Heparin-loaded zein microsphere film and hemocompatibility

Electrospun conducting polymer nanofibers and electrical stimulation of nerve stem cells

Tissue engineering of nerve grafts requires synergistic combination of scaffolds and techniques to promote and direct neurite outgrowth across the lesion for effective nerve regeneration. In this study, we fabricated a composite polymeric scaffold which is conductive in nature by electrospinning and further performed electrical stimulation of nerve stem cells seeded on the electrospun nanofibers. Poly-L-lactide (PLLA) was blended with polyaniline (PANi) at a ratio of 85:15 and electrospun to obtain PLLA/PANi nanofibers with fiber diameters of 195 ± 30 nm. The morphology, chemical and mechanical properties of the electrospun PLLA and PLLA/PANi scaffolds were carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS) and tensile instrument. The electrospun PLLA/PANi fibers showed a conductance of 3 × 10⁻⁹ S by two-point probe measurement. In vitro electrical stimulation of the nerve stem cells cultured on PLLA/PANi scaffolds applied with an electric field of 100 mV/mm for a period of 60 min resulted in extended neurite outgrowth compared to the cells grown on non-stimulated scaffolds. Our studies further strengthen the implication of electrical stimulation of nerve stem cells on conducting polymeric scaffolds towards neurite elongation that could be effective for nerve tissue regeneration.

Effect of zein on biodegradable inserts for the delivery of tetracycline within periodontal pockets

Treatment with antibiotics within the periodontal pocket against bacterial infections represents a useful and adjunctive tool to conventional therapy for healing and teeth preservation. With this function in view, an implantable, tetracycline delivery device for the treatment of periodontal disease was developed. The aim of this study was to develop biodegradable, tetracycline-loaded microparticles made of two polymers: PLGA and zein which were compressed into monolithic devices. In this polymer delivery system, the encapsulation efficiency, release characteristics, drug–polymer interaction, and antibacterial activity of loaded drug were investigated. The interaction of tetracycline with the corn protein zein was studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray diffraction. The hydrophobic interaction of tetracycline with zein in the formulations was deduced from the NMR studies, whereas X-ray diffraction studies showed a new crystalline state of the drug in the presence of the protein. Zein was not denatured by preparation of inserts. Sustained release of tetracycline was obtained, and the proportion of zein in the inserts had a great impact on the drug release. Finally, an effective tetracycline release from inserts against Staphylococcus aureus was achieved over 30 days. In conclusion, the PLGA:zein delivery system described in this study was found to be effective in controlled delivery of tetracycline, and hence may be suitable for intra-pocket delivery of antimicrobial agents in the treatment of periodontitis.

The biodegradation of zein in vitro and in vivo and its application in implants

A unique polymer-based sustained-release implant drug delivery system was prepared by using biocompatible and biodegradable Zein as the skeleton material. After preparing Zein colloids, the Zein-loaded implant rods were formulated by injection molding followed by evaporating the solvent, and being coated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) solution. Drug release kinetics was examined by using Fluorouracil (5-FU) as model drug. Nearly zero-order release was achieved for the model drugs for a period of 0-25 days when the implants were incubated in distilled water at 37 °C. And then the degradation kinetics of the rods in vivo and in vitro were evaluated, which indicated that Zein could be absorbed by body and has good degradation property. The effects of different ratios of Zein/5-FU and the rods' diameter on drug release were studied, respectively. The plasma concentration of 5-FU in the implants were determined by HPLC after implanting a single dose of the implants in rats. All data were subsequently processed by using the computer program 3P97, and the values were showed as follows: the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) value was 321.88 (μg/ml) × day, and the mean residence time (MRT) value was 23.05 days. The sustained-release implants of Zein/5-FU were successfully formulated. The uniqueness of the article is that Zein has been used as a skeleton material in implant delivery system for the first time and zero-order release kinetics has been obtained successfully.

