Precipitation casting of polycaprolactone for applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery

Gravity spun polycaprolactone fibres for soft tissue engineering: Interaction with fibroblasts and myoblasts in cell culture

Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) fibres were produced by wet spinning from solutions in acetone under low shear (gravity flow) conditions. As-spun PCL fibres exhibited a mean strength and stiffness of 7.9 MPa and 0.1 GPa, respectively and a rough, porous surface morphology. Cold drawing to an extension of 500% resulted in increases in fibre strength (43 MPa) and stiffness (0.3 GPa) and development of an oriented, fibrillar surface texture. The proliferation rate of Swiss 3T3 mouse fibroblasts and C2C12 mouse myoblasts on as-spun, 500% cold-drawn and gelatin-modified PCL fibres was determined in cell culture to provide a basic measure of the biocompatibility of the fibres. Proliferation of both cell types was consistently higher on gelatin-coated fibres relative to as-spun fibres at time points below 7 days. Fibroblast growth rates on cold-drawn PCL fibres exceeded those on as-spun fibres but myoblast proliferation was similar on both substrates. After 1 day in culture, both cell types had spread and coalesced on the fibres to form a cell layer, which conformed closely to the underlying topography. The high fibre compliance combined with a potential for modifying the fibre surface chemistry with cell adhesion molecules and the surface architecture by cold drawing to enhance proliferation of fibroblasts and myoblasts, recommends further investigation of gravity-spun PCL fibres for 3-D scaffold production in soft tissue engineering.

Brucella outer membrane complex-loaded microparticles as a vaccine against Brucella ovis in rams

Due to the important drawbacks of the Brucella melitensis Rev 1 vaccine, a safer vaccine based on an outer membrane complex from Brucella ovis encapsulated in poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PEC) microparticles (MP) was developed and tested in rams. Homogeneous batches of microparticles were prepared by a new double emulsion solvent evaporation method called "Total Recirculation One-Machine System" (TROMS). Such microparticles presented a mean diameter of 2 microm and displayed an antigen loading of about 13 microg HS per mg of microparticles. Subcutaneous vaccination of rams with 800 microg HS (hot saline antigenic extract of B. ovis) in PEC microparticles induced an adequate serological response against B. ovis antigens and conferred similar protection against challenge with B. ovis to that induced by the living attenuated B. melitensis Rev 1 reference vaccine. By contrast, lower doses (80 microg) of HS-PEC evoked reduced serological responses against B. ovis antigens and did not induce significant protection. The revaccination with 800 microg of HS-PEC increased the intensity and duration of the serological response against B. ovis antigens but did not improve the protection conferred by the single vaccination. Sample sera taken from any of the animals immunized with Rev 1 were seropositive in both Rose Bengal and the Complement Fixation tests (RBT, CFT) used for the diagnosis of smooth Brucella infections. By contrast, no positive reactors in both tests were recorded in the animals vaccinated with HS-PEC, being this a target objective of this study. HS-PEC microparticles can be used as a safe vaccine against brucellosis in rams, but further studies using higher doses of antigens are necessary to exploit their full potential for the prophylaxis of brucellosis in sheep.

Degradation and Controlled Release Behavior of ε-Caprolactone Copolymers in Biodegradable Antifouling Coatings

Copolymers of caprolactone with delta-valerolactone and L-lactide were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization in the presence of tetrabutoxytitane in order to decrease the crystallinity of polycaprolactone (PCL) and to enlarge its potential applications. The kinetics of degradation and controlled release of bioactive molecules were investigated in aqueous medium at room temperature for 9 months. The influence of the comonomer structures, their molar ratio, and the presence of fillers on these kinetics were examined. Complementary analytical methods were used (i) to quantify the degradation of the copolymers by titration of products of degradation (lactic acid, hydroxycaproic acid, and hydroxypentanoic acid) and (ii) to reveal the degradation processes by determination of molecular weights and thermal characteristics. After aging, films were observed by scanning electronic microscopy and EDX microanalysis to check their capabilities for the release of bioactive agent. The results showed that the incorporation of a comonomer such as L-lactide or delta-valerolactone led to a faster degradation than that of PCL homopolymer. The release of biocides could be correlated with the degradation of copolymer but depended on the structure of the leached molecule.

