Ultrastructure of the interface between cultured osteoblasts and surface-modified polymer substrates

Osteoblasts derived from rat bone marrow cells were cultured on surface-modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) films in the presence of ascorbic acid, beta-glycerophosphate, and dexamethasone. The surfaces employed for cell culture included the untreated hydrophobic surface and three modified surfaces possessing immobilized phosphate polymer chains, collagen molecules, and a thin hydroxyapatite-deposited layer. They all were produced by photo-induced graft polymerization with subsequent surface modifications of the graft chains. The ultrastructural morphology of the substrate/cell interfaces formed in in vitro osteoblast culture on these substrates was studied by transmission electron microscopy. The osteoblasts cultured for 1 week on the modified surfaces showed rough endoplasmic reticula rich in intracellular space and early matrix production in the extracellular space, irrespective of the surface chemistry. After 2 weeks of culture, osteoblasts exhibited active elaboration of extracellular matrix proteins, mostly composed of collagen, on all the surfaces. A remarkable result observed at this stage was direct deposition of an electron-dense, afibrillar layer of 180 nm thickness onto the surface having phosphate polymer chains. This layer became much more electron dense after 3 weeks of culture. Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis revealed the presence of calcium phosphate in this layer. It was further found that the predeposited hydroxyapatite layer on the phosphate polymer-grafted surface promoted mineral deposition in the extracellular matrix that surrounded cuboid, osteocyte-like cells.

Synthesis of polylactides with different molecular weights

The synthesis of poly(lactic acid) through polycondensation of the lactic acid monomer gave weight average molecular weights (Mw) lower than 1.6 x 10(4), whereas ring-opening polymerization of lactides in bulk at 130 degrees C for 72 h using stannous octoate as catalyst in the concentration range from 0.003 to 0.8 wt% produced polylactides with viscosity average molecular weight (Mv) ranging from 2 x 10(4) to 6.8 x 10(5). The monomer conversion and Mv showed a maximum at a catalyst concentration around 0.05 wt%. The monomer conversion and Mv increased almost linearly with polymerization time up to a monomer conversion of 80%, but both the conversion and Mv decreased after passing through a maximum, when the polymerization reaction was allowed to proceed for longer periods of time. This time dependence was pronounced at higher polymerization temperatures. The decrease in Mv at prolonged polymerization and higher polymerization temperatures was attributed to thermal depolymerization of resultant polylactides, but no significant optical rotation of poly(L-lactide) was noticed.

Photodynamic effect of polyethylene glycol-modified fullerene on tumor

Fullerence (C60) efficiently generates singlet oxygen when irradiated with light, and thus should have a photodynamic effect on tumors, if it is accumulated in the tumor tissue. To explore tumor targeting of C60, we chemically modified the water-insoluble C60 with polyethylene glycol (PEG), not only to make it soluble in water, but also to enlarge its molecular size. When injected intravenously into mice carrying a tumor mass in the back subcutis, the C60-PEG conjugate exhibited higher accumulation and more prolonged retention in the tumor tissue than in normal tissue. The conjugate was excreted without being accumulated in any specific organ. Following intravenous injection of C60-PEG conjugate or Photofrin to tumor-bearing mice, coupled with exposure of the tumor site to visible light, the volume increase of the tumor mass was suppressed and the C60 conjugate exhibited a stronger suppressive effect than Photofrin. Histological examination revealed that conjugate injection plus light irradiation strongly induced tumor necrosis without any damage to the overlying normal skin. The antitumor effect of the conjugate increased with increasing irradiation power and C60 dose, and cures were achieved by treatment with a dose of 424 micrograms/kg at an irradiation power of 107 J/cm2. These findings indicate that PEG-modified C60 is a candidate agent for photodynamic tumor therapy.

Crosslinking of hyaluronic acid with water-soluble carbodiimide

Hyaluronic acid (HA) was chemically crosslinked with a water-soluble carbodiimide (WSC) to produce low-water-content films when brought into contact with water. The crosslinking reaction was performed in two different ways; one was by using HA films and the other by casting HA solutions. Both methods produced water-insoluble HA films. The lowest water content of the crosslinked HA films subjected to swelling with water was 60 wt % at 37 degrees C, which was lower than any reported values. Infrared spectra of the crosslinked films suggested that intermolecular formation of ester bonds between the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups belonging to different polysaccharide molecules led to crosslinking. For comparison, pectin which possesses hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in one molecule, similar to HA, was subjected to crosslinking with WSC. The finding on pectin also supported ester formation between different polysaccharide molecules. The crosslinking of HA film with WSC in the presence of L-lysine methyl ester prolonged the in vivo degradation of HA film, probably because of amide bond formation as the crosslink.