Preparation of new 5-fluorouracil-loaded zein nanoparticles for liver targeting

This study proposes a new zein nanoparticle (ZP) encapsulated 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) that target liver through intravenous delivery. The ZPs were prepared by phase separation process and optimized using uniform experimental design. The physical properties, in vitro drug release and stability of optimal drug-loaded ZPs were studied. The biodistribution and the target efficiency of the particles were investigated in a mouse model. The highest drug loading was obtained using zein: 5-FU, 3:1 (v/v); zein concentration, 12.5mg/ml, pH 9.18, mixing time, 3h and ethanol concentration, 40%. The encapsulation efficiency and the drug loading were 60.7 ± 1.74 and 9.17 ± 0.11 respectively. The size of ZPs and zeta potential were 114.9 ± 59.4 nm and -45 ± 0.3 mV respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) demonstrated that the drug was encapsulated within the ZPs. A sustained release profile of 5-FU was observed from ZPs. The more stable storage condition of ZPs was at a temperature of 4 °C. In vivo, ZPs was mostly accumulated in liver following intravenous injection, and the targeting efficiency increased 31.33%. The relative uptake rate of liver was 2.79. Also, nano-sized ZPs were beneficial for prolonged blood residence (7.2-fold increase). These demonstrated that the drug-loaded ZPs could be efficiently targeted at the liver by intravenous delivery.

Development of a novel AMX-loaded PLGA/zein microsphere for root canal disinfection

The aim of this study was to develop polymeric biodegradable microspheres (MSs) of poly(D-L lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and zein capable of delivering amoxicillin (AMX) at significant levels for root canal disinfection. PLGA/zein MSs were prepared using a spray-drying technique. The systems were characterized in terms of particle size, morphology, drug loading and in vitro release. Drug levels were reached to be effective during the intracanal dressing in between visits during the endodontic treatment. In vitro release studies were carried out to understand the release profile of the MSs. Antimicrobial activity of AMX was performed by antibiograms. Enterococcus faecalis was the bacteria selected due to its prevalence in endodontic failure. Drug microencapsulation yielded MSs with spherical morphology and an average particle size of between 5 and 38 µm. Different drug-release patterns were obtained among the formulations. Release features related to the MSs were strongly dependent on drug nature as it was demonstrated by using a hydrophobic drug (indomethacin). Finally, AMX-loaded MSs were efficient against E faecalis as demonstrated by the antibiogram results. In conclusion, PLGA/zein MSs prepared by spray drying may be a useful drug delivery system for root canal disinfection.

Biopolymer-modified graphite oxide nanocomposite films based on benzalkonium chloride-heparin intercalated in graphite oxide

Heparin is a potent anticoagulant agent that interacts strongly with antithrombin III to prevent the formation of fibrin clots. In the present work, poly(dimethylsiloxane)(PDMS)/graphite oxide-benzalkonium chloride-heparin (PDMS/modified graphite oxide) nanocomposite films were obtained by the solution intercalation technique as a possible drug delivery system. The heparin-benzalkonium chloride (BAC-HEP) was intercalated into graphite oxide (GO) layers to form GO-BAC-HEP (modified graphite oxide). Nanocomposite films were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, ATR-FTIR and TGA. The modified graphite oxide was observed to be homogeneously dispersed throughout the PDMS matrix. The effect of modified graphite oxide on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite film was investigated. When the modified graphite oxide content was lower than 0.2 wt%, the nanocomposites showed excellent mechanical properties. Furthermore, nanocomposite films become delivery systems that release heparin slowly to make the nanocomposite films blood compatible. The in vitro studies included hemocompatibility testing for effects on platelet adhesion, platelet activation, plasma recalcification profiles, and hemolysis. Results from these studies showed that the anticoagulation properties of PDMS/GO-BCA-HEP nanocomposite films were greatly superior to those for no treated PDMS. Cell culture assay indicated that PDMS/GO-BCA-HEP nanocomposite films showed enhanced cell adhesion.

Tablets based on compressed zein microspheres for sustained oral administration: design, pharmacokinetics, and clinical study

