Improved Lysozyme Stability and Release Properties of Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) Implants Prepared by Hot-Melt Extrusion

Purpose  

To assess the feasibility of hot-melt extrusion (HME) for preparing implants based on protein/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) formulations with special emphasis on protein stability, burst release and release completeness.     

利培酮生物可降解注射型植入剂的制备及体外释放特性的研究

目的:制备利培酮生物可降解注射型植入剂并考察其体外释放特性。方法:选用聚乳酸乙醇酸共聚物(PLGA)为载体和N-甲基吡咯烷酮(NMP)为溶剂,制备利培酮生物可降解注射型植入剂。考察制剂在30d内累积释药率、PLGA在降解过程中分子量的变化情况以及固体聚合物在降解过程表面孔径的变化情况。结果:所制制剂30d内释药曲线平稳,累积释药率为89.01%,前24h突释量较小,为13.8%。聚合物降解30d后分子量从43000减少到10000左右,表面孔径逐渐变大。结论:利培酮生物可降解注射型植入剂可在体外30d持续稳定释药。     

In situ Formed Implants,Based on PLGA and Eudragit Blends,for Novel Florfenicol Controlled Release Formulations

Drug controlled release technologies (DCRTs) represent an opportunity for designing new therapies. Main objectives are dose number optimization and secondary effects reduction to improve the level of patient/client acceptance. The present work studies DCRTs based in blended polymeric implants for single dose and long-term therapies of florfenicol (FF), a broad spectrum antibiotic. Polymers used were PLGA and Eudragit E100/S100 types. Eudragit/PLGA and FF/PLGA ratios were the main studied factors in terms of encapsulation efficiencies (EEs) and drug release profiles. In addition, morphological and physicochemical characterization were carried out. EEs were of 50–100% depending on formulation composition, and the FF releasing rate was increased or diminished when E100 or S100 were added, respectively. PLGA hydrolytic cleavage products possibly affect Eudragit solubility and matrix stability. Different mathematical models were used for better understanding and simulating release processes. Implants maintained the antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa up to 12 days on agar plates. The developed DCRTs represents a suitable alternative for florfenicol long-term therapies.     

Effect of Polymer Blending on the Release of Ganciclovir from PLGA Microspheres

Purpose The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of polymer blending on entrapment and release of ganciclovir (GCV) from poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres using a set of empirical equations. Methods Two grades of PLGA, PLGA 7525 [d,l-lactide:glycolide(75:25), MW 90,000–126,000 Da] and Resomer RG 502H [d,l-lactide:glycolide(50:50), MW 8000 Da], were employed in the preparation of PLGA microspheres. Five sets of microsphere batches were prepared with two pure polymers and their 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1 blends. Drug entrapment, surface morphology, particle size analysis, drug release, and differential scanning calorimetric studies were performed. In vitro drug-release data were fitted to a set of empirical sigmoidal equations by nonlinear regression analysis that could effectively predict various parameters that characterize both diffusion and degradation cum diffusion-controlled release phases of GCV. Results Entrapment efficiencies of GCV ranged from 47 to 73%. Higher amounts of GCV were entrapped in polymer blend microspheres relative to individual polymers. Triphasic GCV release profiles were observed, which consisted of both diffusion and degradation cum diffusion-controlled phases. In vitro GCV release was shortest for Resomer RG 502H microsphere (10 days) and longest for PLGA 7525 microspheres (90 days). Upon blending, the duration of release gradually decreased as the content of Resomer RG 502H in the matrix was raised. Equations effectively estimated the drug-release rate constants during both the phases with high R² values (>0.990). GCV release was slower from the blend microsphere during the initial diffusion phase. Majority of entrapped drug (70–95%) was released during the matrix degradation cum diffusion phase. Conclusions Drug entrapment and release parameters estimated by the equations indicate more efficient matrix packing between PLGA 7525 and Resomer RG 502H in polymer-blended microspheres. The overall duration of drug release diminishes with rising content of Resomer RG 502H in the matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry studies indicate stronger binding between the polymers in the PLGA 7525/Resomer RG 502H∷ 3:1 blend. Polymer blending can effectively alter drug-release rates of controlled delivery systems in the absence of any additives.     

