Implantable drug delivery

Differential Drug Release Kinetics from Paclitaxel-Loaded Polydioxanone Membranes and Capsules

BACKGROUND

Drug laden implantable systems can provide drug release over several hours to years, which eventually aid in the therapy of both acute and chronic diseases. The present study focuses on a fundamental evaluation of the influence of implant properties such as morphology, architecture, porosity, surface area, and wettability in regulating the drug release kinetics from drug-loaded polymeric matrices.

METHODS

For this, Polydioxanone (PDS) was selected as the polymer and Paclitaxel (Ptx) as the model drug. Two different forms of the matrix implants, viz., reservoir type capsules developed by dip coating and matrix type membranes fabricated by phase inversion and electrospinning, were utilized for the study. Drug release from all the four different matrices prepared by simple techniques was evaluated in vitro in PBS and ex vivo in peritoneal wash fluid for ~4 weeks. The drug release profiles were thereafter correlated with the physicochemical parameters of the polymeric implants.

RESULTS

Reservoir-type capsules followed a slow and steady zero-order kinetics, while matrix-type electrospun and phase inversion membranes displayed typical biphasic kinetics.

CONCLUSION

It was inferred that the slow degradation rate of PDS polymer as well as the implant properties like porosity and wettability play an important role in controlling the drug release rates.

Swelling Properties of Various Polymers Used in Controlled Release Systems

The effect of powder packing and porosity of specimens on the swelling properties of polymeric materials was studied, in various swelling liquids, such as distilled water and 0.1 N hydrochloric acid solution. Capsules, tablets and films of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, poly(ethylene oxide) and sodium alginate were prepared, and their weight uptake after immersion into the above solutions was recorded as a function of time, in order to assess the swelling process. Measurements of some characteristics of the as-received powders were also performed in an attempt to classify the specimens prepared according to their porosity.

Within the experimental conditions of this work, it was shown that the porosity of polymeric specimens is a dominant factor that controls their swelling behaviour. Increased porosity leads to fast initial rates of weight uptake and high extent of equilibrium swelling. On the other hand, dissolution and possible degradation of polymers susceptible to acid hydrolysis results in some variations from the above mentioned behaviour.

With respect to the application in controlled release systems, theoverall delivery rate from a polymeric specimen is expected to be a function of both swelling and disintegration characteristics of a specimen, and therefore, the weight uptake can be considered a measure of the release only in the case of polymers with low water solubility and increased stability to hydrolysis.

Polymers for Use in Controlled Release Systems: The Effect of Surfactants on their Swelling Properties

The effect of an ampholytic surfactant on the swelling properties of polymeric materials was studied, using various swelling liquids. Tablets were prepared consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, poly(oxyethylene) and sodium alginate. Tego betain was the non-ionic surfactant used as an additive in a series of samples made of the above polymers. Those tablets were immersed in distilled water, phosphate buffer and 0.1 N HCl, and their weight uptake was recorded as a function of time, in order to assess the swelling process. Measurements of the contact angle of the above systems were also carried out for estimating their wetting properties.

The results of this study showed a selectivity among polymers, surfactant and surrounding liquid. Clearly, an enhancement of the swelling capacity of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose tablets due to the surfactant was recorded. An unclear effect was observed in the case of poly(oxyethylene), whereas for sodium alginate, the dominant factor is its water solubility that controls swelling behaviour.

Controlled delivery systems: from pharmaceuticals to cells and genes

During the last few decades, a fair amount of scientific investigation has focused on developing novel and efficient drug delivery systems. According to different clinical needs, specific biopharmaceutical carriers have been proposed. Micro- and nanoparticulated systems, membranes and films, gels and even microelectronic chips have been successfully applied in order to deliver biopharmaceuticals via different anatomical routes. The ultimate goal is to deliver the potential drugs to target tissues, where regeneration or therapies (chemotherapy, antibiotics, and analgesics) are needed. Thereby, the bioactive molecule should be protected against environmental degradation. Delivery should be achieved in a dose- and time-correct manner. Drug delivery systems (DDS) have been conceived to provide improvements in drug administration such as ability to enhance the stability, absorption and therapeutic concentration of the molecules in combination with a long-term and controlled release of the drug. Moreover, the adverse effects related with some drugs can be reduced, and patient compliance could be improved. Recent advances in biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, molecular biology, polymer chemistry and nanotechnology are now opening up exciting possibilities in the field of DDS. However, it is also recognized that there are several key obstacles to overcome in bringing such approaches into routine clinical use. This review describes the present state-of-the-art DDS, with examples of current clinical applications, and the promises and challenges for the future in this innovative field.

