Optimization of amino group density on surfaces of titanium dioxide nanoparticles covalently bonded to a silicone substrate for antibacterial and cell adhesion activities

A composite consisting of titanium dioxide (TiO2) particle, the surface of which was modified with amino groups, and a silicone substrate through covalent bonding at their interface was developed, and antibacterial and cell adhesion activities of the composite were evaluated. The density of the amino groups on the TiO2 particle surface was controlled by the reaction time of the modification reaction. The degradation rate of CH3CHO in the presence of the TiO2 particles under UV irradiation decreased with an increase in the amino group density on the TiO2 surface. On the other hand, the number of L929 cells adhering on the TiO2/silicone composite increased with an increase in the amino group density. From the above two results, the optimum density of amino groups for both photoreactivity and cell adhesiveness was estimated to be 2.0-4.0 molecules/nm2. The optimum amino group-modified TiO2/silicone composite sheet (amino group density, 3.0 molecules/nm2) showed an effective antibacterial activity for Escherichia coli bacteria under UV irradiation.

Static cardiomyoplasty with synthetic elastic net suppresses ventricular dilatation and dysfunction after myocardial infarction in the rat: an acute study

BACKGROUND

Wrapping around the heart (static cardiomyoplasty) may help prevent a failing left ventricle (LV) from dilatation but may also interfere with diastolic relaxation, resulting in restrictive hemodynamics and diastolic heart failure. We developed a synthetic net with a dual elasticity and tested its effect early after induced myocardial infarction (MI) in the rat.

METHODS

In rats undergoing occlusion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) with and without cardiac wrapping, pressure-volume (PV) relationships were successively analyzed before, after intravenous volume load (saline 1% of body weight over 30 sec), and 10 to 40 minutes after LAD occlusion. In each situation, end-diastolic and end-systolic PV relationships were defined and LV size and function compared under standardized loading conditions.

RESULTS

Ischemic increase in LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes was suppressed in a similar magnitude in NET with rats, resulting in preserved stroke volume and ejection fraction early after MI. While the presence of the net yielded a significant hemodynamic difference in response to acute volume load before ischemia, the difference was no longer apparent in the ischemic heart after LAD ligation.

CONCLUSION

Static cardiomyoplasty using a synthetic elastic net significantly suppresses ischemic LV dilatation and dysfunction without restriction immediately after MI in the rat. The long-term result is pending. Net material and elasticity needs to be adjusted for optimal girdling effect, or greatest benefits with least functional compromise.

Preparation and Interfacial Properties of a Novel Biodegradable Polymer Surfactant: Poly(ethylene oxide monooleate-block-DL-lactide)

In this paper, we report a novel synthesis of poly(ethylene oxide monooleate-block-DL-lactide) (MOPEO-PLA) in the presence of stannous 2-ethylhexanoate catalyst. By utilizing the surfactant property and the reactive double bond of the amphiphilic MOPEO-PLA, various characteristics of PLA microspheres, such as surface and internal structure, surface morphology, release property, and so on, may potentially be controlled. MOPEO-PLA was found to be hydrophobic enough to prevent loss by dissolution into aqueous solution, which is often a problem for MOPEO. Furthermore, the interfacial tension measurements of a MOPEO-PLA/toluene/water system revealed that MOPEO-PLA had a good surface activity almost equal to that of MOPEO. The MOPEO-PLA/PLA blend films were prepared by solvent casting on a water layer. Contact-angle measurements of MOPEO-PLA/PLA blend films confirmed that the hydrophilic PEO segments were selectivity accumulated at the oil/water interface. Moreover, the surface free energy on the 'water side' of the MOPEO-PLA/PLA blend films was increased because of the increase in polar components as a result of the ether bonds of the PEO segments. Schematic illustration of the adsorption property of a) MOPEO-PLA with a high-molecular-weight PLA segment and b) MOPEO-PLA with a low-molecular-weight PLA segment at an ethyl acetate/water interface.