Controlled Release of Lidocaine from Injectable Gels and Efficacy in Rat Sciatic Nerve Block

Purpose. Methods of delaying the action of local anesthetics are important, since short duration of action limits their use in the treatment of postoperative and chronic pain. The present study evaluated the use of low-viscosity gels in prolonging the release of lidocaine. Methods. Release of lidocaine from 2% lidocaine-HC1 containing methylcellulose (MC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), sodiumcarboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and poloxamer 407 (PO) gels was studied in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, at 37°C. Commercial metylcellulose gel (MC_com) served as control. The in vivo efficacy of the respective gel formulations were evaluated in rats. The gel was injected into the vicinity of the sciatic nerve and nociception and motor function were tested. Results. The cumulative amount of lidocaine released during 8 hr was slowest from the PO gel, followed by the CMC, HPMC and MC gels. The antinociceptive effect was not prevented by the motor block and lasted longest with the PO gel. Good linear and rank order correlation was obtained between in vitro and in vivoresults. The microscopic examination of the tissue samples revealed only mild or no irritation of the skeletal muscle tissue by the PO, HPMC, and CMC gels. Conclusions. Based on these results poloxamer gel proved to be the most promising carrier for lidocaine.     

可注射的PLGA植入剂体外成形方法及药物突释特性的研究

制备了氟尿嘧啶注射型植入剂,并采用HPLC法测定了体外成形过程中氟尿嘧啶及有机溶剂N,N-二甲基乙酰胺、乙酸甘油酯的释放量.结果表明,不同有机溶剂在注射型植入剂成形过程中的扩散速率不同.增大处方中聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物的分子量和乙酸甘油酯的含量均可减小注射型植入剂中药物的突释量.     

Swelling,Erosion, and Release Behavior of PEO/Primaquine Matrix Tablets

Extended-release primaquine tablets were developed using polyethylene oxide (PEO) as a hydrophilic swellable polymer with different amounts and molecular weights (4 × 10⁶ and 8 × 10⁶). Investigations were carried out in order to verify the matrix performance. The evaluated parameters were weight, hardness, thickness, friability, and drug content. The swelling and erosion matrices as well as drug release profile were analyzed under dissolution conditions. The statistical model ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer HSD were considered. The results showed that all formulations provided adequate physical characteristics and a time release about eight hours following a non-Fickian diffusion model. The kinetics of drug delivery was directly related to the synchronization of swelling and erosion matrices. The formulations prepared with high PEO concentrations showed a lower rate of erosion, a slower drug release, and faster rate of swelling, as compared with matrices containing lower PEO concentration.     

微球中聚乳酸羟基乙酸共聚物浓度与微球结构、释药、降解的关系研究

目的:研究微球中聚乳酸羟基乙酸共聚物(PLGA)浓度与微球结构、释药、降解的关系。方法:以牛血清白蛋白(BSA)为药物,采用复乳法制备PLGA浓度分别为10%、15%、20%的BSA-PLGA微球,以包封率、载药量、粒径为指标考察PLGA浓度对3种微球性质的影响;采用扫描电子显微镜观察3种微球和降解40 d内的外观和内部形态;使用荧光蛋白-异硫氰酸荧光素牛血清白蛋白代替BSA作为模型药物制备PLGA微球,并采用激光共聚焦显微镜观察荧光蛋白在微球骨架内的分布情况;采用BCA法考察3种微球的体外释药情况;采用压汞仪考察降解28 d内20%PLGA所制微球的孔径、孔隙率、截面孔隙率的变化;采用凝胶渗透色谱法检测10%、20%PLGA所制微球降解28 d内分子质量及其降解模型拟合。结果:与10%、15%PLGA所制微球比较,20%PLGA所制微球的包封率[(81.96±1.84)%]和粒径[(139.50±0.21)μm]最大,载药量[(7.28±0.45)%]最低,截面孔隙率[(32.35±1.98)%]和孔径[(12.43±0.14)μm]最小,释药突释率最低,40 d内的释放速率相对较慢,降解后截面孔隙率最大,降解均遵循假一级模式(r2=0.065 3)。结论:在考察范围内,随着PLGA浓度的增加,微球的结构更致密,释药更平稳,降解更易形成中空结构。     

Release kinetics and immunogenicity of parvovirus microencapsulated in PLA/PLGA microspheres

The aim of this work was to examine the immunogenicity of microencapsulated inactivated duck parvovirus in Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) and goose. Inactivated duck parvovirus suspension was microencapsulated into 14-17 kDa poly(lactide) (PLA) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA50:50H) by coacervation. The in vitro antigen release from individual and mixed PLA and PLGA50:50H microspheres (MS) was biphasic with an initial lag-phase of approx. 10 days followed by a relatively constant release over additional 12 days. By varying the composition of PLA+PLGA50:50H MS mixtures from 3+1 to 1+3, the release kinetics could be altered and controlled efficiently. The antigen-loaded MS were injected subcutaneously into ducks. The immune response, expressed as virus neutralisation (VN) titres, after single administration of MS was modest, i.e. below 200 over the 6 weeks tested, unless the animals were pre-immunised 3 weeks before injecting the MS. The weak immune response was attributed to the low dose injected and inappropriate antigen release kinetics. With pre-immunised animals, however, the results were encouraging and showed that the encapsulated parvovirus was immunogenic.     

