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The use of colloidal microgels as a (trans)dermal drug delivery system.

A co-polymer of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (85%) co-butyl acrylate (10%) co-methacrylic acid (5%) (NIPAM/BA/MAA) (85/10/5) microgel was synthesised and investigated as a potential pH and temperature sensitive transdermal delivery device. Three compounds having different octanol/water partition coefficients and solubilities were incorporated into the microgel, namely: salicylamide (SA), methyl paraben (MP) and propyl paraben (PP). Physico-chemical characterisation of these microgel-drug complexes showed that microgels incorporating MP and SA have smaller volumes after changing environmental pH or temperature when compared with the co-polymer NIPAM/BA/MAA (85/10/5) alone. This reduction in volume could be attributed to the incorporation of the compounds into the microgel particles, having a shielding effect on the charged groups present within the network. Diffusion studies, across human skin, were performed at 305K in the range of pH 3-7 for saturated solutions of SA, MP and PP, and for microgel particles incorporating the three compounds. The transport rate for these microgels incorporating MP was reduced by 2/3-fold compared to the saturated solution, by one order of magnitude for PP, meanwhile the transport rate for these microgels incorporating SA is the same order of magnitude as that for the corresponding saturated solutions. Transdermal release studies of the saturated colloidal dispersions indicated that pH control of the drug release was marginal. The incorporation of compounds into the pH/temperature sensitive co-polymer NIPAM/BA/MAA (85/10/5) and the subsequent release depends on the octanol/water partition coefficient and solubility of the respective compound.

Acrylamides↗

Hydrophobicity as a design criterion for polymer scaffolds in bone tissue engineering.

Porous polymeric scaffolds play a key role in most tissue-engineering strategies. A series of non-degrading porous scaffolds was prepared, based on bulk-copolymerisation of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NVP) and n-butyl methacrylate (BMA), followed by a particulate-leaching step to generate porosity. Biocompatibility of these scaffolds was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the scaffold materials were studied using the so-called demineralised bone matrix (DBM) as an evaluation system in vivo. The DBM, which is essentially a part of a rat femoral bone after processing with mineral acid, provides a suitable environment for ectopic bone formation, provided that the cavity of the DBM is filled with bone marrow prior to subcutaneous implantation in the thoracic region of rats. Various scaffold materials, differing with respect to composition and, hence, hydrophilicity, were introduced into the centre of DBMs. The ends were closed with rat bone marrow, and ectopic bone formation was monitored after 4, 6, and 8 weeks, both through X-ray microradiography and histology. The 50:50 scaffold particles were found to readily accommodate formation of bone tissue within their pores, whereas this was much less the case for the more hydrophilic 70:30 counterpart scaffolds. New healthy bone tissue was encountered inside the pores of the 50:50 scaffold material, not only at the periphery of the constructs but also in the center. Active osteoblast cells were found at the bone-biomaterial interfaces. These data indicate that the hydrophobicity of the biomaterial is, most likely, an important design criterion for polymeric scaffolds which should promote the healing of bone defects. Furthermore, it is argued that stable, non-degrading porous biomaterials, like those used in this study, provide an important tool to expand our comprehension of the role of biomaterials in scaffold-based tissue engineering approaches.