In our previous study, we reported a novel tablet based on compressed zein microspheres as a universal drug delivery system using the hydrophobic protein zein, which shows zero-order release in the presence of pepsin. However, this formulation had difficulty with disintegration under physiological conditions within 48 h, and thus could not be used directly for oral administration. In the present study, a formulation of ivermectin (IVM) tablets based on compressed zein microspheres was improved as a new dosage form. The plasma disposition pharmacokinetics of IVM tablets based on compressed zein microspheres after oral administration was studied over a 7-day period with six dogs (Canis familiaris), using a commercial IVM tablet (5 mg/piece, Yilijia(®) ) as a control. Clinical efficacy was tested using 270 dogs presented as veterinary patients for the treatment of demodicidosis. A formulation with disintegration time within 15 min could be obtained. The acquired C( max), T(max), and AUC were 9.89 ± 0.34 ng/mL, 11.33 ± 2.63 h, and 883.87 ng h/mL for IVM tablets based on compressed zein microspheres and 9.64 ± 1.05 ng/mL, 7.26 ± 2.09 h, and 666.30 ng h/mL for Yilijia(®), respectively. The bioavailability of the tablets based on compressed zein microspheres was 132.65% that of Yilijia( ®). Efficacy for the dogs in all the IVM tablets based on compressed zein microspheres-treated groups reached 100% at 7, 14, and 21 days post administration.

Kafirin microparticle encapsulation of catechin and sorghum condensed tannins

To exploit the porous nature of previously developed kafirin microparticles, encapsulation of the bioactive polyphenols, catechin and sorghum condensed tannins, was investigated. The antioxidant release profiles of the encapsulated substances were studied under simulated gastric conditions. Kafirin microparticles encapsulating catechin or sorghum condensed tannins were similar in size to control kafirin microparticles (5-6 mum). TEM showed that kafirin microparticles encapsulating catechin had a rough porous surface. Microparticles encapsulating sorghum condensed tannins were irregular in shape, some apparently joined together, with a mixture of rough and smooth surfaces. Over a period of 4 h, catechin and sorghum condensed tannin encapsulated kafirin microparticles showed virtually no protein digestion but released approximately 70 and 50%, respectively, of total antioxidant activity. Thus, the use of kafirin microparticles to encapsulate catechin and sorghum condensed tannins has potential as an effective method of controlled release of dietary antioxidants.

Preparation of free-standing films from kafirin protein microparticles: mechanism of formation and functional properties

A method of preparing free-standing films using kafirin microparticles made by phase separation from acetic acid is described. Film preparation involved the suspension of the microparticles in acetic acid solution containing plasticizer. On evaporation of the acetic acid, a complete, smooth, flexible, transparent film was formed. A minimum concentration of acid was required to form a cohesive film relative to the concentration of kafirin. This was approximately 10.8:1, percent acetic acid to percent kafirin. Film formation appears to be by controlled aggregation of kafirin microparticles, followed by dissolution of the microparticles in acetic acid and drying into a cohesive film. The functional properties of microparticle films were generally superior to films cast directly from a solution of kafirin, at the same protein content. Kafirin microparticle films were very thin (<15 microm), relatively strong but not very extensible, with better water barrier properties and lower protein digestibility than conventionally cast kafirin films.

The in vivo bone formation by mesenchymal stem cells in zein scaffolds

In our previous study, a three-dimensional zein porous scaffold was prepared. This scaffold showed proper mechanical properties, good biocompatibility, and controllable biodegradation. In addition, it allowed blood vessels to form inside in vivo. In the current study, we prepared the complexes of zein scaffolds and rabbit MSCs, and investigated ectopic bone formation in nude mice. Furthermore, we implanted them into the radius defects of rabbits and assessed whether they could be helpful in the repair of critical-sized bone defects. The results showed that the complexes of zein scaffolds and rabbit MSCs could undergo ectopic bone formation in the thigh muscle pouches of nude mice. More importantly, the complexes could lead to the repair of critical-sized radius defects in rabbits accompanied with blood vessels' formation, which clearly demonstrates promise for the treatment of bone defects through tissue engineering.

Zein-iodine complex studied by FTIR spectroscopy and dielectric and dynamic rheometry in films and precipitates

In the present study the effect of iodine on properties of zein films and zein precipitates obtained after hydrophobic aggregation was evaluated. Zein films were cast with and without glycerol (as plasticizer) after incorporation of iodine at different levels (2-8%, zein wt basis). Zein films were characterized by secondary structure (determined by infrared spectroscopy) and dielectric and mechanical properties. The rheological properties of zein precipitates as a function of frequency and temperature were evaluated using a dynamic rheometer. Inclusion of iodine changed the secondary structure of zein films and decreased their tensile strength as well as strain at failure. In aggregates, changes in G' (elastic modulus) and G'' (viscous modulus) during heating were affected by the presence of iodine due to the inhibition of aggregation. The water-holding capacity of precipitates precipitated in the presence of iodine was higher than that of those without iodine.

