-THPP photocytotoxic efficiency was investigated. With all p-THPP formulations tested, cell viability decreased with increasing values of these parameters. The beneficial effect of nanoencapsulation compared to free drug was highlighted at drug concentrations up to 6 microg/ml and short incubation times (15-30 min). The most important photocytotoxicity was observed with 50:50 PLGA nanoparticles allowing low drug doses and short drug administration-irradiation intervals for local photodynamic therapy.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Synthesis of a novel fluorescent poly(D,L-lactide) end-capped with 1-pyrenebutanol used for the preparation of nanoparticles.

A new fluorescent polymer based on D,L-lactic acid units end-capped with 1-pyrenebutanol (PLAP) was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization. PLAP having different molecular weight could be obtained by varying the ratio of D,L-lactide and 1-pyrenebutanol. Fluorescent nanoparticles (NP) were prepared using blends of poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PLA) and the new PLAP of 6 kDa by the salting-out process. Incubation of these nanoparticles with human blood monocytes was performed in serum and the cell-associated fluorescence was analysed by flow cytometry. Monocytes in contact with NP containing increasing amounts of PLAP showed a regular increase of the fluorescence. Cells incubated with NP containing 5% (w/w) of PLAP showed high signals of fluorescence with no possible overlap with those given by blank monocytes. This demonstrated that flow cytometry performed in the UV domain was very specific. In addition, the results of cytotoxicity tests using a MTT assay method indicated that PLAP did not increase the cytotoxicity when incorporated into PLA nanoparticles.

Cell Survival↗

PubMed2003

Preparation and characterization of sterile sub-200 nm meso-tetra(4-hydroxylphenyl)porphyrin-loaded nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy.

A photosensitizer, meso-tetra(4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin, was incorporated into sub-150 nm nanoparticles using the emulsification-diffusion technique in order to perform sterilization by filtration using 0.22 microm membranes. The three selected polyesters (poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), (50:50 PLGA, 75:25 PLGA) and poly(D,L-lactide (PLA)) for the nanoparticle production were all amorphous in nature and have similar molecular weights but different copolymer molar ratios. The influence of the copolymer molar ratio and the theoretical drug loading was investigated in terms of particle size, drug loading, entrapment efficiency and surface characteristics. With all the polymers used, sub-150 nm nanoparticles were produced with good reproducibility and narrow size distributions irrespective of both the polymer nature and the theoretical drug loading. After purification by cross-flow filtration, the nanoparticle suspensions were sterilized by membrane filtration and freeze-dried in the presence of a lyoprotectant (trehalose). For all types of nanoparticles, complete redispersion in various media could be obtained. All final freeze-dried products were refiltrable on a 0.22 microm membrane and were stable in terms of mean particle size and drug loading over a period up to 6 months. The effective drug loading increased at higher theoretical drug loading, the entrapment efficiency was however decreased. The same trend was observed with the three polyesters. The sterility of the final freeze-dried nanoparticles was confirmed by the results of the sterility testing which showed no bacterial contamination.

Emulsions↗

PubMed2003

Biodegradable microparticles for sustained release of a new GnRH antagonist--part I: Screening commercial PLGA and formulation technologies.

The formulation of a new GnRH antagonist (degarelix) in biodegradable poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles was investigated for the development of a 3-month sustained release formulation to treat prostate cancer. The aim was to screen formulation technologies and distinct copolymers to produce microparticles (MP) of different types with good entrapment efficiency (>85%) and peptide purity (>95%) after gamma sterilization. Basically, three types of degarelix-loaded MP (4, 8 and 16% w/w nominal content) were produced with solvent and non-solvent technologies, namely double-emulsion solvent evaporation, spray-drying and two extrusion methods. Besides composition, commercial copolymers differing in residual monomer content and functional group at the carboxylic terminus (acid or ester) were characterized and employed. Peptide loading capacity and purity, as well as shape, size characteristics, and porosity of the produced microparticles were discussed in relation to technology and copolymer choice. Spray-drying and micro-extrusion were the two preferred formulation technologies because of higher entrapment efficiency and better preservation of peptide purity during production and gamma-sterilization. The impact of formulation technologies on the MP characteristics overwhelmed the impact of copolymer selection. Nevertheless, one particular polymer was discarded since it was more susceptible towards radiolytic degradation. The resulting degarelix-MP will be tested in a biological assay for selection of the formulation based on performance.