Embolization of Aneurysms with a Liquid Material: An Experimental Study

The authors evaluated the embolization effects on experimental aneurysm models with a liquid material. This material is a mixture of poly (HEMA-co-MMA), Iopamidol, water and a small amount of ethyl alcohol.

We have satisfactorily treated over 30 cases of AVM with this material. Out of four solutions of different viscosity, we used the solution with the highest viscosity to prevent distal migration of the mixture. Glass models of aneurysms of 5 mm in diameter in pulsatile saline flow were embolized with the mixture under various conditions. When an IDC was placed in the aneurysm models, the mixture obliterated them completely and did not migrate out from the aneurysm models.

In this experimental study, it is suggested that the liquid material appears to be useful in embolizing cerebral aneurysms safely.

Ultrastructure of the interface between cultured osteoblasts and surface-modified polymer substrates

Osteoblasts derived from rat bone marrow cells were cultured on surface-modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) films in the presence of ascorbic acid, beta-glycerophosphate, and dexamethasone. The surfaces employed for cell culture included the untreated hydrophobic surface and three modified surfaces possessing immobilized phosphate polymer chains, collagen molecules, and a thin hydroxyapatite-deposited layer. They all were produced by photo-induced graft polymerization with subsequent surface modifications of the graft chains. The ultrastructural morphology of the substrate/cell interfaces formed in in vitro osteoblast culture on these substrates was studied by transmission electron microscopy. The osteoblasts cultured for 1 week on the modified surfaces showed rough endoplasmic reticula rich in intracellular space and early matrix production in the extracellular space, irrespective of the surface chemistry. After 2 weeks of culture, osteoblasts exhibited active elaboration of extracellular matrix proteins, mostly composed of collagen, on all the surfaces. A remarkable result observed at this stage was direct deposition of an electron-dense, afibrillar layer of 180 nm thickness onto the surface having phosphate polymer chains. This layer became much more electron dense after 3 weeks of culture. Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis revealed the presence of calcium phosphate in this layer. It was further found that the predeposited hydroxyapatite layer on the phosphate polymer-grafted surface promoted mineral deposition in the extracellular matrix that surrounded cuboid, osteocyte-like cells.

Biodegradable scleral implant for intravitreal controlled release of fluconazole

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility of using a biodegradable polymeric scleral implant containing fluconazole (FLCZ), a bis-triazole antifungal agent, as a potential intravitreal-controlled drug delivery system.

METHODS

The scleral implants, loaded with 10, 20, 30, and 50% FLCZ, were prepared with biodegradable polymers of poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide). Those with all loading doses were used for the in vitro release studies; those with 30% FLCZ were used for the intravitreal release studies in pigmented rabbits. The in vitro and in vivo release rates of FLCZ from the implants were measured periodically with spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The effects of the implants on ocular tissues were evaluated ophthalmoscopically, histologically, and electrophysiologically.

RESULTS

The scleral implants loaded with 10, 20, and 30% doses gradually released FLCZ over 4 weeks in vitro; those with 50% FLCZ released most of the drug in one week. FLCZ concentration in the rabbit vitreous remained within the 99% inhibitory concentration for Candida albicans for 3 weeks after implantation. The scleral implant gradually biodegraded, and it disappeared by 4 months after implantation. The electrophysiologic and histopathologic findings demonstrated no substantial toxic reactions in the ocular tissues.

CONCLUSION

The current study suggests that a biodegradable, polymeric scleral implant containing FLCZ may be a promising intravitreal drug delivery system to treat fungal endophthalmitis.