Novel functional biodegradable polymer. III. The construction of poly(γ-glutamic acid)-sulfonate hydrogel with fibroblast growth factor-2 activity

Poly(gamma-glutamic acid)-sulfonate (gamma-PGA-S) hydrogel, with fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 activity was investigated as a novel, next-generation tissue-engineering material. gamma-PGA-net-gamma-PGA-S72 (S72-netgel) was prepared with gamma-PGA-S and gamma-PGA-S72 (72% sulfonated gamma-PGA) to provide the high mobility of gamma-PGA-S72 for FGF-2 activity. Cell adhesion and proliferation activities were evaluated on gamma-PGA and gamma-PGA-S hydrogels along with S72-netgels. Both cell adhesion and proliferation activities of gamma-PGA and gamma-PGA-S hydrogels were low. In contrast, S72-netgels had high cell adhesion and proliferation activities, because of their low swelling ratios and high sulfonic acid group concentrations. Furthermore, S72-netgels had high FGF-2 activity, because gamma-PGA-S72 retained FGF-2 activity when incorporated into S72-netgels. S72-netgels should be useful as next-generation tissue-engineering material containing FGF-2 activity.

Nano-scaled hydroxyapatite/polymer composite IV. Fabrication and cell adhesion properties of a three-dimensional scaffold made of composite material with a silk fibroin substrate to develop a percutaneous device

Nano-scaled sintered hydroxyapatite (HAp) particles with an a-axis length of 87 +/- 23 nm, a c-axis length of 236 +/- 81 nm, and a mean aspect ratio ( c/ a) of 2.72 were covalently linked onto a silk fibroin (SF) substrate chemically modified by graft polymerization with gamma-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MPTS). Graft polymerization with poly(MPTS) on SF was conducted by free-radical initiation in a water solvent with pentaethylene glycol dodecyl ether as a nonionic surfactant. The alkoxysilyl groups of the graft polymers avoided hydrolysis and maintained their activity in coupling with the hydroxyl groups on the HAp surface despite the use of water as the reaction solvent. The weight gain of poly(MPTS) on SF increased with increasing the reaction time, eventually reaching a plateau value of about 15 wt% after 50 min of reaction time. After HAp covalent coating, the particles separated or aggregated into several crystals, as shown by scanning electron microscopic observation. L929 fibroblast cells adhered more plentifully on HAp-coated SF compared to untreated SF and hydrolyzed poly(MPTS)-grafted SF during 24 h or 48 h of incubation. The cells adhered only on the HAp surface but not at all on the dehydrated grafted surface of SF without HAp. A button-shaped prototype for a percutaneous device was manufactured by transplantation of HAp-coated SF fibers of about 100 microm in length onto silicone moldings using an adhesive, and the device showed good cell adhesiveness.

Nano-scaled hydroxyapatite/polymer composite III. Coating of sintered hydroxyapatite particles on poly(4-methacryloyloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride)-grafted silk fibroin fibers

A novel composite coupling between nano-scaled hydroxyapatite (HAp) particles and poly[4-methacryloyloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride (4-META)]-grafted silk fibroin (SF) through ionic interaction was synthesized. The weight gain of poly(4-META) by graft-polymerization increased with increasing the reaction time, eventually reaching a plateau value of about 20 wt%. The HAp nano-particles were adsorbed equally and dispersively on the treated SF fiber surface. The HAp content in the composite was 4.554 wt% +/- 0.098 (n = 4), confirmed by thermogravimetry (TG). This synthetic system requires no heat to connect HAp to SF and is useful when applying to non-heat-resistant polymers. The L-929 cell-adhesion test shows that the HAp/SF composite improves bioactivity compared to the original SF.

Novel Functional Biodegradable Polymer II: Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Activities of Poly(γ-glutamic acid)-sulfonate

Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) mitogenic activities of sulfonated poly(gamma-glutamic acid) (gamma-PGA-S) were investigated with chlorate-treated L929 fibroblast culture tests. When 72% of the carboxyl groups in gamma-PGA were sulfonated (gamma-PGA-S72), cell numbers reached a maximum. The activity of gamma-PGA-S72 was higher than that of gamma-PGA and synthetic heparinoids and was almost comparable to that of heparin. Cytotoxicity of gamma-PGA-S72 was not observed, regardless of the degree of sulfonation. FGF-2-protective effects of gamma-PGA-S72 against acid and thermal inactivation were also evaluated, and gamma-PGA-S72 showed higher FGF-2-protective effects in comparison to nonsulfonated gamma-PGA. The steric structures of various sulfonated gamma-PGA-Ss were analyzed by molecular modeling (molecular orbital method (MOPAC)) and indicated that gamma-PGA-Ss are helical in vacuo. Results from MOPAC and the molecular mechanics method (MM2) demonstrated that electrostatic interactions can take place between sulfonic and carboxyl groups of gamma-PGA-S and basic amino acid residues in FGF-2. gamma-PGA-S72 can interact with FGF-2 strongly.