不同PLGA型号对奥曲肽微球的包封率和体外释放行为的影响

考察了不同型号聚乳酸-羟基乙酸共聚物(PLGA)作为水溶性药物奥曲肽微球载体对载药量、包封率和体外释放行为的影响.结果表明,PLGA中丙交酯含量降低,载药量和包封率降低,而突释量增大.PLGA型号相同时,黏度较大的PLGA微球载药量和包封率较高,突释量较小.采用PLGA与聚乳酸(PLA)混合材料制备的微球比单用PLGA材料微球的突释量小、载药量和包封率高、缓释效果好.     

胰高血糖素样肽-2/聚乳酸-羟基乙酸微球的制备及其体外释药性质研究

目的:制备胰高血糖素样肽-2(GLP-2)/聚乳酸-羟基乙酸(PLGA)微球,并对其体外释药特性进行研究。方法:通过L(93)4正交试验设计优选微球最佳制备工艺条件,采用复乳-溶剂挥发法制备GLP-2/PLGA微球,并对制备工艺的重现性、所制微球的性质及体外释药性能进行考察。结果:优选的GLP-2/PLGA微球的最佳制备工艺稳定、重现性好;微球形态圆整,粒度分布均匀,平均粒径为14.49μm,载药量为13.48%,包封率为36.97%,微球在6 d内释药缓慢而均匀。结论:建立的制备工艺条件稳定、可行,所制微球初步达到了预期的试验目的。     

左氧氟沙星/PLGA亚微粒的制备、表征和体外释药考察

目的:制备左氧氟沙星/PLGA亚微粒,并进行相关表征和体外释放行为考察.方法:采用纳米共沉淀法制备左氧氟沙星/PLGA亚微粒,采用激光粒度分析仪以及扫描电镜分别进行亚微粒粒度测定和形貌分析.同时采用紫外-可见分光光度法(UV)测定其载药量与体外药物释放行为.结果:经过激光粒度分析仪测定,所制备的左氧氟沙星/PLGA亚微粒粒径为197 ～230 nm,Zeta电位为-24 mv.扫描电镜观察亚微粒呈圆形/椭圆形,分布均匀.UV法测定亚微粒的载药量为6.25％～9.38％,包封产率为12.45％ ～46.59％.体外释放结果显示相比于商品化左氧氟沙星滴眼液,所制备的左氧氟沙星/PLGA亚微粒具有良好的缓释效果.结论:通过纳米共沉淀法成功制备粒径均一,高载药量的左氧氟沙星PLGA亚微粒,同时能实现药物的缓慢释放,减少给药次数的目的.     

Release of paclitaxel from polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) microparticles and discs under irradiation

Paclitaxel is a promising anti-cancer drug as well as a radiosensitizer for chemotherapy and radiotherapy applications. Because of the poor solubility of paclitaxel in water and most pharmaceutical reagents, it is usually formulated with an adjuvant called Cremophor EL, which causes severe side effects. This work develops new dosage forms of paclitaxel for controlled release application, which do not require the adjuvant and, thus, can avoid its associated side effects. Paclitaxel was encapsulated into the PLGA matrix with various additives such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), isopropyl myristate (IPM) and d-alpha tocopheryl polyethylene glycol (Vitamin E TPGS). These additives were used to enhance the release rate of paclitaxel from the polymer matrix. Spray-drying and an hydraulic press were used to prepare paclitaxel-PLGA microspheres and discs. The microspheres and discs were given different irradiation doses to investigate their effects on the surface morphology (characterized by SEM, AFM and XPS) and in vitro release properties. There seems to be a small effect of the ionizing radiation on various formulations. Although the irradiation did not cause observable changes on the morphology of the polymer matrix, the release rate can be enhanced by a few per cent. It was found that PEG has the highest enhancement effect for release rate among all the additives investigated in this study.     