Subcutaneous xenotransplantation of hybrid artificial pancreas encapsulating pancreatic B cell line (MIN6): functional and histological study

The biohybrid artificial pancreas is designed to enclose pancreatic tissues with a selectively permeable membrane that immunoisolates the graft from the host immune system, allowing those endocrine tissues to survive and control glucose metabolism for an extended period of time. The pancreatic B cell line MIN6 is established from a pancreas B cell tumor occurring in transgenic mice harbouring the human insulin promoter gene connected to the SV40 T-antigen hybrid gene. It has been proven that glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in MIN6 cells retains a concentration-dependent response similar to that of normal islets. In this study, we performed the histological and functional examination of three-layer microbeads employing MIN6 cells after subcutaneous xenotransplantation to evaluate this device as bioartificial pancreas. MIN6 cells were microencapsulated in three-layer microbeads formulated with agarose, polystyrene sulfonic acid, polybrene, and carboxymethyl cellulose. Microbeads were xenogenically implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of the back of Lewis rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. One week after implantation, microbeads were retrieved and cultured for 24 h before the static incubation. There was no evidence of adhesion to the graft and the fibrosis in the transplantation site as determined by gross visual inspection. Microscopic examination demonstrated that retrieved microbeads maintained normal shape, containing intact MIN6 cells. Histological study showed that these MIN6 cells in the microbeads appeared to be viable without cellular infiltration within or around the microbeads. Immunohistochemical analysis of the microbeads clearly revealed the intense staining of insulin in the cytoplasm of encapsulated MIN6 cells. Insulin productivity of MIN6 cells in the microbeads is strongly suggested to be preserved. In response to 16.7 mM glucose stimulation, static incubation of microbeads 1 wk after implantation caused the 2.3 times increase in insulin secretion seen after 3.3 mM glucose stimulation (84.3 +/- 10.0 vs. 37.4 +/- 10.7 microU/3 x 10(6) cells/hr, n = 5 each, p < 0.01). This study demonstrates that three-layer microbeads encapsulating MIN6 cells retain excellent biocompatibility and maintain good insulin secretion even after subcutaneous xenotransplantation, suggesting the possible future clinical application of this unique bioartificial pancreas to subcutaneous xenotransplantation.

Prolonged effect of troglitazone (CS-045) on xenograft survival of hybrid artificial pancreas

Troglitazone (CS-045), a thiazolidinedione derivative, is a new oral antidiabetic agent that enhances insulin sensitivity and improves insulin responsiveness. In this study we examined the effects of CS-045 on the survival of xenografted bioartificial pancreas. Isolated rat islets were microencapsulated with three-layer agarose microcapsules (polybrene, carboxymethyl cellulose, and an agarose-polystyrene sulfonic acid mixture). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 220 mg/kg. Recipient diabetic mice were separated into two groups. In the CS-045 treated group, the recipient mice were given feed mixed with CS-045 (0.2% w/w) starting from 1 wk before transplantation up to graft failure. The mice in the control group had feed without CS-045. Three hundred microencapsulated rat islets were xenotransplanted into the intraperitoneal cavity of each recipient mouse in both groups. One month after xenotransplantation, IVGTT was performed for all recipients. Xenotransplantation of 300 rat islets in microcapsules decreased the nonfasting blood glucose levels of both groups within 2 days. In the CS-045-treated group (n = 3), the normoglycemic period lasted for more than 1 mo without administration of immunosuppressive drugs (45 +/- 4.3 days). However, in the control group (n = 4), the blood glucose levels of all recipients were already elevated on day 4. In the IVGTT study, the glucose assimilation was markedly and significantly better in the CS-045-treated group than in the control group (K = 1.7 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.7 +/- 0.28 respectively, p < 0.01). This study demonstrates that a newly developed oral antidiabetic agent, CS-045 could favorably ameliorate the diabetic state of the recipients xenotransplanted with the bioartificial pancreas, leading to an improved glucose tolerance and longer xenograft survival.

Microwave CO2 plasma-initiated vapour phase graft polymerization of acrylic acid onto polytetrafluoroethylene for immobilization of human thrombomodulin

The functionalization of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for human thrombomodulin (hTM) binding has been achieved by CO2 plasma activation and subsequent vapour phase graft polymerization of acrylic acid (AA). The PTFE surfaces after CO2 plasma treatment, AA grafting and hTM immobilization were characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, as well as by zeta potential and wetting measurements to quantitatively control each step of modification. The activity of immobilized hTM was estimated by the protein C activation test.

