Sinomenine, theophylline, cysteine, and levamisole: Comparisons of their kinetic effects on mineral formation induced by matrix vesicles

Characterization and In Vitro Permeation Study of Cubic Liquid Crystal Containing Sinomenine Hydrochloride

This study developed a new transdermal delivery system for the improved delivery of sinomenine hydrochloride (SH). The delivery system utilized the advantages of lyotropic liquid crystals (LLC) creating an adaptable system that offers a variety of options for the field of transdermal delivery. The formulation was prepared, characterized, and evaluated for its skin penetration in vitro. In the study, the appearance of samples was characterized by visual observation, and these LLC gels were colorless and transparent. Polarizing light microscopy (PLM) and small-angle X-ray diffraction (SAXS) were used to analyze the internal structures of gels, and the gels displayed a cubic double-diamond (P_n3_m) internal structure with a dark field of vision. The Franze diffusion cell was used to evaluate its skin penetration. There were several factors which might influence the skin penetration of drugs, such as drug loading, water content, and the layer spacing of the LLC. In our case, drug concentration gradient played a more powerful role. The result of in vitro permeation studies demonstrated that the drug concentration was higher; the cumulative osmotic quantity of SH (Q) was greater. Therefore, the system was a promising formulation for successful percutaneous delivery of SH through the skin.

Isolation and characteristics of matrix vesicles

Mineralizing matrix vesicles (MVs) are extracellular organelles produced by chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and odontoblasts under physiological conditions and by vascular smooth muscle cells under pathological conditions. MVs are involved in the early stage of mineralization allowing calcium and phosphate to accumulate, and therefore providing an optimal environment facilitating hydroxyapatite formation. Here, we describe the isolation of MVs from osteoblasts and chondrocytes and present their main characteristics.