A site-specific polymeric drug carrier for renal disease treatment

A well-designed polymeric carrier for site-specific drug delivery in the treatment of renal disease has been reported recently. Approximately 80% of the water-soluble polymer poly(vinylpyrrolidone-co-dimethyl maleic anhydride selectively accumulated in the kidney of mice 24 h after intravenous injection. The detailed mechanism of such selective accumulation is not clear but an energy-dependent process, other than endocytosis, might be involved in the uptake of the polymer. This study is the first to report active targeting using a synthetic polymeric drug carrier.

Nano-scaled hydroxyapatite/polymer composite I. Coating of sintered hydroxyapatite particles on poly(gamma-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane)grafted silk fibroin fibers through chemical bonding

The inorganic-organic composite consisting of nano-scaled hydroxyapatite (HAp) and silk fibroin (SF) fibers was prepared through covalent linkage to develop a novel biomaterial for a soft-tissue-compatible material. The preparation of the composite was conducted through the three-step procedure consisting of chemical modification using 2-methacryloxyethyl isocyanate (MOI) monomer to introduce vinyl groups on SF, poly(gamma-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane) (MPTS) graft-polymerization on SF, and coupling process between the surface of polyMPTS-grafted SF and HAp nano-particles. The amount of the graft-polymerization of polyMPTS through vinyl groups was well controlled by the reaction time. The nano-crystals were subsequently coated on the grafted fibers by heating at 120 degrees C for 2 h in a vacuum. The crystalline structure of the SF substrate did not change in the procedure. In the SEM observation of the composite surface, it was found that the bonded nano-crystals were separated and partially aggregated with several crystals attached on the SF fiber surface. The HAp particles adhered more strongly on the SF surface with separation or aggregation of several crystals than on the surface of the original SF after ultrasonic treatment.

Surface modification of a porous hydroxyapatite to promote bonded polymer coatings

Porous hydroxyapatite (Hap) blocks were sintered at several temperatures and methyl methacrylate (MMA) grafted onto the surface in a 2-step heterogeneous system as a model example for surface modification. First, sintered porous Hap was modified with 2-methacryloyloxyethylene isocyanate (MOI) monomer in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide using di-n-butyltin (IV) dilaurate as a catalyst and hydroquinone as an inhibitor. Amount of the introduction of MOI monomer on porous Hap was 1.62 wt % at sintered temperature 800 degrees C, 0.68 wt % at it of 1000 degrees C, and 0.59 wt % at it of 1200 degrees C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that porous Hap pore size and shape before and after MOI treatment were unchanged. Second, graft polymerization with MMA through the vinyl bond on porous Hap was conducted using alpha,alpha'-azobis isobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator. Amount of Grafted PMMA on the MOI modified porous Hap was 2.84 wt % at sintered temperature of 800 degrees C, 6.97 wt % at it of 1000 degrees C, and 6.27 wt % at it of 1200 degrees C. MOI-modified and PMMA-grafted porous Hap were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The compressive strength of sintered porous Hap with grafted PMMA increased about 2.7-6.7 times compared to intact porous Hap. This 2-step surface modification on porous Hap is widely applicable to graft polymerization with vinyl polymer and conjugation with a protein or an oligopeptide, such as growth factor or an adhesion molecule, to improve Hap mechanical properties and functionality.

Novel Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs) for the treatment of brain aneurysms. In vitro study of hydroxyapatite coating on Pt plate as GDCs model

With the use of an alternate soaking process a thin layer of hydroxyapatite (HAp) was formed on a platinum plate (Pt plate) which was used as a model for Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs). The in vitro coagulant activity of the HAp-coated Pt plate was evaluated for the purpose of brain aneurysm treatment. In order to fix and to form the apatite layer homogeneously, beta-mercaptopropionic acid was immobilized onto the Pt surface prior to use. The HAp layer was formed on the beta-mercaptopropionic acid-fixed Pt plate surface, and quantitative control of apatite formation was achieved by controlling the number of alternate soaking process cycles. The HAp formed on the Pt plate surface was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies. Blood interaction with the Pt plate was altered from nonthrombotic to highly thrombotic by forming a HAp layer on the surface. The alternate soaking process is an appropriate method to modify the GDCs. Complete treatment of brain aneurysms is expected with the use of HAp-coated GDCs, which would allow formation of a stable blood clot.