Reconstruction of mandibular continuity defects in dogs using poly (L-lactide) mesh and autogenic particulate cancellous bone and marrow: preliminary report

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the reconstruction of continuity defects in the canine mandible using a poly [L-lactide] (PLLA) mesh tray and particulate cancellous bone and marrow (PCBM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight adult dogs were divided into two groups of four dogs each. In group A, each dog had a tray fixed with stainless steel wires on each side of the mandibular stumps with the concave surface of the tray attached to the inferior border of the mandible (U-fixation). In group B, the concave surface was attached to the superior border (inverted U-fixation). Each tray was filled with PCBM from the ilium. After the operation, the dogs were radiographed, and specimens were examined histologically at 3-, 6-, and 12-month intervals.

RESULTS

All of group A showed good clinical healing and the continuity of the mandibular bone was regained within 3 months postoperatively. However, fibrous tissue had invaded through the area above the tray, resulting in a poorly shaped alveolar ridges. In group B, the dogs showed good bony regeneration with well-shaped alveolar ridges. However, two animals in this group had partial exposure of the PLLA mesh tray into the oral cavity.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that a combination of the PLLA mesh and PCBM grafts might be a useful technique for functional reconstruction of the jaw bone, specifically using method A (U-fixation) as a technique to reconstruct continuity defects of the mandible, and method B (inverted, U-fixation) as a promising method for alveolar reconstruction to make wearing dentures possible.

Biodegradable polymeric device for sustained intravitreal release of ganciclovir in rabbits

PURPOSE

A scleral plug made of biodegradable polymer implanted at the pars plana was evaluated to determine its ability to control the intravitreal release of ganciclovir.

METHODS

Scleral plugs containing 25% ganciclovir were prepared with poly(lactic-glycolic acid) (molecular weight, 121 kDa). The release of ganciclovir was evaluated in vitro by spectrophotometry. In vivo intravitreal ganciclovir concentrations were measured by high performance liquid chromatography following plug implantation in pigmented rabbits. The biocompatibility of the device was determined by indirect ophthalmoscopy, electroretinography, and light and electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The in vitro study showed that the plug released ganciclovir throughout a 10-week period. The in vivo study demonstrated that the plugs maintained the drug concentration in the vitreous in a therapeutic range adequate to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis for 12 weeks. No significant retinal toxicity was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that this drug delivery system can potentially be useful to treat CMV retinitis.

Studies on tumor-promoting activity of polyethylene: inhibitory activity of metabolic cooperation on polyethylene surfaces is markedly decreased by surface modification with collagen but not with RGDS peptide

Tumor promotion activity of polyethylene (PE) was estimated in terms of the inhibitory potentials on the gap-junctional intercellular communication using the metabolic cooperation assay. The gap-junctional intercellular communication of test cells was inhibited on the PE film, but this inhibitory activity was markedly decreased when the surface of the PE film was immobilized with collagen. These results suggest that the in vivo tumor promotion activity of the untreated PE may be stronger than that of collagen-immobilized PE. On the other hand, surface modification with RGDS peptide, which is well known as the sequence of cell attachment domain in extracellular matrix proteins, did not reduce the promotion activity of PE film. In addition, neither modification with bovine serum albumin nor RGES peptide reduced the activity of PE film. These findings suggest that reduction of the inhibitory activity on gap-junctional intercellular communication by collagen immobilization is not simply due to improved cell adherence via the RGDS sequence but to some cell-cell recognition via collagen molecules essential for the gap-junctional intercellular communication.

Development of a dural substitute from synthetic bioabsorbable polymers

A new bioabsorbable composite sheet was developed to provide a substitute for the dura mater and was evaluated histologically and biomechanically using rats and rabbits. This composite, composed of two L-lactic acid-epsilon-caprolactone (50% L-lactic acid, 50% epsilon-caprolactone) copolymer films and a poly(glycolic acid) nonwoven fabric, displayed good mechanical properties and was completely absorbed 24 weeks after implantation in the back of rats. Histological evaluation of the composite sheet was undertaken by implanting it in 31 rabbits with dural defects and examining the sites of implantation 2 weeks to 26 months later. No infection, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, evidence of convulsive disorders, significant adhesion to underlying cortex, or calcification was noticed in any cases. In addition, the regenerated duralike tissue had a high pressure-resistant strength 2 weeks after implantation. The authors conclude that this new bioabsorbable composite sheet can be successfully used as a dural substitute.