Controlled Release of Contraceptive Steroids from Biodegradable and Injectable Gel Formulations: In Vivo Evaluation

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate in vivo biocompatibility, biodegradability and biological effects of contraceptive steroids, such as levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, released from gels prepared with a combination of derivatized vegetable oil (Labrafil 1944 CS) and glyceryl ester of fatty acids (Precirol ATO 5). Methods. Biocompatibility, biodegradability, and in vivo effects of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol were studied by histologic evaluation of rat tissue, visual estimate of changes in gel size, and assessment of drug effects on reproductive cyclicity of female rats, respectively, following subcutaneous injection of gel formulations. Results. Histological evaluation of the tissue samples following an injection of the gel revealed an inflammatory reaction for about 7 days, after which the tissues did not show any inflammatory response. Complete degradation of the gels containing 10% wax was observed between 5 and 6 weeks. Normal rat estrous cycles were completely blocked by the contraceptive steroids released from the gels. Gel formulations containing 0.25% w/w levonorgestrel were more effective in blocking the estrous cycle of female rats compared to the oil formulations containing an identical drug loading. The duration of the biological effect induced by levonorgestrel appears to be dose-related. The gel formulation containing 2.00% ethinyl estradiol was superior to oil formulation containing an identical drug loading in terms of controlling drug release and toxicity. Conclusions. These observations suggest that Labrafil-Precirol gels are biocompatible and biodegradable. Moreover, controlled release of steroids is possible in vivo for a prolonged period of time.     

pH-Sensitive Polymer Blends Used as Coating Materials to Control Drug Release from Spherical Beads: Elucidation of the Underlying Mass Transport Mechanisms

Purpose To elucidate the drug release mechanisms from pellets coated with pH-sensitive polymer blends.Methods Verapamil hydrochloride-loaded beads were coated with various blends of a water-insoluble and an enteric polymer, ethylcellulose:Eudragit L and Eudragit NE:Eudragit L, respectively. Both experimental and theoretical techniques were used to characterize the systems before and upon exposure to 0.1 M HCl and phosphate buffer (pH 7.4).Results Using analytical solutions of Fick’s second law of diffusion, optical and scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical and gravimetric analysis, new insight into the underlying drug release mechanisms could be gained. More importantly, the latter can be effectively altered by varying the type of polymer blend and blend ratio. For example, at low pH drug release is primarily controlled by diffusion through the intact film coatings in Eudragit NE:Eudragit L blends, whereas crack formation is of major importance in ethylcellulose:Eudragit L-coated systems. At high pH, the (partial) leaching of the enteric polymer out of the coatings plays an important role. In all cases, the observed drug release profiles could be explained based on the occurring mass transport processes.Conclusions The obtained new knowledge can be used to effectively adjust desired drug release mechanisms and, thus, release patterns.     

The Effect of Polymerization Method in Stereo-active Block Copolymers on the Stability of Polymeric Micelles and their Drug Release Profile

Purpose

To investigate the effect of polymerization method on the stability and drug release properties of polymeric micelles formed using stereo-active block copolymers.

Methods

Diblock copolymers consisting of methoxy poly ethylene oxide (MePEO) and poly(lactide)s (PLA)s of different stereochemistry were synthesized by bulk or solution polymerization. Polymers and micelles were characterized for their chemical structure by ¹H NMR, optical rotation by polarimetry, critical micellar concentration by fluorescence spectroscopy, thermal properties by differential scanning calorimetry, morphology by transmission electron microscopy and size as well as kinetic stability by dynamic light scattering. Release of encapsulated nimodipine from polymeric micelles at different levels of loading was also investigated.

Results

Solution polymerization yielded a higher degree of crystallinity for stereo-regular PLA blocks. Consequently, the related polymeric micelles were kinetically more stable than those prepared by bulk polymerization. At high drug loading levels, the release of nimodipine was more rapid from polymeric micelles with crystalline cores. At lower levels of drug loading, drug release was slower and independent of the stereochemistry of the core.

Conclusions

The results underline the effect of polymerization method in defining core crystallinity in stereoregular block copolymer micelles. It also shows the impact of core crystallinity on enhancing micellar stability and drug release.     

In Situ-Formed Microparticles of PLGA from O/W Emulsions Stabilized with PVA: Encapsulation and Controlled Release of Progesterone

In situ-formed microspheres are an alternative to expensive and complex manufactured preformed systems for the controlled release of drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of stable O/W emulsions to entrap progesterone after in vitro precipitation of poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles. This was achieved by a solvent selection based on their miscibility and capability to solubilize the drug and PLGA. Stability assays, size distribution studies, and progesterone encapsulation efficiency evaluation were carried out for the candidate formulations. After selection of the most suitable formulations, in vitro-controlled release test of progesterone were done. Results demonstrate that emulsions based on triacetin and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) aqueous solutions were useful solvent systems to obtain microspheres capable to deliver the hormone in a controlled release manner. In addition, for the first time, for these authors, PVA was successfully implemented into a continuous phase to increase the stability of in situ-formed O/W formulations.     

