Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-ɛ-caprolactone) copolymers and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate-co-ɛ-caprolactone) terpolymers as novel materials for colloidal drug delivery systems

Docetaxel-Loaded Poly(3HB-co-4HB) Biodegradable Nanoparticles: Impact of Copolymer Composition

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolymers show a relatively higher in vivo degradation rate compared to other PHAs, thus, they receive a great deal of attention for a wide range of medical applications. Nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with poorly water-soluble anticancer drug docetaxel (DCX) were produced using poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate), P(3HB-co-4HB), copolymers biosynthesised from Cupriavidus malaysiensis USMAA1020 isolated from the Malaysian environment. Three copolymers with different molar proportions of 4-hydroxybutirate (4HB) were used: 16% (PHB16), 30% (PHB30) and 70% (PHB70) 4HB-containing P(3HB-co-4HB). Blank and DCX-loaded nanoparticles were then characterized for their size and size distribution, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency and drug release. Preformulation studies showed that an optimised formulation could be achieved through the emulsification/solvent evaporation method using PHB70 with the addition of 1.0% PVA, as stabilizer and 0.03% VitE-TPGS, as surfactant. DCX-loaded PHB70 nanoparticles (DCX-PHB70) gave the desired particle size distribution in terms of average particle size around 150 nm and narrow particle size distribution (polydispersity index (PDI) below 0.100). The encapsulation efficiency result showed that at 30% w/w drug-to-polymer ratio: DCX- PHB16 NPs were able to encapsulate up to 42% of DCX; DCX-PHB30 NPs encapsulated up to 46% of DCX and DCX-PHB70 NPs encapsulated up to 50% of DCX within the nanoparticle system. Approximately 60% of DCX was released from the DCX-PHB70 NPs within 7 days for 5%, 10% and 20% of drug-to-polymer ratio while for the 30% and 40% drug-to-polymer ratios, an almost complete drug release (98%) after 7 days of incubation was observed.

Mass spectrometry in bioresorbable polymer development, degradation and drug-release tracking

A detailed characterization of polymeric matrices and appropriate degradation monitoring techniques are required to sustain the development of new materials as well as to enlarge the applications of the old ones. In fact, polymer analysis is essential for the clarification of the intrinsic relationship between structure and properties that ascertains the industrial applications in diverse fields. In bioresorbable and biodegradable polymers, the role of analytical methods is dual since it is pointed both at the polymeric matrices and at degradation tracking. The structural architectures, the mechanical and morphological properties, and the degradation rate, are of outstanding importance for a specific application. In some cases, the complexity of the polymer structure, the processes of decomposition or the low concentration of the degradation products need the concurrent use of different complementary analytical techniques to give detailed information of the reactions taking place. Several analytical methods are used in bioresorbable polymer development and degradation tracking. Among them, mass spectrometry (MS) plays an essential role and it is used to refine polymer syntheses, for its high sensitivity, to highlight degradation mechanism by detecting compounds present in trace amounts, or to track the degradation product profile and to study drug release. In fact, elucidation of reaction mechanisms and polymer structure, attesting to the purity and detecting defects as well as residual catalysts, in biodegradable and bioresorbable polymers, requires sensitive analytical characterization methods that are essential in providing an assurance of safety, efficacy and quality. This review aims to provide an overview of the MS strategies used to support research and development of resorbable polymers as well as to investigate their degradation mechanisms. It is focused on the most significant studies concerning synthetic bioresorbable matrices (polylactide, polyglycolide and their copolymers, polyhydroxybutyrate, etc.), published in the last ten years.

Unsaturated Poly(Hydroxyalkanoates) for the Production of Nanoparticles and the Effect of Cross-Linking on Nanoparticle Features

A biodegradable poly(3-R-hydroxyalkanoate) synthesized by Pseudomonas mediterranea was investigated as a biomaterial to obtain colloidal drug delivery systems. Using a nanoprecipitation method, nanoparticles with a mean size of 155 nm and a negative surface charge were formed. They can be freeze-dried by adding hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin as a cryoprotectant, and they have been shown to efficiently load both a hydrophilic (calcein) and a lipophilic (Nile red) model probe. Since this polymer contains terminal double bonds in the side chains, cross-linking conditions were tested. In particular, under the action of UV rays or irradiation with an incandescent yellow lamp, this polymer tended to cross-link.

Structural dependence of in vitro cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and uptake mechanisms of poly(propylene imine) dendritic nanoparticles

The in vitro cytotoxic and intracellular oxidative stress responses to exposure to poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendritic nanoparticles of increasing generation (number of repeated branching cycles) (G0-G4) were assessed in an immortal non-cancerous human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). Confocal fluorescence microscopy with organelle staining was used to explore the uptake and intracellular trafficking mechanisms. A generation- and dose-dependent cytotoxic response was observed, increasing according to generation and, therefore, number of surface amino groups. A comparison of the cytotoxic response of G4 PPI and the related G4 poly(amido amine) dendrimer indicates that the PPI with the same number of surface amino groups elicits a significantly higher cytotoxic response. The trend of cytotoxicity versus dendrimer generation and, therefore, size is discontinuous in the region of G2, however, indicating a difference in uptake mechanism for higher compared to lower generations. Whereas the higher generations elicit an oxidative stress response at short exposure times, the lower generations indicate an antioxidant response. Confocal microscopy indicates that, whereas they are prominent at early exposure times for the larger PPI dendrimers, no evidence of early stage endosomes was observed for lower generations of PPI. The results are consistent with an alternative uptake mechanism of physical diffusion across the semipermeable cell membrane for the lower generation dendrimers and are discussed in terms of their implications for predictive models for nanotoxicology and design strategies for nanomedical applications.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates - what are the uses? Current challenges and perspectives

Over the past few decades, a considerable attention has been focused on the microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) owing to its multifaceted properties, i.e. biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity and thermo-plasticity. This article presents a critical review of the foregoing research, current trends and future perspectives on the value added applications of PHAs in the biomedical, environmental and industrial domains of life.