Preparation and characterization of starch-poly-epsilon-caprolactone microparticles incorporating bioactive agents for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications

One limitation associated with the delivery of bioactive agents concerns the short half-life of these molecules when administered intravenously, which results in their loss from the desired site. Incorporation of bioactive agents into depot vehicles provides a means to increase their persistence at the disease site. Major issues are involved in the development of a proper carrier system able to deliver the correct drug, at the desired dose, place and time. In this work, starch-poly-epsilon-caprolactone (SPCL) microparticles were developed for use in drug delivery and tissue engineering (TE) applications. SPCL microparticles were prepared by using an emulsion solvent extraction/evaporation technique, which was demonstrated to be a successful procedure to obtain particles with a spherical shape (particle size between 5 and 900 microm) and exhibiting different surface morphologies. Their chemical structure was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. To evaluate the potential of the developed microparticles as a drug delivery system, dexamethasone (DEX) was used as model drug. DEX, a well-known component of osteogenic differentiation media, was entrapped into SPCL microparticles at different percentages up to 93%. The encapsulation efficiency was found to be dependent on the polymer concentration and drug-to-polymer ratio. The initial DEX release seems to be governed mainly by diffusion, and it is expected that the remaining DEX will be released when the polymeric matrix starts to degrade. In this work it was demonstrated that SPCL microparticles containing DEX can be successfully prepared and that these microparticular systems seem to be quite promising for controlled release applications, namely as carriers of important differentiation agents in TE.

Development and characterization of polymeric microspheres for controlled release protein loaded drug delivery system

The aim of the present work was to investigate the preparation of microspheres as potential drug carriers for proteins, intended for controlled release formulation. The hydrophilic bovine serum albumin was chosen as a model protein to be encapsulated within poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (50:50) microspheres using a w/o/w double emulsion solvent evaporation method. Different parameters influencing the particle size, entrapment efficiency and in vitro release profiles were investigated. The microspheres prepared with different molecular weight and hydrophilicity of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) polymers were non porous, smooth surfaced and spherical in structure under scanning electron microscope with a mean particle size ranging from 3.98 to 8.74 mum. The protein loading efficiency varied from 40 to 71% of the theoretical amount incorporated. The in vitro release profile of bovine serum albumin from microspheres presented two phases, initial burst release phase due to the protein adsorbed on the microsphere surface, followed by slower and continuous release phase corresponding to the protein entrapped in polymer matrix. The release rate was fairly constant after an initial burst release. Consequently, these microspheres can be proposed as new controlled release protein delivery system.

Preparation of biodegradable microspheres and matrix devices containing naltrexone

In this study, the use of biodegradable polymers for microencapsulation of naltrexone using solvent evaporation technique is investigated. The use of naltrexone microspheres for the preparation of matrix devices is also studied. For this purpose, poly(L-lactide) (PLA) microspheres containing naltrexone prepared by solvent evaporation technique were compressed at temperatures above the Tg of the polymer. The effect of different process parameters, such as drug/polymer ratio and stirring rate during preparation of microspheres, on the morphology, size distribution, and in vitro drug release of microspheres was studied. As expected, stirring rate influenced particle size distribution of microspheres and hence drug release profiles. By increasing the stirring speed from 400 to 1200 rpm, the mean diameter of microspheres decreased from 251 microm to 104 microm. The drug release rate from smaller microspheres was faster than from larger microspheres. However, drug release from microspheres with low drug content (20% wt/wt) was not affected by the particle size of microspheres. Increasing the drug content of microspheres from 20% to 50% wt/wt led to significantly faster drug release from microspheres. It was also shown that drug release from matrix devices prepared by compression of naltrexone microspheres is much slower than that of microspheres. No burst release was observed with matrix devices. Applying higher compression force, when compressing microspheres to produce tablets, resulted in lower drug release from matrix devices. The results suggest that by regulating different variables, desired release profiles of naltrexone can be achieved using a PLA microparticulate system or matrix devices.