3T3 Cells↗

Microtensile testing of dentin adhesives.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted in order to compare the microtensile and shear bond strengths of five commercial dentin adhesive systems. Scotchbond Multipurpose with maleic acid (SM), Scotchbond Multipurpose with phosphoric acid (SP), Scotchbond Multipurpose Plus (SBP), Clearfil Liner Bond System (CL), and Prime and Bond (PB) were tested. METHODS: Thirty extracted unerupted third molars, in groups of six teeth per adhesive system, were prepared for microtensile testing. The specimens were tested following a 24 h incubation at 37 degrees C in normal saline. Shear bond testing was performed on 35 additional teeth, using seven teeth per adhesive system. After testing, the fracture sites were observed using light microscopy and a scanning electron microscope to determine the type of failure involved. RESULTS: The microtensile test results (mean +/- SD) were SM, 24.6 +/- 7.2 MPa; SP, 28.8 +/- 11.8 MPa; SBP, 22.7 +/- 6.5 MPa; PB, 25.5 +/- 9.4 MPa; and CL, 36.8 +/- 10.0 MPa. A Bonferroni post-hoc test showed significantly (p < 0.05) greater strength for CL compared to SM, SP, SBP, and PB. The shear bond strength test results were SM, 19.4 +/- 4.4 MPa; SP, 24.5 +/- 8.4 MPa; SBP, 15.3 +/- 4.9 MPa; PB, 23.2 +/- 7.1 MPa; and CL, 24.8 +/- 3.5 MPa. No statistically significant differences were found among the shear bond strength test results. The shear bond test produced significantly more failures within dentin and composite than the microtensile method. SIGNIFICANCE: It is concluded that the microtensile test produced a more definitive assessment of adhesive bond strength than the shear bond test. Microtensile testing showed CL to be significantly stronger than SM, SP, SBP, and PB (p < 0.05).

Analysis of Variance↗

Micromorphological spectrum from overdrying to overwetting acid-conditioned dentin in water-free acetone-based, single-bottle primer/adhesives.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to illustrate and define the micromorphological spectrum which exists at the resin-dentin interface when two water-free, acetone-based, single-bottle primer/adhesive systems (One-Step, Bisco, and Prime & Bond, Dentsply/L.D. Caulk) were applied to acid-conditioned dentin under different dry and wet bonding conditions. METHODS: Forty-eight 1 mm dentin discs were each conditioned with 10% phosphoric acid and rinsed for 20 s. They were randomly divided into 4 groups based upon the status of the remaining surface moisture; Group I (30 s dry); Group II (3 s dry); Group III (blot dry) and Group IV (overwet). Bonded dentin disc pairs were then demineralized in EDTA and embedded in epoxy resin for transmission electron microscopic examination. RESULTS: The micromorphological spectra of the two bonding systems were essentially similar. Both were effected by even mild desiccation (3 s), resulting in incomplete intertubular resin infiltration. Optimal intertubular resin infiltration was achieved when the collagen network was kept moist and appeared relatively unaffected by the presence of excess surface moisture. On the other hand, intratubular resin infiltration was severely compromised in the presence of excess water within the dentinal tubules and at their openings in the dentin surface. The continuity of the resin layer deteriorated; blister-like spaces formed on the dentin surface and resin globules were found around the tubular orifices and on the surface of the hybrid layer. In addition, a complex phase separation pattern was observed in Prime & Bond that was characterized by phase inversion in the presence of surface moisture. SIGNIFICANCE: The "window of opportunity" for optimal interfacial integrity for both water-free systems appeared to depend upon keeping the demineralized collagen network moist, coupled with the complete evaporation of excess and "displaced" water from tissues prior to light-curing the prime/adhesives.

Acetone↗

Functionalized semitelechelic poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] for protein modification.

Semitelechelic poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]s (ST-PHPMA) with different functional end groups, namely carboxyl, methyl ester, hydrazide, and amino groups, were prepared by chain transfer free-radical polymerization. 2,2'-Azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) was used as an initiator and 3-mercaptopropionic acid, methyl 3-mercaptopropionate, 3-mercaptopropionic hydrazide, and 2-mercaptoethylamine were used as chain-transfer agents. The semitelechelic polymers have been characterized by end-group analysis, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The effects of the concentrations of the mercaptans and the initiator on the molecular weight of the polymers have been investigated. The higher the concentration of mercaptan, the lower the molecular weight of ST-PHPMA. The concentration of initiator did not have a significant effect on the molecular weight of the semitelechelic polymers. The end groups of the ST polymers can be readily transformed by polymeranalogous reactions. A model protein, alpha-chymotrypsin, has been modified with ST-PHPMA-CONHNH2 and ST-PHPMA-COOSu and the conjugates characterized by MALDI-TOF MS. The activity of modified chymotrypsins toward a high molecular weight substrate, P-Gly-Leu-Phe-NAp (where P is the HPMA copolymer backbone, and NAp is p-nitroanilide), was slightly lower than the activity of the native enzyme. The cleavage of a low molecular weight substrate, Z-Gly-Leu-Phe-NAp, by modified chymotrypsins was dependent on their structure. Whereas the activity of the amino group modified chymotrypsins was higher than that of the native enzyme, the activity of carboxyl-modified chymotrypsins was lower than that of the native enzyme. In summary, the data seem to indicate that ST-PHPMA is an effective protein-modifying agent.