Applications and Degradation of Proteins Used as Tissue Engineering Materials

This article provides an up-to-date review on the applications of natural polymers, i.e., proteins, as materials for tissue engineering. Proteins are one of the important candidates for tissue engineering materials based on their superior biocompatibility, biodegradation, bioresorbability, and so on. However, their inferior mechanical properties limit their broad application. Currently-available proteins for application in tissue engineering or drug delivery systems, such as fibrin, collagen, zein, silk fibroin, keratin, casein and albumin, and the biodegradation of tissue-engineered substitutes based on proteins are presented. Techniques of scaffold fabrication are also mentioned. Problems and future possibilities for development of protein-based tissue-engineered substitutes are also introduced in this review.

Nanoscalar structures of spray-dried zein microcapsules and in vitro release kinetics of the encapsulated lysozyme as affected by formulations

Sustained release of antimicrobials may be a viable solution to enhance the bioavailability during the shelf life of food products. In this work, spray-drying was used to encapsulate a model antimicrobial of lysozyme in corn zein. The effects of zein/lysozyme (20:1 to 4:1) and zein/thymol (1:0 to 4:1) ratios on the microstructures of microcapsules and in vitro release profiles of the encapsulated lysozyme were investigated. In all cases, less lysozyme was released at higher pH, resulting from stronger molecular attraction between zein and lysozyme. Nanoscalar matrix structures of microcapsules were correlated with release characteristics of the encapsulated lysozyme. At intermediate zein/lysozyme (10:1) and zein/thymol (50:1) ratios, microcapsules had a continuous matrix structure and showed sustained release (11.1-65.3%) of lysozyme at pH 6 over 49 days. This work may be developed into practical food grade delivery systems of antimicrobials.

Engineering zein films with controlled surface morphology and hydrophilicity

A new method to engineer zein films with controlled surface morphology and hydrophilicity has been developed. The resulting surface morphology and surface hydrophilicity have been studied by tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TP-AFM) and a combination of water contact angle measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. Our AFM results revealed that zein films cast from acetic acid showed much smoother surfaces as compared to those cast from ethanol aqueous solutions. Furthermore, zein films of controlled hydrophilicity have been engineered through the use of UV/ozone treatment, which can efficiently decrease the water contact angles of zein films from approximately 80 degrees to less than 10 degrees within 130 s. XPS results suggest that the difference in surface hydrophilicity of zein films is due to the difference in surface elemental composition, and UV/ozone treatment converted some of the surface methyl groups mainly to carbonyl groups, therefore decreasing the water contact angles and increasing the surface hydrophilicity of zein films. This research opens up new opportunities of using zein as barrier materials and delivery vehicles for functional food ingredients, drugs, and dietary supplements.

Novel hollow microcapsules based on iron-heparin complex multilayers

Iron-polysaccharide complex have been extensively utilized in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia for parenteral administration. Herein, a novel iron-heparin complexed hollow capsules with nanoscaled wall thickness have been fabricated by means of alternating deposition of ferric ions (III) (Fe+) and heparin (Hep) onto the surface of submicroscaled (488 nm) and microscaled (10.55 microm) polystyrene latex particles via both electrostatic interaction and chemical complexation processes, followed by dissolution of the cores using tetrahydrofuran. Confocal micrographs and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images prove that iron-heparin complexed submicroscaled hollow capsules keep spherical shapes in solution and even after drying. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) assay shows that complexing with ferric ions do not compromise the catalytic capacity of heparin to promote antithrombin III-mediated thrombin inactivation. The anticoagulant activity value of (Fe3+/Hep)8 capsules is evaluated to be about 95.7 U/mg, indicating that approximately 0.55 mg heparin was in 1 mg powder of submicroscaled (Fe3+/Hep)8 hollow capsules. Compared with the same dosage of heparin, iron-heparin complexed hollow capsules display a more prolonged anticoagulant duration than heparin. All these results reveal that such submicroscaled iron-heparin complexed hollow capsules have application potential as an injectable anticoagulant vehicle.