Glycerol-l-lactide coating polymer leads to delay in bone ingrowth in hydroxyapatite implants

Glycerol-l-lactide as coating polymer for the delivery of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) from hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramic implants was shown to lead to significant delay in bone ingrowth into the implants compared to implants without the coating polymer. The purpose of this work was to study bone ingrowth in HA ceramic implants with and without the coating polymer but without growth factors to enable differentiation between a locking effect of the pores by the polymer and the fact of inactivation of the growth factors by the polymer, which could both be possible for the delay. A defect was created in the subchondral region of both femurs in 24 miniature-pigs and was either filled by the HA implants with or without the coating polymer. Histomorphometry showed a significant delay in bone ingrowth in the polymer coated implants both after 6 and 12 weeks. Detailed histology revealed that the HA pores were completely "locked" by the polymer leading to complete loss of the osteoconductive properties of the HA. Also electron microscopy showed filling of the HA pores by the polymer. Therefore, it can be concluded that glycerol-l-lactide should not be used to coat HA ceramic implants due to significant delay in bone ingrowth.

Preparation and Characterization of Novel Bone Scaffolds Based on Electrospun Polycaprolactone Fibers Filled with Nanoparticles

Novel bone-scaffolding materials were successfully fabricated by electrospinning from polycaprolactone (PCL) solutions containing nanoparticles of calcium carbonate (CaCO(3)) or hydroxyapatite (HA). The diameters of the as-spun fibers were found to increase with the addition and increasing amounts of the nanoparticles. The observed increase in the diameters of the as-spun fibers with the addition and increasing amounts of the nanoparticulate fillers was responsible for the observed increase in the tensile strength of the obtained fiber mats. An increase in the concentration of the base PCL solution caused the average diameter of the as-spun PCL/HA composite fibers to increase. Increasing applied electrical potential also resulted in an increase in the diameters of the obtained PCL/HA composite fibers. Lastly, indirect cytotoxicity evaluation of the electrospun mats of PCL, PCL/CaCO(3), and PCL/HA fibers based on human osteoblasts (SaOS2) and mouse fibroblasts (L929) revealed that these as-spun mats posed no threat to the cells, a result that implied their potential for utilization as bone-scaffolding materials.

Delivery of the antibiotic gentamicin sulphate from precipitation cast matrices of polycaprolactone

Microporous, poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) matrices were loaded with the aminoglycoside antibiotic, gentamicin sulphate (GS) using the precipitation casting technique by suspension of powder in the PCL solution prior to casting. Improvements in drug loading from 1.8% to 6.7% w/w and distribution in the matrices were obtained by pre-cooling the suspension to 4 degrees C. Gradual release of approximately 80% of the GS content occurred over 11 weeks in PBS at 37 degrees C and low amounts of antibiotic were measured up to 20 weeks. The kinetics of release could be described effectively by the Higuchi model with the diffusion rate constant (D) increasing from of 1.7 to 5.1 microg/mg matrix/day(0.5) as the drug loading increased from 1.4% to 8.3% w/w. GS-loaded PCL matrices retained anti-bacterial activity after immersion in PBS at 37 degrees C over 14 days as demonstrated by inhibition of growth of S. epidermidis in culture. These findings recommend further investigation of precipitation-cast PCL matrices for delivery of hydrophilic molecules such as anti-bacterial agents from implanted, inserted or topical devices.

