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Change in stiffness and effect of orientation in degrading polylactide films.

The degradation pattern of the synthetic absorbable polyester is thought to occur from the center of the material outward, and the bulk degradation is therefore attributed largely to the chemical composition of the material. It was hypothesized that this pattern might be altered by changing the morphology of the material, i.e., by introducing molecular orientation into the system. A new solid state uniaxial orientation (SS-UO) process was used to orient two types of lactide polymer films. The films were exposed to a phosphate buffered solution, then chemically, mechanically, and visually analyzed after predetermined times. This paper explores the results of flexural testing which will be later correlated with microscopic degradation events, as part of the larger degradation study. The results show that, while orientation does not have an overall significant effect on the flexural modulus, there is a significant material/orientation interaction.

Absorption↗

Polyhydroxyalknoate synthesis in plants as a tool for biotechnology and basic studies of lipid metabolism.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are polyesters of hydroxyacids naturally synthesized in bacteria as a carbon reserve. PHAs have properties of biodegradable thermoplastics and elastomers and their synthesis in crop plants is seen as an attractive system for the sustained production of large amounts of polymers at low cost. A variety of PHAs having different physical properties have now been synthesized in a number of transgenic plants, including Arabidopsis thaliana, rape and corn. This has been accomplished through the creation of novel metabolic pathways either in the cytoplasm, plastid or peroxisome of plant cells. Beyond its impact in biotechnology, PHA production in plants can also be used to study some fundamental aspects of plant metabolism. Synthesis of PHA can be used both as an indicator and a modulator of the carbon flux to pathways competing for common substrates, such as acetyl-coenzyme A in fatty acid biosynthesis or 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A in fatty acid degradation. Synthesis of PHAs in plant peroxisome has been used to demonstrate changes in the flux of fatty acids to the beta-oxidation cycle in transgenic plants and mutants affected in lipid biosynthesis, as well as to study the pathway of degradation of unusual fatty acids.

Biotechnology↗

Producing poly-3-hydroxybutyrate with a high molecular mass from methane.

Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and other polyesters can be produced by various species of bacteria. Of the possible carbon sources, methane could provide a suitable substrate for the production of PHB. Methane is cheap and plentiful - not only as natural gas, but also as biogas. The methanotrophic strain Methylocystis sp. GB 25 DSMZ 7674 is able to accumulate PHB in a brief non-sterile process. The studies were carried out using a 7-l and a 70-l pressure bioreactor. Cultivation was performed in two stages: a continuous growth phase (dilution rate 0.17 h(-1)) and a PHB accumulation phase under deficiency conditions of an essential nutrient (ammonium, phosphorus or magnesium) in batch culture. The PHB content of biomass was as high as 51%; efficiency was highest during the first 5 h of the product formation process. The maximum PHB yield relative to the methane consumed was estimated to be 0.55 g g(-1). The PHB produced is of very high quality, having a high molecular mass of up to 2.5x10(6) Da.

Alphaproteobacteria↗

A fibrous-bed bioreactor for continuous production of developmental endothelial locus-1 by osteosarcoma cells.

Genetically engineered human osteosarcoma cells containing developmental endothelial locus-1 (del-1) gene were studied for production of Del-1, a protein that has the properties of an extracellular matrix protein and can regulate vascular morphogenesis and remodeling. Del-1 has been studied as a potential anti-angiogenesis drug targeting solid tumors. In this study, osteosarcoma cells were cultured in a fibrous-bed bioreactor (FBB) to continuously produce Del-1. The FBB was constructed by packing a polyester fibrous matrix into a 1.5-l spinner flask. The effects of media composition, including the serum content in the medium, and dilution rate on cell growth, metabolism, and Del-1 production were studied. A gradual reduction of serum content from 10% (v/v) to 0.5% (v/v) caused no loss in Del-1 production. However, the production of Del-1 decreased significantly in a serum-free medium, suggesting some nutrients present in the serum were important to culture viability and Del-1 production. The continuous FBB culture was stable for long-term production of Del-1, with a higher Del-1 titer than that normally obtained in T-flask cultures and overall productivity similar to the total production from 300 25-cm(2) T-flasks. Reducing geneticin in the medium from 250 microg ml(-1) to zero at later culturing stages had no significant effect on Del-1 production. The FBB was operated for a period of more than 4 months without any notable degeneration, and reached a final cell density of 3 x 10(8) cells ml(-1) of packing volume with >90% cell viability. The good reactor performance can be attributed to the three-dimensional environment provided by the fibrous matrix that allows for efficient mass transfer and cell immobilization and growth. Scanning electron microscopic and confocal scanning laser microscopic studies of the cell-matrix showed that cells formed large aggregates in the fibrous matrix and cell density was relatively uniform in the matrix.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Development of an injection molded poly(epsilon-caprolactone) intravaginal insert for the delivery of progesterone to cattle.