Amines↗

Formation of silver nanoparticles in deoxyribonucleic acid-poly(o-methoxyaniline) hybrid: a novel nano-biocomposite.

A novel nano-biocomposite of silver and poly(o-methoxy aniline) (POMA)/DNA hybrid has been prepared by adding DNA solution to an aqueous solution of POMA (emeraldine base, EB) and AgNO(3) mixture. The mixture was aged for 10 days and was freeze-dried to form the hybrid nanocomposite (weight fraction of DNA = 0.75). FESEM pictures show a fibrillar network morphology of the biomolecular hybrid with silver nanoparticles on its surface. The TEM picture also corroborates silver nanoparticle formation in the biomolecular hybrid, and the denser population of nanoparticles in the TEM micrograph as compared to that in the SEM micrograph indicates that the nanoparticles are present inside the fibrils in greater proportion. The dc conductivity value of the hybrid indicates that POMA (EB) is doped by silver ion and the doped POMA form complexes with DNA through electrostatic interaction of the radical cation of POMA (emeraldine salt form, ES) and the DNA anion. During the doping process and Ag nanoparticle formation, a fluctuation of the pi band to polaron band transition peak occurs together with a complementary fluctuation of the polaron band to pi* band transition peak. After 53 h of aging, the former shows a slow but continuous red shift with aging time. This has been attributed to the slow uncoiling of POMA on the DNA surface. The conformation and crystal structure of DNA remain intact during the nano-biocomposite formation. The dc conductivity value of the nano-biocomposite is almost the same as that of the pure POMA-DNA hybrid at the same composition, but the I-V characteristic curve of the nano-biocomposite is somewhat different showing an insulating region on low applied voltage. At higher applied voltage, it shows a semiconducting property characterizing the large band gap semiconducting behavior of the nano-biocomposite.

Aniline Compounds↗

Effect of composite resin biodegradation products on oral streptococcal growth.

Hydrolytic degradation by-products associated with the constitutive monomers 2,2-bis [4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropoxy) phenyl] propane (bis-GMA), bisphenol A polyethylene glycol diether dimethacrylate (bis-EMA), and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEDGMA) used in dental restorative composites include bis-hydroxy-propoxyphenyl propane (bis-HPPP), ethoxylated bisphenol A (E-bisPA), methacrylic acid (MA), and triethylene glycol (TEG). These products are generated from the interaction of human salivary esterases with the composites. Recent findings have indicated that TEGDMA has the ability to modulate oral bacteria but it is unclear which components of TEGDMA are related to the observed effects. The objective of the current study was to investigate the influence of TEGDMA derived degradation products MA and TEG on the growth of three strains of oral bacteria: S. mutans strains NG8 and JH1005, and S. salivarius AT2. Bacterial growth rates were measured at 37 degrees C, and pH values of 5.5 (representative of cariogenic state) or 7.0 at concentrations of 0-50mmol/l for MA (Sigma, US) and 0-100mmol/l for TEG (Sigma, US). It was found that at pH 5.5 TEG significantly stimulated the growth of both S. mutans strains ( p<0.05 ) in the concentration range of 0.5-10.0mmol/l and stimulated the growth of S. salivarius AT2 for the entire concentration range tested (p<0.05). TEG (above 50mmol/1) did not significantly affect the doubling times of S. salivarius at pH of 7.0 and it inhibited the growth of both S. mutans strains above 50mmol/l at the same pH value. At pH 5.5 MA inhibited the growth of all three strains with increasing concentration. At neutral pH, the growth of S. mutans NG8 strain was significantly reduced by MA ( p<0.05 ) above 10mmol/l. In summary, these results indicate that TEG and MA modulate the growth rate of important oral bacteria in a concentration and pH dependent manner.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Preparation of poly(D,L-lactide) nanoparticles assisted by amphiphilic poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) copolymers.