A Novel Injectable Poly(ɛ-caprolactone)/Calcium Sulfate System for Bone Regeneration: Synthesis and Characterization

A novel poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/calcium sulfate system was prepared and characterized in order to enhance calcium sulfate (gypsum) performance as bone graft substitute overcoming its brittleness and fast resorption rate. A poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) photo-crosslinkable derivative (PCLf) was synthesized by reaction of a low molecular weight PCL diol with methacryloyl chloride and confirmed by FT-IR and 1H NMR analyses. An injectable and easy mouldable mixture of PCLf and calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate (PCLf/CHS) was obtained. Thermal analyses and solvent extraction proved the occurrence of PCLf photo-crosslinking, even in the presence of CHS, in a time suitable for clinical applications. Swelling studies demonstrated that the encapsulation of the inorganic filler increases network hydrophilicity making it more permeable to water. Scanning electron microscopy, performed on crosslinked PCLf/CHS and on the same material after incubation in a PBS solution, showed the feasibility to obtain, in situ, gypsum entrapped into a degradable polymeric network. In vitro cytotoxicity tests, performed according to ISO 10993-5, proved that the developed system was not cytotoxic supporting its potential use in tissue engineering as a new, injectable, photocurable bone graft material. SEM micrograph of calcium sulfate di-hydrate (gypsum) entrapped in the PCL network.

Fabrication, implantation, elution, and retrieval of a steroid-loaded polycaprolactone subretinal implant

A subretinal drug delivery system was developed to overcome the limitations of current treatments for retinal disease. A rod-shaped implant was made by embedding the corticosteroid triamcinolone acetonide within a biodegradable polycaprolactone polymer matrix. The implant was fabricated by homogeneously mixing the polymer and drug in solvent. The mixture was then dried, melted, and extruded, and the prepared solid form was drawn into a filament. The rods were mechanically sectioned to a length of 2 mm with a diameter of up to 320 microm. The rods were successfully implanted into the subretinal space of six rabbits. No complications were observed during the 4-week follow-up period. Initial observations of the implantation and elution characteristics revealed that polycaprolactone is well tolerated by the retinal tissue and that the implant can elute steroid for a period of at least 4 weeks without eliciting inflammatory response or complications. In vitro drug elution rates of different polymer to drug ratios and geometries into a balanced salt solution/bovine serum albumin (1%) solution showed an early rapid-release phase and late first-order phase. Histology and device retrieval after implantation revealed minimal encapsulation and good preservation of cellular morphology during the follow-up period and a more fibrous polymer microstructure of the implant.

Precipitation casting of drug-loaded microporous PCL matrices: Incorporation of progesterone by co-dissolution

Microporous, poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) matrices were loaded with progesterone by precipitation casting using co-solutions of PCL and progesterone in acetone. Progesterone loadings up to 32% w/w were readily achieved by increasing the drug content of the starting PCL solution. The kinetics of steroid release in PBS at 37 degrees C over 10 days could be described effectively by a diffusional release model although the Korsmeyer-Peppas model indicated the involvement of multiple release phenomena. The diffusion rate constant (D) increased from 8 to 24 microg/mg matrix/day0.5 as the drug loading increased from 3.6 to 12.4% w/w. A total cumulative release of 75%-95% indicates the high efficiency of steroid delivery. Increasing the matrix density from 0.22 to 0.39 g/cm3, by increasing the starting PCL solution concentration, was less effective in changing drug release kinetics. Retention of anti-proliferative activity of released steroid was confirmed using cultures of breast cancer epithelial (MCF-7) cells. Progesterone released from PCL matrices into PBS at 37 degrees C over 14 days retarded the growth of MCF-7 cells by a factor of at least 3.5 compared with progesterone-free controls. These findings recommend further investigation of precipitation-cast PCL matrices for delivery of bioactive molecules such as anti-proliferative agents from implanted, inserted or topical devices.

Osteoblastic Phenotype Expression of MC3T3-E1 Cells Cultured on Polymer Surfaces

BACKGROUND

Current efforts in bone tissue engineering have as one focus the search for a scaffold material that will support osteoblast proliferation, matrix mineralization, and, ultimately, bone formation. The goal is to develop a bone substitute that is functionally equivalent to autograft bone. Previously published reports have shown that osteoblasts exhibit varying rates and degrees of proliferation and mineralization when grown on different surfaces.