This paper reports experiments conducted to research, develop and clinically evaluate an injection molded intravaginal insert manufactured from the biodegradable polyester poly(epsilon-caprolactone). The study demonstrated that it is possible to engineer poly(epsilon-caprolactone) into a shape that is well retained, and can be used as a platform for the controlled delivery of progesterone via the vagina of cows. Field evaluation showed that the poly(epsilon-caprolactone) intravaginal inserts containing 10% (w/w) progesterone were at least as effective clinically as the commercially available CIDR intravaginal insert.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Antibiotic release from biodegradable PHBV microparticles.

For the treatment of periodontal diseases, design of a controlled release system seemed very appropriate for an effective, long term result. In this study a novel, biodegradable microbial polyester, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), PHBV of various valerate contents containing a well established antibiotic, tetracycline, known to be effective against many of the periodontal disease related microorganisms, was used in the construction of a controlled release system. Tetracycline was loaded in the PHBV microspheres and microcapsules both in its acidic (TC) and in neutral form (TCN). Microcapsules of PHBV were prepared under different conditions using w/o/w double emulsion and their properties such as encapsulation efficiency, loading, release characteristics, and morphological properties were investigated. It was found that concentration of emulsifiers polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and gelatin (varied between 0-4%) influenced the encapsulation efficiency appreciably. In order to increase encapsulation efficiency (from the obtained range of 18.1-30.1%) and slow down the release of the highly soluble tetracycline.HCl, it was neutralized with NaOH. Encapsulation efficiency of neutralized tetracycline was much higher (51.9-65.3%) due to the insoluble form of the drug used during encapsulation. The release behaviour of neither of the drugs was found to be of zero order. Rather the trends fitted reasonably well to Higuchi's approach for release from spherical micropheres. Biodegradability was not an appreciable parameter in the release from microcapsules because release was complete before any signs of degradation were observed.

Bacteria↗

Occurrence, synthesis and medical application of bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoate.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) comprise a large class of polyesters that are synthesized by many bacteria as an intracellular carbon and energy compound. Analysis of isolated PHAs reveal interesting properties such as biodegradability and biocompatibility. Research was focused only recently on the application of PHA in implants, scaffolds in tissue engineering, or as drug carriers. Such applications require that PHA be produced at a constant and reproducible quality. To date this can be achieved best through bacterial production in continuous culture where growth conditions are kept constant (chemostat). Recently, it was found that PHA producing bacteria are able to grow simultaneously limited by carbon and nitrogen substrates. Thus, it became possible to produce PHA at high yields on toxic substrate and also control its composition accurately (tailor-made synthesis). Finally, applications of PHA in medicine are discussed.

Acyltransferases↗

Anthralin stain removal.

Results of an anthralin stain removal study on white 65% polyester/35% cotton, white 100% polyester, white 100% cotton, a white shower curtain, white tile with crevice, and white ceramic shower tile are reported. An optimum stain removal technic was developed by using a 10-minute soak in full-strength chlorine bleach (Good Measure or Clorox) followed by a water rinse and air drying. This technic completely removed all stains of 24-hour duration from the test fabrics. The stain removal test on shower curtains, floor tiles, and ceramic shower tiles was also discussed.