Physical and biological evaluations of sintered hydroxyapatite/silicone composite with covalent bonding for a percutaneous implant material

A composite (HA/silicone) of hydroxyapatite (HA) microparticles with an average diameter of 2.0 micro m covalently linked to a silicone substrate has been developed, and its physical and biological properties as a percutaneous soft-tissue-compatible material have been evaluated. In tensile property measurement, samples of HA/silicone and the original silicone were similar in tensile strength, ca. 7.8 MPa, and elongation at break, ca. 570%. It was found that chemical surface modification with HA particles presented no mechanical disadvantage. In an adhesive-tape peeling test, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation showed that HA particles coupled directly to the substrate were not removed. HA particles may bond strongly with the substrate. In human periodontal ligament fibroblast attachment and proliferation experiments, the number of cells attached to HA/silicone was 14 times greater than that attached to the original silicone after 24 h of incubation. The value on HA/silicone was ca. 80% versus that on a tissue-culture plastic used as a positive control. After 72 h of incubation, the number of cells grown on HA/silicone increased to the level of the positive control. In observation of fluorescence microscopy stained by Hoechst 33342, cells appeared to tightly adhere to HA particles coupled to the silicone sheet due to intact nuclear morphology. Observation of cells by fluorescence dye with rhodamin phalloidin showed an extensive F-actin cytoskeleton on HA/silicone. In a 4-week animal implant test, force required to pull out the HA/silicone sheet was 15 times that of the original silicone. HA-particle coating on silicone with covalent linkage gave the inert surface bioactivity. The HA composite thus effectively prevents germ infection percutaneously.

Hydroxyapatite and bFGF Coating of Detachable Coils for Endovascular Occlusion of Experimental Aneurysm

SUMMARY

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and fibroblast growth factor-basic (bFGF) coating on Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs) in an experimental aneurysm model. A total of 18 aneurysms were experimentally made in the common carotid arteries of swine. Embolization was done on these aneurysms using standard GDCs and coated GDCs with HAp (GDC-HAp) and with bFGF (GDC-HAp-bFGF). The animals were then killed 14 days after embolization. The development of tissue scarring and coverage the aneurysm's orifice were evaluated macroscopically. No significant difference of volume ratio of the coils exited in each groups. Macroscopically, covering ratio of fibrous membrane at the neck of aneurysms were 88.3 +/- 14.7% in a group with GDC-HAp-bFGF, while it were 26.7 +/- 15.3% in a group with standard GDC and it was 41.7 +/- 31.7% in a group with GDC-HAp. These results indicated that coating by hydroxyapatite and bFGF might facilitate a wound healing in an experimental aneurysm model.

Alternating gene expression in fibroblasts adhering to multilayers of chitosan and dextran sulfate

The alternating compatibility of fibroblast cells adhering to multilayers of chitosan and dextran sulfate (Dex) on a substrate was analyzed at the gene expression level. A greater number of round-shaped cells adhered to the films with an outermost surface composed of Dex, although the total number of adherent cells was independent of the film surface. Greater expression of heat-shock protein 70B mRNA was demonstrated in cells adhering to films with the Dex surface. It was found that analysis of gene expression was a powerful tool for evaluating the bioactivity of multilayers.

Optimized chemical structure of nanoparticles as carriers for oral delivery of salmon calcitonin

Nanoparticles having two kinds of surface hydrophilic polymeric chains were prepared by the free radical copolymerization between styrene and hydrophilic macromonomers terminating in vinylbenzyl groups. Their potential as carriers for oral peptide delivery was investigated using salmon calcitonin (sCT) in rats. After oral administration of mixtures of sCT and nanoparticles, the ionized calcium concentration in blood was measured. The absorption of sCT was significantly enhanced by nanoparticles having poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAAm) chains on their surfaces. This enhancement effect was considerably increased by introducing cationic poly-vinylamine (PVAm) groups to the surface of PNIPAAm nanoparticles. The absorption enhancement depended on the ratio of NIPAAm and VAm macromonomers to styrene in the nanoparticle preparation. In contrast, the introduction of nonionic poly-vinylacetamide (PNVA) groups eliminated completely the absorption-enhancing function of PNIPAAm nanoparticles. It was suggested that this disappearance was due to the shielding of PNIPAAm groups by PNVA groups. The enhancement effect of sCT absorption by nanoparticles was greatly dominated by their chemical structure that was closely related to surface characteristics. Optimization of the chemical structure on the basis of the mechanism of the absorption enhancement resulted in the further improvement of sCT absorption.