Evaluation of the zein/inorganics composite on biocompatibility and osteoblastic differentiation

We have previously studied the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of porous zein scaffolds. We based the study on the concept that composite scaffold materials, especially when combined with inorganic materials, are more suited to the mechanical and physiological demands of the host tissue than individual scaffold materials. We investigated the effect of zein/inorganic composite on the physical and biological properties of porous zein scaffolds, which were fabricated by salt-leaching. The composite was prepared by immersion in simulated body fluid. The hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated zein scaffold had the same porosity as the zein scaffold (over 75%). Using scanning electron microscopy, it was established that the morphology of pores located on the surface and within the porous scaffolds showed equally good pore interconnectivity with zein. However, the compressive Young's modulus decreased from 240.1+/-96.8 to 34.4+/-12.6MPa, and compressive strength decreased from 7.8+/-1.2 to 4.2+/-0.8MPa. From the in vitro test with human bone marrow stroma cells, the osteoblastic differentiation on the surface of the HA-coated zein scaffold was increased, as expressed by the alkaline phosphatase activity and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis for marker genes. From both the mechanical and biological evaluations, the HA-coated zein scaffold was found to be the optimal biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.

Correlation between heparin release and polymerization degree of organically modified silica xerogels from 3-methacryloxypropylpolysilsesquioxane

This work aimed to investigate the use of an organically modified porous silica matrix (poly(methacryloxypropyl)-poly(silsesquioxane); P-MA-PS) as a release system for heparin. The matrices were obtained from methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MAS) via the sol-gel process under acidic conditions following photochemical polymerization and cross-linking of the organic matrix. Modulation of the polymerization degree of the organic matrix in the range 0-71% allowed adjusting the release kinetics of heparin according to therapeutic needs. It was demonstrated that higher drug loads and a decreasing polymerization degree resulted in a faster release profile of heparin, which followed a square root of time kinetic according to the Higuchi model. The hydrolytic degradation of hybrid xerogel was found to follow a zero-order kinetic whereas the heparin concentration did not show an influence on the degradation rate of the matrix. Since the released heparin retained its biological activity, the P-MA-PS matrices are of clinically interest, e.g. as coating on drug eluting coronary stents.

Film from peroxidation of an amino phospholipid and its biocompatibility

A new kind of phospholipid product with fluorescence was derived from autoxidation of an aminophospholipid, L-alpha-phosphatidylethanolamine dilinoleoyl in solid film state. Atomic force microscopy showed that the film product was composed of round and elliptical vesicles with diameters of about 20-45 nm. The product was difficult to dissolve in water and most organic solvents. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state (13)C NMR, and solid-state (31)P NMR indicated that the unsaturated double carbon bond decreased with the reaction, and polymerization within/between phospholipid molecules occurred. Endothelial cells from human vein seeded onto the film showed the highest proliferating activity compared with seeding onto Corning culture plate, glass plate, or phospholipid film with phosphorylcholine head group, as evaluated by 3-(4,5-timethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay (p < 0.001). The hemocompatibility of the film was also assessed by platelet adhesion and protein adsorption. The results suggest that the product has potential applications as a new biomaterial coating.

The quest for non-invasive delivery of bioactive macromolecules: a focus on heparins

The development of a non-invasive drug delivery system for unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) has been the elusive goal of several research groups since the initial discovery of this glycosaminogylcan by McLean in 1916. After a brief update on current parenteral formulations of UFH and LMWHs, this review revisits past and current strategies intended to identify alternative routes of administration (e.g. oral, sublingual, rectal, nasal, pulmonary and transdermal). The following strategies have been used to improve the bioavailability of this bioactive macromolecule by various routes: (i) enhancement in cell-membrane permeabilization, (ii) modification of the tight-junctions, (iii) increase in lipophilicity and (iv) protection against acidic pH of the stomach. Regardless of the route of administration, a simplified unifying principle for successful non-invasive macromolecular drug delivery may be: "to reversibly overcome the biological, biophysical and biochemical barriers and to safely and efficiently improve the in vivo spatial and temporal control of the drug in order to achieve a clinically acceptable therapeutic advantage". Future macromolecular drug delivery research should embrace a more systemic approach taking into account recent advances in genomics/proteomics and nanotechnology.