METHODS

This study presents a histologic and biomolecular analysis of MC3T3-E1 murine preosteoblast cells grown on poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) versus poly(-caprolactone) (PCL), two commonly studied scaffold polymers. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured on slides coated with either PLGA or PCL, and on uncoated glass slides as control, with six slides in each group. After 6 weeks in culture, the cells were stained for osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase activity, and matrix mineralization. In addition, to assess the effects of the surface material on phenotypic expression at the molecular level, MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured on polymer-coated 24-well plates for 4 days, and analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for the expression of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase.

RESULTS

The results showed that three groups of slides stained positively for osteocalcin at 6 weeks. However, markedly less alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization were observed on the cells grown on PCL. Real-time polymerase chain reaction assays subsequently revealed decreased expression of both markers by cells cultured on PCL compared with PLGA.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that PCL does not support the full expression of an osteoblastic phenotype by MC3T3-E1 cells. PCL, therefore, is less desirable as a scaffold polymer in bone tissue engineering in so far as supporting bone formation is concerned. However, because PCL has favorable handling characteristics and strength, modifications of PCL may prompt further investigation.

Effect of oxygen plasma treatment on the release behaviors of poly(ɛ-caprolactone) microcapsules containing tocopherol

The biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone) microcapsules (PCL) containing tocopherol (TC) were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation method, and microcapsules were treated by oxygen plasma to enhance the hydrophilic microcapsules. The morphologies and thermal properties of the microcapsules were determined by SEM and DSC measurements. The microcapsules studied were characterized by surface free energy or work of adhesion through contact angle measurement. As a result, the features of the microcapsules could be adjusted by manufacturing condition, such as surfactant and core ratio. The surface free energy or work of adhesion of the microcapsules was increased with increasing the time of plasma treatment, which could be attributed to the increased hydrophilic groups during oxygen plasma treatment. The release profile of the microcapsules was determined by UV-vis spectroscopy and the microcapsules containing tocopherol showed the rapid release rate, as compared with untreated ones.

Tensile testing of a single ultrafine polymeric fiber

Due to the difficulty in handling micro and nanoscale fibers and measuring the small load required for deformation, mechanical properties of these fibers have not been widely characterized. In this study, tensile test of a single-strand polycaprolactone electrospun ultrafine fiber was performed using a nano tensile tester. The tested fiber exhibited the characteristic low strength and low modulus but high extensibility at room temperature. The mechanical properties were also found to be dependent on fiber diameter. Fibers with smaller diameter had higher strength but lower ductility due to the higher 'draw ratio' that was applied during the electrospinning process.

Effect of glycerol-l-lactide coating polymer on bone ingrowth of bFGF-coated hydroxyapatite implants

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-coated hydroxyapatite (HA) cylinders showed good bony incorporation in a previously conducted animal study. However, some cylinders exhibited focal inhomogeneous bone ingrowth. The purpose of the current study was to test whether glycerol-L-lactide polymer coating could improve release properties and bone incorporation of bFGF-coated HA implants. bFGF-coated HA cylinders with or without coating polymer were investigated for in vitro release of bFGF by an immuno-ligand-assay and also for bone ingrowth in miniature pigs after 42 and 84 days. Release from bFGF polymer composites was lower for the first 3 days compared to the other group but was more homogenous and detectable amounts were still found after 20 days. There was significant delay in bone ingrowth of the polymer implants in which even after 84 days bone ingrowth was not completed, whereas in the other group incorporation after 42 days occurred. Detailed histology revealed filling of the HA pores with the polymer, making ingrowth of the surrounding host bone impossible. Only after 84 days starting resorption of the polymer accompanied by bone ingrowth was found. The current study showed that glycerol-L-lactide is not suitable for coating of HA implants due to polymer induced "locking" of HA pores.