Ex vivo and in vivo evaluation of the blood compatibility of surface-modified polyurethane catheters

Catheter model tubes were prepared from a medical-grade polyetherurethane and their outer surfaces modified by surface-graft polymerization of acrylamide and dimethyl acrylamide (DMAA). The surface-graft layer was characterized by means of dry staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and protein adsorption. Ex vivo evaluation for the blood compatibility of the surface-modified polyurethane was carried out using the polyurethane tube as an arterio-venous shunt between the carotid artery and the jugular vein of rabbits. When the surface density of grafted polymer was in the range of 10-30 microg/cm2, the in vitro adsorption of IgG exhibited a minimum value and platelet adhesion to the grafted polyurethane surface was insignificant, in marked contrast with that to the virgin (nonmodified) surface. The in vivo blood compatibility of polyurethane was evaluated by implanting the catheter tube in the inferior vena cava of rabbits from the femoral vein after ligation of a distal site of the exposed femoral vein. After remaining there for predetermined periods of time, the implanted catheters were taken out together with the veins of the rabbits that had been heparinized and sacrificed just prior to excision of the veins. After exchange of the blood in the veins for saline, the excised veins were opened by cutting longitudinally to inspect for clot formations on the surfaces of the implanted catheters. Occlusion of the inferior vena cava was not observed for any of the catheters, nor was there any apparent damage or microembolizations in the lungs and kidneys. Many small-sized clots were observed on the surfaces of the nonmodified polyurethane tubes after a 2-week implantation whereas the catheter surfaces grafted with DMAA polymer chains had a much smaller number of clots. When the blood compatibility of polyurethane surfaces was graded for relative evaluation from one (marked clotting) to five (no clotting) based on the size and number of the clots, the evaluation results were as follows: 3.1 (virgin, 2 weeks), 4.0 (grafted, 1 week), 4.1 (grafted, 2 weeks), and 3.5 (grafted, 1 month).

Potential efficacy of basic fibroblast growth factor incorporated in biodegradable hydrogels for skull bone regeneration

Biodegradable gelatin hydrogels incorporating basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were evaluated for their efficacy in bone regeneration using a rabbit model. Hydrogels with water contents of 85% and 98% were prepared using chemical crosslinking of gelatin with an isoelectric point of 4.9 in aqueous solution and, after freeze drying, were impregnated with an aqueous solution of bFGF to obtain bFGF-incorporated gelatin hydrogels. When they were implanted into bone defects measuring 6 mm in diameter in rabbit skulls (six animals/group), complete closure of the defect was observed at 12 weeks after implantation, regardless of the water content of the hydrogels. In contrast, bFGF did not enhance bone regeneration when applied to the skull defect in solution with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Also, gelatin hydrogels lacking bFGF were not effective in inducing bone formation, with fibrous tissue growing into the defect instead, similar to the skull defect seen in control rabbits treated with PBS. This indicates that the presence of hydrogels did not interfere with bone regeneration at the skull defect, probably because of their disappearance during biodegradation. It is concluded that the gelatin hydrogel is a promising matrix for effective induction of biological activity of bFGF for bone regeneration in skull and sinus defects.

In vitro and in vivo degradation of films of chitin and its deacetylated derivatives

Chitin was deacetylated to various extents with NaOH to obtain partially and thoroughly deacetylated chitins. The specimens used in this study were deacetylated by 0 (chitin), 68.8, 73.3, 84.0, 90.1 and 100 mol% (chitosan). Films with a thickness of 150 microns were prepared from these specimens by the solution casting method. The equilibrated water contents of the films were 52.4 (chitin), 73.8 (68.8 mol%), 64.2 (73.3 mol%), 61.8 (84.0 mol%), 57.8 (90.1 mol%) and 49.7 wt% (chitosan), while the tensile strengths of the water-swollen films were 244 (chitin), 197 (68.8 mol%), 232 (73.3 mol%), 320 (84.0 mol%), 293 (90.1 mol%) and 433 g mm-2 (chitosan). The maximum water content and the minimum tensile strength observed for a specimen deacetylated between 0 and 68.8 mol% may be ascribed to the lowered crystallinity by deacetylation of chitin, since both chitin and chitosan are crystalline polymers. Unlike their physical properties, in vitro and in vivo degradations of these films occurred less rapidly without passing a maximum or minimum, as their degree of deacetylation became higher. The in vitro degradation was carried out by immersing the films in buffered aqueous solution of pH 7 containing lysozyme at 37 degrees C, while the in vivo degradation was studied by subcutaneously implanting the films in the back of rats. It was found that the rate of in vivo biodegradation was very high for chitin and 68.8 mol% deacetylated chitin, compared with that for the 73.3 mol% deacetylated chitin. The films which were more than 73.3 mol% deacetylated showed slower biodegradation. Interestingly, the tissue reaction towards highly deacetylated derivatives including chitosan was very mild, although they had cationic primary amines in the molecule.