Anthralin↗

Immunogenicity of single-dose diphtheria vaccines based on PLA/PLGA microspheres in guinea pigs.

Biodegradable polyester microspheres (MS) have shown potential for single-dose vaccines. This study examined the immunogenicity of diphtheria toxoid (Dtxd) microencapsulated in different types of poly(lactide) (PLA) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) MS prepared by the methods of spray-drying and coacervation. We investigated the influence of polymer type (PLGA 50:50 of low M(w); PLA of high M(w); end-group stearylated PLAs of low M(w)) and co-encapsulated excipients (BSA and/or trehalose) on Dtxd content, in vitro release and immunogenicity in guinea pigs. The co-encapsulated trehalose lowered the Dtxd entrapment efficiency in the spray-dried particles from 75 to 56%, whereas albumin alone had no effect in the spray-drying, but improved the encapsulation in the coacervation process. With the hydrophobic, end-group stearylated PLAs, Dtxd could only be encapsulated in the presence of albumin. Guinea pigs immunised with Dtxd-MS made with the relatively hydrophilic PLGA 50:50 exhibited specific and sustained antibody responses over 40 weeks, comparable to the responses to alum-adjuvanted toxoid. In contrast, undetectable or very low antibody responses were determined after immunisation with MS made with hydrophobic polymers. Surprisingly, large (15-60 microm) and small (1-5 microm) MS gave comparable primary antibody responses. In conclusion, the data presented confirm the feasibility of MS vaccines to induce strong, long-lasting protective antibody responses after a single immunisation.

Animals↗

Development of microparticles prepared by spray-drying as a vaccine delivery system against brucellosis.

The antigenic extract Hot Saline from Brucella ovis was microencapsulated by the spray-drying technique with different polyesters (poly-lactide-co-glycolide RG502H [PLGA], and blends with poly- epsilon -caprolactone [PEC]) in order to obtain microparticles smaller than 5 microm. Microparticles were tested for encapsulation efficiency, release studies, acidification of the in vitro release medium, and in vitro J744-macrophage experiments (phagocytosis and toxicity of the preparations) to determine the optimal formulation for vaccination purposes. Formulation containing no PCL showed the highest encapsulation efficiency, although the differences were not significant. The in vitro release kinetics were characterized by a high burst effect after 1 h of incubation, followed by a slow and continuous release. For the formulation based on PLGA, the pH of the medium during release dropped from 7.4 to 3.5 while the presence of PEC attenuated the pH drop. All formulations showed light toxicity by the MTT assay, but differences were observed in terms of phagocytosis, as particles prepared with PEC showed the higher uptake by J744-macrophages and cell respiratory burst, determined by oxygen peroxide release. All these characteristics suggest that the microparticulated antigenic formulation containing the higher ratio of PEC is susceptible to be used in animal vaccination studies.

Bacterial Vaccines↗

Biodegradable poly(epsilon -caprolactone) nanoparticles for tumor-targeted delivery of tamoxifen.

To increase the local concentration of tamoxifen in estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer, we have developed and characterized nanoparticle formulation using poly(epsilon -caprolactone) (PCL). The nanoparticles were prepared by solvent displacement method using acetone-water system. Particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy, zeta potential measurements, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used for nanoparticle characterization. Biodegradation studies were performed in the presence and absence of Pseudomonas lipase in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) at 37 degrees C. Tamoxifen loading over different concentrations was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the optimum loading concentration was determined. In vitro release studies were performed in 0.5% (w/v) sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) containing PBS at 37 degrees C. Cellular uptake and distribution of fluorescent-labeled nanoparticles was examined in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. SEM micrographs and Coulter analysis showed nanoparticles with spherical shape and uniform size distribution (250-300 nm), respectively. Zeta potential analysis revealed a positive surface charge of +25 mV on the tamoxifen-loaded formulation. Being hydrophobic crystalline polyester, PCL did not degrade in PBS alone, but the degradation was enhanced by the presence of lipase. The maximum tamoxifen loading efficiency was 64%. Initial burst release of tamoxifen was observed, probably due to significant surface presence of the drug on the nanoparticles. A large fraction of the administered nanoparticle dose was taken up by MCF-7 cells through non-specific endocytosis. The nanoparticles were found in the perinuclear region after 1 h. Results of the study suggest that nanoparticle formulations of selective ER modulators, like tamoxifen, would provide increased therapeutic benefit by delivering the drug in the vicinity of the ER.