When co-precipitated with amphiphilic copolymers from DMSO, poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) can be readily converted into stable sub-200 nm nanoparticles by addition of an aqueous phase, free of any polymeric stabilizers such as poly(vinyl alcohol) or Poloxamer. In this work, the ability of random poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) copolymers (PMMA-co-MA) to stabilize PLA nanoparticles was demonstrated, and the properties of PLA/PMMA-co-MA nanoparticles were investigated. When co-precipitated with PMMA-co-MA, PLA was totally converted into nanoparticles using a polymer concentration in DMSO (Cp) below 17.6 mg ml(-1), and a PMMA-co-MA proportion above a critical value depending on the content of MA repeating units (X). For instance, the lowest PMMA-co-MA proportion required was 0.9 mg mg(-1) PLA for X = 12%, and 0.5 mg mg(-1) PLA for X = 25% (for C(PLA) = 16 mg ml(-1) DMSO). The nanoparticle diameter was essentially independent of X, the proportion of PMMA-co-MA, and the PLA molecular weight, except for oligomers for which the nanoparticle diameter was smaller. It decreased when the organic phase was diluted (126 +/- 13 nm for Cp = 17.6 mg ml(-1), and 81 +/- 5 nm for C(P) = 5.6 mg ml(-1)). The time-dependence of the stability and the degradation of PLA/PMMA-co-MA nanoparticles was discussed. One of the main advantages of this technique is the ability to control surface properties and to bring functional groups to otherwise non-functionalized PLA nanoparticles. To illustrate this, a conjugate of PMMA-co-MA25 and biotin was synthesized, and used to prepare biotinylated nanoparticles that could be detected by fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy after infiltration into ligatured rat small intestine.

Animals↗

Long-term effect of dentin primers on enamel bond strength and marginal adaptation.

Contamination of etched enamel with dentin adhesive systems is unavoidable in clinical situations. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the long-term effect of dentin adhesives and application technique on resin composite bond strength and marginal adaptation to enamel. Six hundred freshly extracted mandibular bovine incisors were used. Three hundred teeth were flat ground, and the enamel was etched for 30 seconds with 32% phosphoric acid. The etched surface was treated by different dentin adhesive systems with and without intensive rubbing by use of application brushes. As a control, only the enamel adhesive resin was applied and air thinned. Furthermore, contamination with saliva was performed after the etching process. Etched and silanated CEREC blocks were bonded onto the enamel specimens with different adhesive resins and stored for 1 and 365 days (37 degrees C, aqua dest). After storage, the specimens were thermocycled for 24 hours (1150 cycles between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C), and subjected to shear bond testing. Three hundred box-shaped cavities were prepared on buccal surfaces of the incisors and filled with one resin composite using the same pretreatment modes as in the shear bond test groups. After 1 and 365 days of storage, a margin analysis was performed using a SEM (X200 magnification). Dentin adhesive systems did not show an adverse effect on long-term enamel bond strength and marginal adaptation. Rubbing application of the primers decreased the bond strength by values of approximately 20% after 24 hours and approximately 40% after 1 year of storage. Marginal adaptation showed 94-98% gap-free margins in the control and dentin adhesive system-only groups; however, after rubbing of primers, the proportion of gap-free margins decreased significantly to 85-88%. The lowest bond strength (8-10 MPa) and margin quality (49-69% gap-free margins) were recorded for the groups with saliva contamination.

Animals↗

Relative influence of polymer fiber diameter and surface charge on fibrous capsule thickness and vessel density for single-fiber implants.