Biotransformation↗

PubMed2003

Ocular drug delivery targeting the retina and retinal pigment epithelium using polylactide nanoparticles.

PURPOSE: To study the kinetics of polylactide (PLA) nanoparticle (NP) localization within the intraocular tissues and to evaluate their potential to release encapsulated material. METHODS: A single intravitreous injection (5 micro L) of an NP suspension (2.2 mg/mL) encapsulating either Rh-6G (Rh) or Nile red (Nr) was performed. Animals were killed at various times, and the NPs localization within the intraocular tissues was studied by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), confocal microscopy, light microscopy histology, fluorescence microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Eyes injected with blank NPs, free Rh, or PBS solution were used as the control. RESULTS: ESEM showed the flow of the NPs from the site of injection into the vitreous cavity and their rapid settling on the internal limiting membrane. Histology demonstrated the anatomic integrity of the injected eyes and showed no toxic effects. A mild inflammatory cell infiltrate was observed in the ciliary body 6 hours after the injection and in the posterior vitreous and retina at 18 to 24 hours. The intensity of inflammation decreased markedly by 48 hours. Confocal and fluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemistry showed that a transretinal movement of the NPs was gradually taking place with a later localization in the RPE cells. Rh encapsulated within the injected NPs diffused and stained the retina and RPE cells. PLA NPs were still present within the RPE cells 4 months after a single intravitreous injection. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreous injection of PLA NPs appears to result in transretinal movement, with a preferential localization in the RPE cells. Encapsulated Rh diffuses from the NPs and stains the neuroretina and the RPE cells. The findings support the idea that specific targeting of these tissues is feasible. Furthermore, the presence of the NPs within the RPE cells 4 months after a single injection shows that a steady and continuous delivery of drugs can be achieved.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Controlled delivery of metoclopramide using an injectable semi-solid poly(ortho ester) for veterinary application.

In animal health care, current therapeutic regimens for gastrointestinal disorders require repeated oral or parenteral dosage forms of anti-emetic agents. However, fluctuations of plasma concentrations produce severe side effects. The aim of this work is to develop a subcutaneous and biodegradable controlled release system containing metoclopramide (MTC). Semi-solid poly(ortho ester)s (POE) prepared by a transesterification reaction between trimethyl orthoacetate and 1,2,6,-hexanetriol were investigated as injectable bioerodible polymers for the controlled release of MTC. MTC is present in the polymeric matrix as a solubilised form and it is released rapidly from the POE by erosion and diffusion because of its acidic character and its high hydrosolubility. If a manual injection is desired, only low molecular weight can be used. However, low molecular weight POEs release the drug rapidly. In order to extend polymer lifetime and decrease drug release rate, a sparingly water-soluble base Mg(OH)(2) was incorporated to the formulation. It was possible to produce low molecular weight POE that can be manually injected and releasing MTC over a period of several days.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Poly(ortho esters): synthesis, characterization, properties and uses.

Over the last 30 years, poly(ortho esters) have evolved through four families, designated as POE I, POE II, POE III and POE IV. Of these, only POE IV has been shown to have all the necessary attributes to allow commercialization, and such efforts are currently underway. Dominant among these attributes is synthesis versatility that allows the facile and reproducible production of polymers having the desired mechanical and thermal properties as well as desired erosion rates and drug release rates that can be varied from a few days to many months. Further, the polymer is stable at room temperature when stored under anhydrous conditions and undergoes an erosion process confined predominantly to the surface layers. Important consequences of surface erosion are controlled and concomitant drug release as well as the maintenance of an essentially neutral pH in the interior of the matrix because acidic hydrolysis products diffuse away from the device. Two physical forms of such polymers are under development. One form, solid materials, can be fabricated into shapes such as wafers, strands, or microspheres. The other form are injectable semi-solid materials that allow drug incorporation by a simple mixing at room temperature and without the use of solvents. GMP toxicology studies on one family of POE IV polymers has been concluded, an IND filed and Phase I clinical trials are in progress. Important applications under development are treatment of post-surgical pain, osteoarthritis and ophthalmic diseases as well as the delivery of proteins, including DNA. Block copolymers of poly(ortho ester) and poly(ethylene glycol) have been prepared and their use as a matrix for drug delivery and as micelles, primarily for tumor targeting, are being explored.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Preparation and characterization of sterile and freeze-dried sub-200 nm nanoparticles.