Absorbable Implants↗

Drug complexation, in vitro release and cellular entry of dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers.

Highly branched, functionalized polymers have potential to act as efficient drug carrier systems. Dendrimers are ideal candidates among model hyperbranched polymers because of their well-defined structure and high density of functional groups. Using ibuprofen as a model drug, we studied the interaction between the drug and Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers (generations 3 and 4 with --NH2 functionality) and Perstrop Polyol (generation 5, hyperbranched polyester with --OH functionality). FTIR and NMR studies suggest that ibuprofen predominantly forms a complex with PAMAM dendrimers because of the ionic interaction between the --NH2 end groups and the carboxyl group of ibuprofen. On an average, up to 78 molecules of ibuprofen could be incorporated into one molecule of PAMAM-G4-NH2 with 64 end groups. This complex is stable in deionized water and methanol. The in vitro release of ibuprofen from drug-dendrimer complex is appreciably slower compared to pure ibuprofen. The complexed drug enters A549 cells much more rapidly than pure drug suggesting that dendrimers may be able to carry the complexed drug inside cells efficiently. Hyperbranched Polyol (with 128 --OH end groups) appears to encapsulate approximately 24 drug molecules. Perhaps the lack of strong interactions between the --OH end groups and the drugs prevents complex formation.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

Reverse remodeling and enhanced adrenergic reserve from passive external support in experimental dilated heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to test the efficacy of a passive elastic containment device to reverse chronic chamber remodeling and adrenergic down-regulation in the failing heart, yet still maintaining preload reserve. BACKGROUND: Progressive cardiac remodeling due to heart failure is thought to exacerbate underlying myocardial dysfunction. In a pressure-volume analysis, we tested the impact of limiting progressive cardiac dilation by an externally applied passive containment device on both basal and adrenergic-stimulated function in failing canine hearts. METHODS: Ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy was induced by repeated intracoronary microembolizations in six dogs. The animals were studied before and three to six months after surgical implantation of a thin polyester mesh (cardiac support device [CSD]) that surrounded both cardiac ventricles. Pressure-volume relations were measured by a conductance micromanometer catheter. RESULTS: Long-term use of the CSD lowered end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes by -19 +/- 4% and -22 +/- 8%, respectively (both p < 0.0001) and shifted the end-systolic pressure-volume relation to the left (p < 0.01), compatible with reverse remodeling. End-diastolic pressure and chamber diastolic stiffness did not significantly change. The systolic response to dobutamine markedly improved after CSD implantation (55 +/- 8% rise in ejection fraction after CSD vs. -10 +/- 8% before CSD, p < 0.05), in conjunction with a heightened adenylyl cyclase response to isoproterenol. There was no change in the density or affinity of beta-adrenergic receptors. Diastolic compliance was not adversely affected, and preload-recruitable function was preserved with the CSD, consistent with a lack of constriction. CONCLUSIONS: Reverse remodeling with reduced systolic wall stress and improved adrenergic signaling can be achieved by passive external support that does not generate diastolic constriction. This approach may prove useful in the treatment of chronic heart failure.

Animals↗

The role of cinefluoroscopy and intravascular ultrasonography in evaluating the deployment of experimental endovascular prostheses.