Single polypropylene microfibers plasma-coated with polymers of different surface charge [N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (NN) (positive charge), methacrylic acid (MA) (negative charge), and hexafluoropropylene (HF) (neutral)] were implanted in the subcutaneous dorsum of Sprague-Dawley rats for 5-week intervals. Thee groups of fiber diameters were used: (I) 1.0 to 5.9 microm; (II) 6.0 to 10.9 microm; and (III) 11.0 to 15.9 microm. Fibrous capsule thickness and blood-vessel density (number of vessels within 100 microm of the fiber) were assessed in tissue sections in the planes of microfiber cross-sections. Results from a multifactorial analysis of variance demonstrated statistically significant main effects (p < 0.05) for microfiber diameter but not for surface-charge coating. The mean differences in capsule thickness among the microfiber diameter groups were: between groups II and I: 5.4 microm; between groups III and I: 10.2 microm; and between groups III and II: 4.7 microm. The mean differences in capsule thickness among surface-charge coatings were: between MA and NN: 0.7 microm; between MA and HF: 1.4 microm; and between NN and HF: 0.7 microm. Many of the 1.0 to 5.9 microm-in-diameter fibers had no capsule and no sign of a foreign-body reaction. For the vessel density analysis, neither microfiber diameter nor surface-charge coating had a statistically significant effect. Thus the geometric feature of microfiber diameter was more important than was surface charge relative to fibrous capsule formation but not relative to local vessel density. This ranking of the relative influence of design features in relation to tissue response provides useful information for prioritization in biomaterial design.

Animals↗

The characteristics of spontaneously forming physically cross-linked hydrogels composed of two water-soluble phospholipid polymers for oral drug delivery carrier I: hydrogel dissolution and insulin release under neutral pH condition.

Hydrogels bearing a phospholipid polar group, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), were prepared from two aqueous solutions of polymers, water-soluble poly[MPC-co-methacrylic acid (MA)] (PMA) and poly[MPC-co-n-butyl methacrylate (BMA)] (PMB). The hydrogel, which was formed by physical cross-linking spontaneously without any chemical reactions and/or any physical stimuli, showed a controllable insulin release through a pH change in the medium by changing the hydrogen bonds. In this study, the mechanical strength, erosion of the hydrogel caused by polymer dissociation, and the release of insulin were examined with attention to the following three parameters of the MPC polymer: molecular weight of the polymers, composition of PMA and PMB (PMA/PMB ratio), and polymer concentration inside the hydrogel. The hydrogel with the highest mechanical strength was obtained at a PMA/PMB ratio = 3/7 (v/v, by volume ratio) while the hydrogel with the slowest dissolution was obtained at a ratio of 5/5 (v/v). The release was in good match with the dissolution and followed anomalous transport for all, but the diffusion exponent n changed according to the PMA/PMB ratio. An increase in the polymer concentration inside the hydrogel caused an increase in the mechanical strength of the hydrogel. When the polymer concentration was more than 20 wt.%, the absorption of water under neutral pH condition (pH 6.8) was observed. The release of insulin was suppressed below 10% during the swelling process of the hydrogel under neutral pH condition, while release was accelerated during the erosion process of the hydrogel. The relationship between erosion of the hydrogel and the release of the insulin depended on the erosion process of the hydrogel but differed according to the PMA/PMB ratio.

Administration, Oral↗

Mixed micelles formed from graft and diblock copolymers for application in intracellular drug delivery.