The feasibility of producing sterile and freeze-dried polyester nanoparticles was investigated. Various poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) and poly(D,L-lactide) were selected as biodegradable polymers. Using the salting-out procedure, process parameters were optimized to obtain sub-200 nm particles. After purification, the nanoparticle suspensions containing different lyoprotectants were sterilized by filtration. Freeze-drying was performed using vials covered with 0.22 microm membrane filters in order to preserve the suspensions from bacterial contamination. Sterility was assessed on the final product according to pharmacopoeial requirements using the membrane filtration method. With all polymers tested, sub-200 nm particles could be obtained. Nanoparticles with a size as low as 102 nm were prepared with good reproducibility and narrow size distribution. Upon freeze-drying, it appeared that complete redispersion of all types of polyester nanoparticles could be obtained in presence of the lyoprotectants tested such as saccharides while aggregation was observed without lyoprotectant. Sterility testing showed no microbial contamination indicating that sterile nanoparticulate formulations have been achieved.

Capsules↗

PubMed2002

Development of poly(ortho esters) and their application for bovine serum albumin and bupivacaine delivery.

The preparation of drug delivery devices using solventless fabrication procedures is of significant interest and two such procedures are described. In one such procedure, powdered polymer and micronized protein are intimately mixed and then extruded into 1 mm strands that are cut to the desired length. The polymers used were specifically designed to allow extrusion at temperatures where proteins maintain activity in the dry state. In vitro erosion and BSA release show that BSA release and polymer erosion occur concomitantly indicating an erosion-controlled process. There is a lag-time, but that can be eliminated by the addition to the mixture prior to extrusion small amounts of poly(ethylene glycol) or its methoxy derivatives. The lag-time could also be eliminated by using an AB-block copolymer where A is poly(ortho ester) and B is poly(ethylene glycol). Another means of using solventless fabrication methods is to use a semi-solid material into which drugs can be mixed at room temperature and the semi-solid injected. Data on BSA and bupivacaine release are presented.

Bupivacaine↗

PubMed2002

Ocular tolerance of preservatives and alternatives.

Eye drops are multiple dosage forms protected against microbial contamination by means of preservatives. However, the ocular tolerance of these chemicals can vary and this may result in adverse toxic or allergic reactions. This overview presents the pharmacopoeial requirements for the preservation of eye drops, the factors affecting ocular tolerance as well as the adverse external ocular effects induced by preservatives. The alternatives to the use of preservatives are also discussed, including the recent progress in eye drops packaging.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

State of the art in the delivery of photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy.

In photodynamic therapy, one of the problems limiting the use of many photosensitizers (PS) is the difficulty in preparing pharmaceutical formulations that enable their parenteral administration. Due to their low water solubility, the hydrophobic PS cannot be simply injected intravenously. Different strategies, including polymer-PS conjugation or encapsulation of the drug in colloidal carriers such as oil-dispersions, liposomes and polymeric particles, have been investigated. Although these colloidal carriers tend to accumulate selectively in tumour tissues, they are rapidly taken up by the mononuclear phagocytic system. In order to reduce this undesirable uptake by phagocytic cells, long-circulating carriers that consist of surface modified carriers have been developed. Moreover, considerable effort has been directed towards using other types of carriers to improve tumour targeting and to minimize the side effects. One of the approaches is to entrap PS into the lipophilic core of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) without altering their biological properties. The LDL receptor pathway is an important factor in the selective accumulation of PS in tumour tissue owing to the increased number of LDL receptors on the proliferating cell surface. Specific targeting can also be achieved by binding of monoclonal antibodies or specific tumour-seeking molecules to PS or by the coating of PS loaded carriers.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Ocular tolerance of absorption enhancers in ophthalmic preparations.