PURPOSE: This study compares the utility of cineangiography and real-time intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) in achieving successful deployment of endovascular prostheses. METHODS: Five types of 5 cm long, 8 mm internal diameter polyester vascular grafts were secured in the infrarenal aorta of mongrel dogs by 18 mm long Palmaz balloon expandable vascular stents sutured to each end of the prostheses. The endovascular prostheses were delivered by crimping the stents at the ends of the grafts onto a 10 mm outside diameter, 8 cm long polyethylene balloon-dilation catheter. Real-time IVUS of the procedure was provided by a 0.035-inch, 20 MHz imaging element passed through the guide wire lumen in the balloon catheter. Two prostheses of each type were implanted, with one removed at 30 days and the other at 60 days for analysis. RESULTS: At implantation, both angiography and IVUS provided information regarding the choice of site for placement of the device and sizing of the aortic lumen. Real-time IVUS enhanced the information obtained by cineangiography by displaying tomographic views of the vessel anatomy, enabling determination of cross-sectional areas, assessing full stent expansion, and providing information regarding surface topography along the length of the prostheses. Several critical observations were apparent only on IVUS, including incomplete initial stent expansion during two procedures evidenced by pulsation of the aortic wall independent of the stent and movement of unstented segments of thin-walled grafts. Some of these observations led to further interventions at the time of deployment. At death, a comparison of cineangiography, IVUS, and ultrafast computed tomography outlined lumenal continuity and areas of irregularity, thrombus, or narrowing, with IVUS being more sensitive than cineangiography or computed tomography for determining most parameters. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that IVUS is a promising alternative method for precise placement of intravascular grafts.

Animals↗

Thrombogenicity of small-diameter prosthetic grafts: relative contributions of graft-associated thrombin and factor Xa.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the contributions of coagulation factors IIa (thrombin) and Xa to small-diameter prosthetic graft thrombogenicity in vivo. METHODS: Preclotted and nonpreclotted (collagen-coated) polyester grafts were studied before and 24 hours after implantation into pig femoral arteries. After incubation of explanted grafts was performed with plasma depleted of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors by barium chloride adsorption (Ba-plasma), graft-associated thrombin activity was determined by radioimmunoassay for fibrinopeptide A. Fibrinopeptide A levels reflect thrombin-mediated fibrin formation. Factor Xa activity was characterized by measuring activation of prothrombin added to Ba-plasma. RESULTS: Thrombin and factor Xa were associated with the luminal surfaces of preclotted grafts before and 24 hours after implantation. Nonpreclotted grafts had negligible procoagulant activity before implantation. After 24 hours in vivo graft-associated factor Xa activity was similar in both nonpreclotted and preclotted grafts; however, more thrombin was bound to nonpreclotted coated grafts (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The procoagulant activity of small-diameter prosthetic grafts persists for 24 hours after implantation and is attributable not only to graft-associated thrombin but also to de novo thrombin elaboration induced by factor Xa. Moreover, graft-associated procoagulant activity is not dependent on preclotting because it develops on nonpreclotted, collagen-coated grafts as well. Treatment strategies to attenuate graft thrombosis may require the inhibition of both thrombin and factor Xa.

Adsorption↗

Treatment of vascular graft infection by in situ replacement with cryopreserved aortic allografts: an experimental study.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to prove the efficacy of cryopreserved aortic allografts to treat an established vascular graft infection by in situ replacement in an animal model and to evaluate the role of the antibiotics normally used to decontaminate the allografts. METHODS: Twenty-three dogs underwent infrarenal aortic replacement with a gelatin-sealed knitted polyester graft contaminated in vitro by Staphylococcus epidermidis RP-62. One week later, the 18 surviving animals underwent reoperation for graft removal and were randomized into three groups for in situ replacement: group I (control, n = 6) received a new gelatin-sealed graft; group II (n = 6) received a non-antibiotic-treated cryopreserved allograft; and group III (n = 6) received an antibiotic-treated cryopreserved allograft. Control grafts and allografts were removed 4 weeks after the initial intervention for quantitative bacteriologic analysis and histologic analysis. Bacteriologic results were expressed as colony-forming units per square centimeter of graft material. Qualitative bacteriologic analysis was also obtained from perigraft fluid and tissue. RESULTS: All of the initially implanted grafts and all of the control grafts (group I) were infected at the time of removal. In group II, three out of six allografts were not totally incorporated, whereas in group III incorporation was always complete, with a significantly decreased inflammatory reaction. All of the antibiotic-treated allografts were sterile, whereas three untreated allografts grew bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: In this model, cryopreserved aortic allografts were more resistant to reinfection than synthetic grafts after in situ replacement of an infected prosthetic graft. However, the antibiotic loading of the cryopreserved aortic allograft appears to be essential to obtain optimal therapeutic effects.