A novel mixed micelle that comprised of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid)-graft-poly(D,L-lactide) (P(NIPAAm-co-MAAc)-g-PLA) with methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(D,L-lactide) (mPEG-b-PLA) was developed for application in cancer therapy. The mixed micelle had an multi-functional inner core of P(NIPAAm-co-MAAc)-g-PLA to enable intracellular drug delivery and an extended hydrophilic outer shell of mPEG to hide the inner core. Stability analysis of the mixed micelles in bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution indicates that the diblock copolymer mPEG efficiently protected the BSA adsorption on the mixed micelles because the hydrophobic groups of graft copolymer were efficiently screened by mPEG. From the drug release study, the mPEG-PLA diblock copolymer in mixed micelles slightly affected the functionalities of the P(NIPAAm-co-MAAc)-g-PLA graft copolymer; the graft copolymer still exhibited pH- and thermo-sensitivities in this core-shell structure. A change in pH deformed the structure of the inner core from that of aggregated P(NIPAAm-co-MAAc), causing the release of a significant quantity of doxorubicin (Dox) from mixed micelles. Clear differences between free Dox and Dox-mixed micelles were observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). This study presents not only a new micelle structure for a graft-diblock copolymer system, but also a method for overcoming some of the limitations on biomaterials used in intravenous injection.

Acrylic Resins↗

In vitro properties of an in situ forming gel for the parenteral delivery of macromolecular drugs.

The purpose of this research was to (i) formulate a solution of a water-insoluble interpolymeric complex (IPC) containing poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA), 15 kDa, and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), 20 kDa, in a biocompatible cosolvent system; (ii) demonstrate that the IPC solution can transform into a gel, in situ, at physiological pH; and (iii) determine the ability of the gel to entrap, protect, and control the release of macromolecular drugs such as proteins and oligonucleotides. Ternary phase diagrams were prepared to identify cosolvent composition containing N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), ethanol, and water that dissolve the IPC. IPC solutions (40, 50, or 60% w/v) each containing 1 mg of either model proteins, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-insulin and FITC-albumin, or 24-mer phosphorothioate oligonucleotides, were placed in containers that were immersed in buffer, pH 7.4. Aliquots of the buffer were sampled periodically and analyzed for the macromolecular content. In addition, in vitro bioactivity of another model protein, alpha-amylase, contained in the IPC solution was also determined. The studies demonstrated that a cosolvent containing 1:1:2 ratio of NMP/ethanol/water was most suitable for dissolving the IPC. Concentrations > 30% w/v IPC were required to form the gel, however, those mixtures containing > 60% w/v IPC could not be easily injected via 18-22 gauge needle. The gel can entrap and control the release of the model macromolecules for up to 6 days, in vitro. In addition, the gel can maintain the bioactivity of the protein, alpha-amylase, for 6 days. Therefore, an IPC gel can entrap, protect, and control the release of macromolecular drugs over a period of 6 days, in vitro, and therefore can be considered for in vivo investigation.

Albumins↗

Effect of thermal cycling on composites reinforced with two differently sized silica-glass fibers.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of thermal cycling on the flexural properties of composites reinforced with two differently sized fibers. METHODS: Acid-washed, woven, fused silica-glass fibers, were heat-treated at 500 degrees C, silanized and sized with one of two sizing resins (linear poly(butyl methacrylate)) (PBMA), cross-linked poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Subsequently the fibers were incorporated into a polymer matrix. Two test groups with fibers and one control group without fibers were prepared. The flexural properties of the composite reinforced with linear PBMA-sized fibers were evaluated by 3-point bend testing before thermal cycling. The specimens from all three groups were thermally cycled in water (12,000 cycles, 5/55 degrees C, dwell time 30 s), and afterwards tested by 3-point bending. SEM micrographs were taken of the fibers and of the fractured fiber reinforced composites (FRC). RESULTS: The reduction of ultimate flexural strength after thermal cycling was less than 20% of that prior to thermal cycling for composites reinforced with linear PBMA-sized silica-glass fibers. The flexural strength of the composite reinforced with cross-linked PMMA-sized fibers was reduced to less than half of the initial value. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrated that thermal cycling differently influences the flexural properties of composites reinforced with different sized silica-glass fibers. The interfacial linear PBMA-sizing polymer acts as a stress-bearing component for the high interfacial stresses during thermal cycling due to the flexible structure of the linear PBMA above Tg. The cross-linked PMMA-sizing, however, acts as a rigid component and therefore causes adhesive fracture between the fibers and matrix after the fatigue process of thermal cycling and flexural fracture.