Sustained Release of Acetaminophen from Heterogeneous Matrix Tablets: Influence of Polymer Ratio,Polymer Loading,and Co-active on Drug Release

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of pseudoephedrine (PE), polymer ratio, and polymer loading on the release of acetaminophen (APAP) from hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) matrices. Granules formulated with APAP or both APAP and PE, and various blends of HPMC and PVP were compressed into tablets at varying compression forces ranging from 2000 to 6000 lb. In vitro drug release from the matrix tablets was determined and the results correlated with those of tablet water uptake and erosion studies. Drug release from the formulations containing both APAP and PE was slower than those containing only APAP (P < 0.05, F = 3.10). Drug release from tablets formulated with APAP only showed an initial burst at pH 1.16 or 7.45, and at high total polymer loading (≥ 9.6%). Formulations containing both APAP and PE showed slower drug release at pH 1.16 than at pH 7.45. At pH 1.16, a decline in the percentage of APAP released occurred after 18 hours. This was due to the hydrolysis of APAP to p-aminophenol. The drug dissolution data showed good fit to the Korsmeyer and Peppas model, and the values of the release exponents ranged from 0.20 to 0.62, indicating a complex drug release pattern. Tablet erosion studies indicated that the amount of APAP released was linearly related to the percentage of tablet weight loss. The kinetics of tablet water uptake was consistent with a diffusion and stress relaxation controlled mechanism. Overall, the results of this study indicated that PE, as a co-active in the formulation, modified the matrix, and hence retarded APAP release.     

Controlled Release of a Contraceptive Steroid from Biodegradable and Injectable Gel Formulations: In Vitro Evaluation

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of formulation factors including varying wax concentration, drug loading and drug particle size, on drug release characteristics from both pure oil and gel formulations prepared with a combination of derivatized vegetable oil (Labrafil 1944 CS) and glyceryl palmitostearate (Precirol ATO 5), using levonorgestrel as a model drug. Methods. The effects of varying drug loadings, different drug particle sizes, and wax (Precirol) concentrations on in-vitro drug release rates were evaluated, and the mechanisms of drug release from the gels were determined. Results. Zero-order drug release rates from the 10% Precirol gel formulations containing 0.25, 0.50 and 2.00% w/v drug loadings were lower than those observed for oil formulations containing identical drug loadings. Higher zero-order release rates were observed from formulations containing smaller drug particles suspended in both oil and gel formulations. The mechanism of drug release from gels containing less than 0.25% w/w drug was diffusion-controlled. Increasing the wax concentrations in the gels from 5% w/w to 20% w/w significantly decreased the diffusivity of the drug through the gel formulations and markedly increased the force required to inject the gels from two different sizes of needles. Conclusions. This study shows how modification of the physicochemical properties of the gel formulations by changing the drug particle size, wax concentration and drug loading, affects drug release characteristics from the system.     

Thermosensitive mPEG-b-PA-g-PNIPAM Comb Block Copolymer Micelles: Effect of Hydrophilic Chain Length and Camptothecin Release Behavior

Purpose

Block copolymer micelles are extensively used as drug controlled release carriers, showing promising application prospects. The comb or brush copolymers are especially of great interest, whose densely-grafted side chains may be important for tuning the physicochemical properties and conformation in selective solvents, even in vitro drug release. The purpose of this work was to synthesize novel block copolymer combs via atom transfer radical polymerization, to evaluate its physicochemical features in solution, to improve drug release behavior and to enhance the bioavailablity, and to decrease cytotoxicity.

Methods

The physicochemical properties of the copolymer micelles were examined by modulating the composition and the molecular weights of the building blocks. A dialysis method was used to load hydrophobic camptothecin (CPT), and the CPT release and stability were detected by UV–vis spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography, and the cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assays.

Results

The copolymers could self-assemble into well-defined spherical core-shell micelle aggregates in aqueous solution, and showed thermo-induced micellization behavior, and the critical micelle concentration was 2.96–27.64 mg L^?1. The micelles were narrow-size-distribution, with hydrodynamic diameters about 128–193 nm, depending on the chain length of methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG) blocks and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) graft chains or/and compositional ratios of mPEG to PNIPAM. The copolymer micelles could stably and effectively load CPT but avoid toxicity and side-effects, and exhibited thermo-dependent controlled and targeted drug release behavior.

Conclusions

The copolymer micelles were safe, stable and effective, and could potentially be employed as CPT controlled release carriers.