Animals↗

Heparin-bonded grafts induce platelet aggregation in the presence of heparin-associated antiplatelet antibodies.

PURPOSE: Thromboresistant synthetic grafts should decrease the frequency of graft thromboses and could be useful in bypasses to small arteries and to arteries with compromised flow. Heparin-bonded grafts (HBG) have been developed. Studies were done to determine whether the heparin bond is permanent and whether the HBG would aggregate platelets in the presence of heparin-associated antiplatelet antibodies (HAAbs). METHODS: We studied an 8 mm HBG from company A (HBGA) and 8 mm and 6 mm HBGs from company B (HBGB-8 and HBGB-6), none of which is available for clinical use in the United States. Five 1 cm long segments of HBGA, HBGB-8, and HBGB-6 were incubated for 24 hours in 5 ml of plasma, 10 ml of saline, or 10 ml of Ringer's lactate. After incubation, 1 ml was obtained from each solution and assayed for heparin. Segments of each graft that leached off an equivalent of 1 U of heparin/ml (i.e., 1 mm2 of HBGA, 5 mm2 of HBGB-8, and 20 mm2 of HBGB-6) were incubated with 0.15 ml of plasma with HAAbs (six samples per graft) for 30 minutes at 25 degrees C. The grafts were removed, and 0.1 ml of normal-donor, platelet-rich plasma was added. The samples were placed in an aggregometer and allowed to react until positive aggregation occurred or 27 minutes had elapsed. Segments of non-heparin-bonded polyester grafts served as controls. RESULTS: Heparin leached off all grafts in plasma (mean values: HBGA, 83.4 U of heparin/ml; HBGB-8, 4 U of heparin/ml; HBGB-6, 6.2 U of heparin/ml). In normal saline, the mean heparin concentrations were lower (HBGA, 10.8 U of heparin/ml; HBGB-8, 0 U of heparin/ml; HBGB-6, 0.01 U of heparin/ml. The mean heparin concentration after incubation in Ringer's lactate were 10 U of heparin/ml for HBGA, 0 U of heparin/ml HBGB-8, and 0.22 U of heparin/ml HBGB-6. All of the HBGs induced platelet aggregation inHAAb-positive plasma. None of the control grafts induced platelet aggregation in HAAb-positive plasma. CONCLUSIONS: All HBGs leached heparin into plasma, and all induced platelet aggregation in the presence of HAAbs. The possibility of sensitizing patients to heparin leeching from a HBG with the activation of platelets and secondary thrombosis strongly suggests that HBG be used with great caution. Other methods for inducing graft thromboresistance should be developed.

Antibodies↗

Effect of suture material on postoperative astigmatism.

Two hundred patients were enrolled in a randomized, prospective clinical trial comparing the use of 10-0 nylon, 10-0 polypropylene (Prolene), 11-0 polyester (Mersilene), and 10-0 polyethylene (Novafil) suture materials on the amount and decay curves of surgically induced astigmatism following intraocular lens (IOL) surgery. Patients with Mersilene and nylon sutures had the highest amounts of induced with-the-rule (WTR) cylinder (significantly more than Prolene) at one day after surgery. However, the WTR cylinder decayed rapidly for nylon during the first three months but more slowly for Mersilene because of its lack of stretchability. The Prolene group had the lowest level of induced WTR cylinder at one day, but against-the-rule (ATR) drift occurred, leaving cases with ATR astigmatism by a year. The nylon group had the second highest amount of induced WTR cylinder at one day, which had decayed to ATR cylinder by five months. Between one and two years postoperatively, the nylon group experienced a significant ATR shift. The amount of early induced WTR cylinder seemed to be related to the knot-tying technique and tissue gripping characteristics, whereas the shape of the decay curve was related to the material characteristics of the suture.

Adult↗