Composite Resins↗

Novel complexation hydrogels for oral peptide delivery: in vitro evaluation of their cytocompatibility and insulin-transport enhancing effects using Caco-2 cell monolayers.

Poly[methacrylic acid-grafted-poly(ethylene glycol)] [P(MAA-g-EG)] is a complexation hydrogel molecularly designed for oral peptide delivery. In this work, the cytotoxicity and insulin-transport enhancing effect of P(MAA-g-EG) microparticles on intestinal epithelial cells were evaluated using Caco-2 cell monolayers. A series of P(MAA-g-EG) microparticles with different polymer compositions were prepared by a photo-initiated free radical solution polymerization and subsequent pulverization. The hydrogel microparticles were preswollen in either Ca2+-containing (CM+) or Ca2+-free medium (CM-; pH 7.4) and applied to the apical side of the Caco-2 monolayers. No significant cytotoxic effects, as determined by a calorimetric assay with P(MAA-g-EG) microparticles preswollen in the CM+, were observed at doses ranging from 3 to 31 mg/cm2 of cell monolayer. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements showed that the P(MAA-g-EG) microparticles induced a Ca2+ concentration-dependent lowering in TEER values. The reduction effect in CM- media was greater than that in CM+ media (17 +/- 2% reduction in CM+ and 45 +/- 3% reduction in CM-, respectively). Insulin transport in the presence of the preswollen P(MAA-g-EG) microparticles was also strongly depended on the Ca2+ concentration in the medium. The respective estimated permeability for insulin alone and the insulin with hydrogels in CM+ were 0.77 and 1.16 x 10(-8) cm/s, whereas those in CM- were 1.18 and 24.78 x 10(-8) cm/s. The results demonstrate that the P(MAA-g-EG) hydrogel microparticles could be used as a cytocompatible carrier possessing the transport-enhancing effect of insulin on the intestinal epithelial cells.

Caco-2 Cells↗

In vitro embryotoxicity assessment with dental restorative materials.

OBJECTIVES: Resin (co)monomers may be released from restorative dental materials and can diffuse into the tooth pulp or the gingiva, and can reach the saliva and the circulating blood. Genotoxic potential of some dental composite components has been clearly documented. The genotoxic effects of xenobiotics can represent a possible step in tumor initiation and/or embryotoxicity/teratogenesis. A modified fluorescent mouse embryonic stem cell test (R.E.Tox) was used to test the embryotoxic potential of following dental restorative materials: Bisphenol A glycidylmethacrylate (BisGMA), urethanedimethacrylate (UDMA), hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), and triethyleneglycoldimethacrylate (TEGDMA), as well as some of their metabolic intermediates 2,3-epoxy-2-methyl-propionicacid-methylester (EMPME), methacrylic acid (MA), and 2,3-epoxy-2-methylpropionic acid (EMPA). METHODS: Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells stably transfected with a vector containing the gene for the green fluorescent protein under control of the cardiac alpha-myosin heavy chain promoter were differentiated in the presence of various concentrations of the test compounds for 12 days. Fluorescence was measured using the TECAN Safire and values were expressed as percent of control values. To distinguish between cytotoxic and embryotoxic effects, all compounds were tested in a standard MTT assay. RESULTS: HEMA, TEGDMA and EMPME did not influence the differentiation process of ES cells towards cardiac myocytes. No cytotoxic effects were observed at any of the concentration levels tested. Exposure to BisGMA resulted in a 50% decrease in cell survival and a very strong inhibition of cell differentiation at 10(-5)M (p<0.01). Embryotoxic effects were also present at 10(-6) and 10(-7)M (p<0.05). EMPA induced a decrease in ES cell differentiation at 10(-5)M (p<0.01) without cytotoxic effects. No embryotoxic effects were induced at lower concentrations. Exposure to UDMA resulted in a slight decrease of cell differentiation at 10(-5)M (p<0.05). Exposure of cells to MA resulted in an increase of cardiac differentiation up to 150% (p<0.05) at 10(-5)M without cytotoxic effects. CONCLUSIONS: BisGMA induced a significant high embryotoxic/teratogenic effect over a large range of concentration. Therefore attention should be focused on this dental monomer, which should be investigated further by in vivo experiments.