Intrathoracic tracheal reconstruction with a collagen-conjugated prosthesis: evaluation of the efficacy of omental wrapping

Reconstructions of the intrathoracic trachea in 24 dogs were done with the use of 50 mm long collagen-conjugated tracheal prostheses. Omental wrapping was also done in 14 of the dogs (omentopexy group) to evaluate the efficacy of this option in comparison with results in the other 10 dogs (control group). All 24 dogs had uneventful postoperative courses and were killed at 4 weeks or 3, 6, or 12 months after the operation. Better epithelialization and fewer complications, such as mesh exposure and luminal stenosis, were observed in the omentopexy group than in the control group. Angiography and analysis of regenerated blood vessels revealed that vessel ingrowth had started within 4 weeks and that vessel formation reached its maximal point within 6 to 12 months in the omentopexy group. In contrast, revascularization of the subepithelial region in the control group was poor even after 3 months, and vessel formation continued for as long as 12 months. The differences between the two groups were considered to be mainly a result of the speed of blood vessel ingrowth into the regenerated mucosa. We conclude that our prosthesis can be used safely for intrathoracic tracheal reconstruction and that omental wrapping is a useful supplementary method that reduces the occurrence of complications.

Resorbable and non-resorbable augmentation devices for tenorrhaphy of xenografts in extensor tendon deficits: 12 week study

Resorbable (poly-L-lactide) and non-resorbable (polyethylene terephathalate) tendon augmentation devices (TAD) in conjunction with a pericardial adhesion barrier, were designed to strengthen tenorrhaphies and were evaluated in an ovine extensor tendon deficit model in a short term study. Fifteen centimetres of tendon were resected and replaced with kangaroo tail tendon xenografts that had been cross-linked with 0.075% glutaraldehyde (GA) at 4 degrees C for one or seven days. Compared with tenorrhaphies performed with Kessler sutures alone, both types of TAD were more effective at preventing tenorrhaphy dehiscence, and thus maintaining tendon function. Furthermore, tensile strength of TAD tenorrhaphies increased significantly between zero and twelve weeks. For xenografts cross-linked in GA for one day, the tensile strength of tenorrhaphies with the resorbable TAD rose from 38 +/- 9 N at time zero, to 116 +/- 46 N at twelve weeks, while non-resorbable TAD tenorrhaphy strength at time zero was 42 +/- 16 N and 99 +/- 27 N at twelve weeks. For xenografts cross-linked with GA for seven days, similar increases in tensile strength of tenorrhaphies, with the two types of TAD were found. As there was no significant difference in mechanical performance or tissue response between the two TAD types in the first 12 weeks, use of the resorbable poly-L-lactide device may be advantageous clinically. Tensile strengths of midsections of the tendon xenograft cross-linked for 7 days was not significantly diminished 12 weeks after implantation and these xenografts were partially remodelled around the periphery. However, the tensile strength of xenografts cross-linked for one day declined significantly between time zero (319 +/- 80 N) and twelve weeks (239 +/- 92 N), suggesting that this degree of cross-linking was inadequate for maintenance of mechanical strength. Evaluation of the performance of tenorrhaphy augmentation devices with xenografts, over a longer implantation period, is required to further understand their usefulness for reconstruction of traumatic tendon injuries.

Selective delivery of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to i.p. tissues using 5-FU microspheres in rats

A new formulation has been developed for the delivery of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in treating peritoneal carcinomatosis. The new formulation (5-FU-MS) involves the incorporation of 5-FU into microspheres composed of a poly(glycolide-co-lactide) matrix. The incorporated 5-FU is released slowly over a 3 week period. We investigated the drug distribution and pharmacokinetics of 5-FU in rats receiving an i.p. injection of 5-FU-MS or aqueous 5-FU solution. The concentration of 5-FU was higher in the i.p. tissues (omentum and mesentery) and lower in the extraperitoneal tissues (blood plasma, lung and heart) in rats given 5-FU-MS than in rats given the aqueous 5-FU solution. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) was significantly greater in the omentum and the mesentery than in other tissues of rats given 5-FU-MS. There was no significant difference in the AUC in the tissues of rats given the aqueous 5-FU solution.