The use of absorption promoters is a way to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic response of topically applied ophthalmic drugs. The ocular tolerance of 9 potential absorption promoters was investigated as well as the influence of the enhancers' concentration on the ocular tolerance. The substances tested were instillated repetitively (4 times per day, during 3 days, and once just before examination) as aqueous solutions onto rabbit corneas. Fluorescein dyeing enabled us to specifically mark corneal damage that was observed by confocal microscopy. The degree of corneal injury was assessed with an image-processing system that calculated the total fluorescent areas. Confocal microscopy results showed the relatively good tolerance of permeation enhancers like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), decamethonium, edetate, glycocholate, and cholate in contrast to the poorly tolerated saponin and fusidate. Increasing the promoters' concentration led generally to an increase in corneal lesions.

Absorption↗

PubMed2002

Evaluation of a novel biomaterial in the suprachoroidal space of the rabbit eye.

PURPOSE: Drug delivery to treat diseases of the posterior segment of the eye, such as choroidal neovascularization and its complications, is hampered by poor intraocular penetration and rapid elimination of the drug from the eye. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and tolerance of suprachoroidal injections of poly(ortho ester) (POE), a bioerodible and biocompatible polymer, as a biomaterial potentially useful for development of sustained drug delivery systems. METHODS: After tunnelization of the sclera, different formulations based on POE were injected (100 microL) into the suprachoroidal space of pigmented rabbits and compared with 1% sodium hyaluronate. Follow-up consisted of fundus observations, echography, fluorescein angiography, and histologic analysis over 3 weeks. RESULTS: After injection, POE spread in the suprachoroidal space at the posterior pole. It was well tolerated and progressively disappeared from the site of injection without sequelae. No bleeding or retinal detachment occurred. Echographic pictures showed that the material was present in the suprachoroidal space for 3 weeks. Angiography revealed minor pigment irregularities at the site of injection, but no retinal edema or necrosis. Histology showed that POE was well tolerated in the choroid. CONCLUSIONS: POE suprachoroidal injections, an easy, controllable, and reproducible procedure, were well tolerated in the rabbit eye. POE appears to be a promising biomaterial to deliver drugs focally to the choroid and the retina.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Biodegradable nanoparticles for direct or two-step tumor immunotargeting.

In this study, selective cancer cell targeting of biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles (NPs) has been investigated in vitro. SKOV-3 (HER2 positive) ovarian cancer and Daudi (CD20 positive) lymphoma cell targeting was mediated by anti-HER2 (trastuzumab, Herceptin) and anti-CD20 (rituximab, Mabthera) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), respectively. The mAb against nonexpressed antigen serving on each cell as isotype matched irrelevant control. Two different targeting approaches have been studied, a direct method using antibody-labeled NPs (mAb-NPs) and a pretargeting method using the avidin-biotin technology. For the direct protocol, fluorescent PLA-NPs were prepared including 10% 1-pyrenebutanol (PB)-labeled PLA in the NP-preparation (PB-NP). Thiol groups were covalently bound to the PB-NP, and the resulting thiolated PB-NP were coupled with the two mAbs using a bifunctional cross-linker. The effective targeting of cells by mAb-PB-NP was shown by flow cytometry analysis. Clearly anti-HER2-PB-NP specifically bound to the SKOV-3 cells and not to the Daudi cells, while anti-CD20-PB-NPs bound to Daudi cells but not to SKOV-3 cells. Specific mAb-PB-NP binding to tumor cells produced a mean 10-fold or higher signal increase compared to irrelevant IgG-PB-NPs. For the pretargeting protocol, plain PLA-NPs were also thiolated and NeutrAvidin-Rhodamine Red-X (NAR) coupled to the functionalized PLA-NPs with sulfo-MBS. The two-step method was evaluated in vitro by incubating SKOV-3 cells first with biotinylated mAbs followed by NAR-NPs. The relative fluorescence associated to the specific binding of NPs produced a 6-fold increase in flow cytometry signal compared to nonspecific binding. In conclusion, these experiments have shown that NPs covalently coupled with antibodies or NAR can specifically and efficiently bind to cancer cells in both a pretargeting and a direct approach, suggesting that functionalized NPs may be a useful drug carrier for tumor targeting.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