Animals↗

Preparation and characterization of insulin-loaded acrylic hydrogels containing absorption enhancers.

The objectives of this study were to prepare insulin-loaded acrylic hydrogel formulations containing various absorption enhancers, to perform in vitro and in vivo characterization of these formulations, and to evaluate the factors which affecting insulin availability on rectal delivery of insulin using this hydrogel system. The acrylic block copolymer of methacrylic acid and methacrylate, Eudispert, was used to make the hydrogel formulations. As absorption enhancers, 2,6-di-O-methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (DM-beta-CyD), lauric acid (C12), or the sodium salt of C12 (C12Na), were incorporated into the hydrogels. In an in vitro release test, the release rate of insulin from the hydrogels decreased as the polymer concentration of the hydrogel increased. The addition of C12Na to the hydrogel further increased the insulin release rate, which was greater at higher concentrations of the enhancer. A portion of the C12Na was found to remain bound to the acrylic polymer in dissolution medium. Serum insulin levels were determined at various time points after the administration of insulin solution or insulin-loaded (50 units/kg body weight) Eudispert hydrogels containing 5% (w/w) of C12, C12Na, or DM-beta-CyD to in situ loops in various regions of the rat intestine. The most effective enhancement of insulin release was observed with formulations containing C12Na. The bioavailability of insulin from the hydrogels was lower than that from the insulin solutions. Hydrogel formulations containing 7% or 10% Eudispert remained in the rectum for 5 h after rectal administration. However, the 5% (w/w) C12Na solution stained with Evan's-blue had diffused out and the dye had reached the upper intestinal tract within 2 h. Finally, the rectal administration of insulin-loaded hydrogels, containing 4%, 7%, or 10% (w/w) Eudispert and 5% (w/w) of enhancer (C12, C12Na, or DM-beta-CyD) to normal rats was shown to decrease serum glucose concentrations. The greatest effect was found with insulin-loaded 7% (Eudispert) hydrogel containing C12Na which having cosiderable large insulin release rate and bioadhesive characteristics.

Acrylates↗

Polyoxyethylene-poly(methacrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) compounds for site-specific peroral delivery.

pH-sensitive interpolymer interactions between high molecular weight polyoxyethylene (POE) and poly(methacrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) (Eudragit (EUD) L100 or S100) are evidenced and exploited to prepare, from either POE-EUD coevaporates or POE+EUD physical mixtures, both in the 1:1 wt. ratio, compressed matrix tablets, potentially able to deliver the model drug, prednisolone, to sites in the GI tract characterized by specific pHs, such as the jejunum or the ileum. With these devices, drug release is inhibited at pHs lower than the threshold of EUD ionization, whereas at pHs exceeding such a threshold, the matrix undergoes a gradual erosion, which controls the release. A post-compression exposure of tablets to the vapors of appropriate solvents realizes the necessary compaction of matrices, in fact, a high compression force (3 ton) is insufficient, per se, to prevent matrix disintegration in the dissolution medium, whereas such a disintegration is prevented by the treatment with solvent vapors, even with a low compression force (0.3 ton). With the POE+EUD physical mixtures, the exposure to solvent vapors promotes the formation of a layer of POE-EUD complex at the interfaces of the POE and EUD particles in matrix, which inhibits release at pHs lower than that designed for delivery. Both POE and EUD concur to determine the properties of the POE-EUD complex relevant to drug release, indeed, EUD ionization, which elicits matrix erosion and drug release, is favored by the hydrophilic POE. In fact, matrices based on plain EUD exhibit a comparatively low release rate, more suited to an extended delivery to the colon than to a specific delivery to the ileum. Details of the release mechanism are discussed.

Administration, Oral↗