Preparation of cross-linked hyaluronic acid films of low water content

Hyaluronic acid (HA) was chemically cross-linked with poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether, a diepoxy compound (EX-810), to yield low water content and slowly degradable films when brought into contact with water. The cross-linking reaction was performed under acidic and neutral conditions, since the epoxy group is readily hydrolysed in alkaline media. To allow the reaction to proceed at high HA concentrations, a solution casting method was employed for the cross-linking of HA. The lowest water content of the cross-linked HA films obtained was 60 wt% when swollen with buffered saline at 37 degrees C. Alginic acid and poly(vinyl alcohol), which possess hydroxyl groups, similar to HA, were also found to undergo cross-linking with the diepoxy compound. Since IR spectra of the cross-linked films had no significantly new absorption, intermolecular formation of ether bonds between the hydroxyl groups belonging to different polysaccharide molecules was assumed to take place. It seemed too difficult to detect the ether bonds in the cross-linked HA films, because the virgin HA film itself contained ether bonds in the molecule. The cross-linked HA film with a water content of 60 wt% exhibited practically no weight loss after 10 days of immersion in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4), while this film underwent in vivo degradation by 30% weight loss after 7 days of subcutaneous implantation in rats. The inflammation reaction elicited around the implanted film was not significant.

An immuno-isolative membrane capable of consuming cytolytic complement proteins

In an earlier article we demonstrated that xenogeneic islets of Langerhans in an agarose/poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (PSSa) microcapsule were protected from the host's immune rejection and that diabetic animals maintained a normal glucose level for a long period of time after their transplantation. In this study, we attempted to make clear the immuno-isolative mechanisms of the agarose-PSSa microcapsule from the standpoint of permeability of antibodies and complement proteins through this microcapsule membrane. It was found that the microcapsule was unable to prevent the permeation of IgG for longer than a few days, but protect the encapsulated cells from cytolytic complement attack. This strongly suggests that the cytolytic complement activity was lost during permeation through the microcapsule, probably because of the strong interaction of PSSa in the membrane with complement proteins. Based on these findings we proposed the minimum requirement for the immuno-isolative membrane to be applicable to xenotransplantation.

Encapsulation of mammalian cells into synthetic polymer membranes using least toxic solvents

Immunoisolation, that is, enclosure of cells within a semipermeable membrane to protect them from immunological rejection, may enable the transplantation of cells without use of immunosuppressive drugs. Therefore, in addition to naturally-occurring ionic polymers, several synthetic nonionic polymers which can form dense and strong membranes in water have been studied as materials for immunoisolation. However, such nonionic polymers are required to be soluble in organic solvents which are mostly cytotoxic. In this report we describe enclosure of insulin-releasing cells into water-insoluble poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) membranes using X-ray contrast medium as a solvent without use of any special apparatus. The contrast medium employed in our study is iopamidol aqueous solution. Insulin release was observed for 1 months when insulin-releasing cells were encapsulated into these membranes. The permeability of five solutes through the membranes prepared from the iopamidol aqueous solution was also studied to determine their potential immunoisolative efficacy.

Liver targeting of interferon through pullulan conjugation

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to actively target interferon (IFN) to the liver through its chemical conjugation with pullulan, a water-soluble polysaccharide with a high affinity for the liver.

METHODS

Chemical conjugation of IFN with pullulan was achieved by a cyanuric chloride method. Following intravenous injection of the conjugates to mice, their body distribution and the activity of an IFN-induced enzyme, 2', 5'-oligoadenylate (2-5A) synthetase in the liver and other organs, were evaluated.

RESULTS

The cyanuric chloride method enabled us to prepare an IFN-pullulan conjugate that retained approximately 7-9% of the biological activity of IFN. Pullulan conjugation enhanced the liver accumulation of IFN and the retention period with the results being reproducible. When injected intravenously to mice, the IFN-pullulan conjugate enhanced the activity of 2-5A synthetase in the liver. The activity could be induced at IFN doses much lower than those of free IFN injection. In addition, the liver 2-5A synthetase induced by conjugate injection was retained for 3 days, whereas it was lost within the first day for the free IFN-injected mice.

CONCLUSIONS

IFN-pullulan conjugation was promising for IFN targeting to the liver with efficient exertion of its antiviral activity therein.