Physicochemical and Biological Characterisation of Diclofenac Oligomeric Poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) Hybrids as β-TCP Ceramics Modifiers for Bone Tissue Regeneration

Nowadays, regenerative medicine faces a major challenge in providing new, functional materials that will meet the characteristics desired to replenish and grow new tissue. Therefore, this study presents new ceramic-polymer composites in which the matrix consists of tricalcium phosphates covered with blends containing a chemically bounded diclofenac with the biocompatible polymer-poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate), P(3HO). Modification of P(3HO) oligomers was confirmed by NMR, IR and XPS. Moreover, obtained oligomers and their blends were subjected to an in-depth characterisation using GPC, TGA, DSC and AFM. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the hydrophobicity and surface free energy values of blends decreased with the amount of diclofenac modified oligomers. Subsequently, the designed composites were used as a substrate for growth of the pre-osteoblast cell line (MC3T3-E1). An in vitro biocompatibility study showed that the composite with the lowest concentration of the proposed drug is within the range assumed to be non-toxic (viability above 70%). Cell proliferation was visualised using the SEM method, whereas the observation of cell penetration into the scaffold was carried out by confocal microscopy. Thus, it can be an ideal new functional bone tissue substitute, allowing not only the regeneration and restoration of the defect but also inhibiting the development of chronic inflammation.

The use of polymeric microcarriers loaded with anti-inflammatory substances in the therapy of experimental skin wounds

We studied the effects of anti-inflammatory substances incorporated in polymeric microparticles made of degradable natural polyhydroxyalkanoate polyesters on experimental skin wounds caused by chemical burns in laboratory animals. Treatment with encapsulated forms of anti-inflammatory substances (applied in gel) accelerated wound healing in comparison with routine therapy (estimated by area of burn wound, wound healing activity, number of acanthotic cells, and number of hair and sebaceous follicles). The results showed the perspectives of usage of developed form of substances (degradable polymeric microparticles) for treatment of skin defects.

In vitro and transdermal penetration of PHBV micro/nanoparticles

The purpose of this study was to develop micro and nano sized drug carriers from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), and study the cell and skin penetration of these particles. PHBV micro/nanospheres were prepared by o/w emulsion method and were stained with a fluorescent dye, Nile Red. The particles were fractionated by centrifugation to produce different sized populations. Topography was studied by SEM and average particle size and its distribution were determined with particle sizer. Cell viability assay (MTT) was carried out using L929 fibroblastic cell line, and particle penetration into the cells were studied. Transdermal permeation of PHBV micro/nanospheres and tissue reaction were studied using a BALB/c mouse model. Skin response was evaluated histologically and amount of PHBV in skin was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The average diameters of the PHBV micro/nanosphere batches were found to be 1.9 μm, 426 and 166 nm. Polydispersity indices showed that the size distribution of micro sized particles was broader than the smaller ones. In vitro studies showed that the cells had a normal growth trend. MTT showed no signs of particle toxicity. The 426 and 166 nm sized PHBV spheres were seen to penetrate the cell membrane. The histological sections revealed no adverse effects. In view of this data nano and micro sized PHBV particles appeared to have potential to serve as topical and transdermal drug delivery carriers for use on aged or damaged skin or in cases of skin diseases such as psoriasis, and may even be used in gene transfer to cells.