Comparative toxicological assessment of PAMAM and thiophosphoryl dendrimers using embryonic zebrafish

Dendrimers are well-defined, polymeric nanomaterials currently being investigated for biomedical applications such as medical imaging, gene therapy, and tissue targeted therapy. Initially, higher generation (size) dendrimers were of interest because of their drug carrying capacity. However, increased generation was associated with increased toxicity. The majority of studies exploring dendrimer toxicity have focused on a small range of materials using cell culture methods, with few studies investigating the toxicity across a wide range of materials in vivo. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of surface charge and generation in dendrimer toxicity using embryonic zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model vertebrate. Due to the generational and charge effects observed at the cellular level, higher generation cationic dendrimers were hypothesized to be more toxic than lower generation anionic or neutral dendrimers with the same core composition. Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers elicited significant morbidity and mortality as generation was decreased. No significant adverse effects were observed from the suite of thiophosphoryl dendrimers studied. Exposure to ≥50 ppm cationic PAMAM dendrimers G3-amine, G4-amine, G5-amine, and G6-amine caused 100% mortality by 24 hours post-fertilization. Cationic PAMAM G6-amine at 250 ppm was found to be statistically more toxic than both neutral PAMAM G6-amidoethanol and anionic PAMAM G6-succinamic acid at the same concentration. The toxicity observed within the suite of varying dendrimers provides evidence that surface charge may be the best indicator of dendrimer toxicity. Dendrimer class and generation are other potential contributors to the toxicity of dendrimers. Further studies are required to better understand the relative role each plays in driving the toxicity of dendrimers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first in vivo study to address such a broad range of dendrimers.

Preparation and characterization of carvacrol loaded polyhydroxybutyrate nanoparticles by nanoprecipitation and dialysis methods

In this investigation, preparation of carvacrol loaded polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) nanoparticles was performed by nanoprecipitation and dialysis methods. PHB particles were obtained by nanoprecipitation method without and with low concentration of Tween 80 or pluronic as surfactant. Nano- and micro-sized particles were formed with trimodal distribution and large aggregates. Size and distribution of nanoparticles were decreased when concentration of Tween 80 was increased to 1% (v/v) in water as polar phase. PHB nanoparticles had narrow size (157 nm) with monomodal distribution. Nanoparticles, which were prepared by dialysis method had 140 nm in diameter with monomodal distribution. Carvacrol was used as a lipophilic drug and entrapped in optimized nanoparticles formulation by nanoprecipitation and dialysis methods. Entrapment efficacy was 21% and 11%, respectively. Morphology of PHB nanoparticles was spherical. The results of kinetic release study showed that carvacrol was released for at least 3 days. Release kinetic parameters showed a simple Fickian diffusion behavior for both formulations. Carvacrol loaded PHB nanoparticles had good dispersion into the agar medium and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. This study describes the 1st work on loading of carvacrol into the PHB nanoparticles by nanoprecipitation and dialysis methods.

Dendrimer toxicity: Let's meet the challenge

Dendrimers are well-defined, versatile polymeric architecture with properties resembling biomolecules. Dendritic polymers emerged as outstanding carrier in modern medicine system because of its derivatisable branched architecture and flexibility in modifying it in numerous ways. Dendritic scaffold has been found to be suitable carrier for a variety of drugs including anticancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, antitubercular etc., with capacity to improve solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. In spite of extensive applicability in pharmaceutical field, the use of dendrimers in biological system is constrained because of inherent toxicity associated with them. This toxicity is attributed to the interaction of surface cationic charge of dendrimers with negatively charged biological membranes in vivo. Interaction of dendrimers with biological membranes results in membrane disruption via nanohole formation, membrane thinning and erosion. Dendrimer toxicity in biological system is generally characterized by hemolytic toxicity, cytotoxicity and hematological toxicity. To minimize this toxicity two strategies have been utilized; first, designing and synthesis of biocompatible dendrimers; and second, masking of peripheral charge of dendrimers by surface engineering. Biocompatible dendrimers can be synthesized by employing biodegradable core and branching units or utilizing intermediates of various metabolic pathways. Dendrimer biocompatibility has been evaluated in vitro and in vivo for efficient presentation of biological performance. Surface engineering masks the cationic charge of dendrimer surface either by neutralization of charge, for example PEGylation, acetylation, carbohydrate and peptide conjugation; or by introducing negative charge such as half generation dendrimers. Neutral and negatively charged dendrimers do not interact with biological environment and hence are compatible for clinical applications as elucidated by various studies examined in this review. Chemical modification of the surface is an important strategy to overcome the toxicity problems associated with the dendrimers. The present review emphasizes on the approaches available to overcome the cationic toxicity inherently associated with the dendrimers.