Release of propranolol and diclofenac from low Mw DL-poly(lactic acid)

The controlled release of two drugs, i.e. the sodium salt of diclofenac and propranolol was studied, by using low molecular weight D,L-Poly(lactic acid) as a matrix. Tablets of the above polymer containing those drugs were immersed into buffers with various pH values and delivery was recorded as a function of time, via UV-spectroscopy. The results showed that the polymer is appropriate for such biomedical applications, as generally, it ensures complete drug delivery within 45-60 days, which is acceptable for most cases. On the other hand, the release rate depends on many parameters including the interactions among drug, matrix and the surrounding liquid, which adds complexity to the process and requires careful investigation for proper design of a controlled release system.

Swelling properties of various polymers used in controlled release systems

The effect of powder packing and porosity of specimens on the swelling properties of polymeric materials was studied, in various swelling liquids, such as distilled water and 0.1 N hydrochloric acid solution. Capsules, tablets and films of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, poly(ethylene oxide) and sodium alginate were prepared and their weight uptake after immersion into the above solutions was recorded as a function of time, in order to assess the swelling process. Measurements of some characteristics of the as received powders were also performed as an attempt to classify the specimens prepared according to their porosity. Within the experimental conditions of this work, it was shown that the porosity of polymeric specimens is a dominant factor that controls their swelling behaviour. Increased porosity leads to fast initial rates of weight uptake and high extent of equilibrium swelling. On the other hand, dissolution and possible degradation of polymers susceptible to acid hydrolysis, results in some variations from the above-mentioned behaviour. With respect to the application in controlled release systems, the overall delivery rate from a polymeric specimen is expected to be a function of both swelling and disintegration characteristics of a specimen and, therefore, the weight uptake can be considered a measure of the release only in the case of polymers with low water solubility and increased stability to hydrolysis.

Xanthan gum as a carrier for controlled release of drugs

Systems based on xanthan gum matrix containing 1%, 2% and 5% salicylic acid were prepared and studied as controlled release devices. Swelling of the matrix in distilled water and buffer solutions showed that the ionic strength of the liquid has a strong effect on the sorptive properties of the matrix. From the release experiments, conducted in distilled water at 37 +/- 0.5 degrees C, it was found that the drug delivery process was accomplished within the first 10 hours after immersion and salicylic acid was always released via a non-Fickian transport. The phenomenon can be described by a release exponent (n) in the area of 0.77 independently of the initial concentration of salicylic acid in the xanthan matrix. These results can be interpreted taking into consideration the dimensional and physical changes of the polymeric matrix during swelling.

Preparation, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of 1- and 4-month controlled release orntide PLA and PLGA microspheres

PURPOSE

To prepare, characterize and evaluate in vitro sustained delivery formulations for a novel LHRH antagonist, Orntide acetate, using biodegradable microspheres (ms).

METHODS

Poly(d,l-lactide) (PLA) and poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) were characterized for molecular weight (Mw, Mn) using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and content of free end carboxyl groups (acid number, AN) by a titration method. 1- and 4-month Orntide ms were prepared by a dispersion/solvent extraction/evaporation process and characterized for drug content (HPLC), bulk density (tapping method), particle size (laser diffraction method), surface morphology (scanning electron microscopy, SEM), and structural integrity of encapsulated peptide by Fourier Transform Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption mass spectrometry (FT-MALDI). Peptide binding to PLA and PLGA and non-specific adsorption to blank ms was studied in 0.1 M phosphate buffer pH 7.4 (PB) and 0.1 M acetate buffer pH 4.0 (AB). In vitro release of peptide was assessed in PB and AB.

RESULTS

Mw for the PLGA copolymers varied from 10,777 to 31,281 Da and was 9,489 Da for PLA. AN was between 4.60 and 15.1 for the hydrophilic resomers and 0.72 for the hydrophobic 50:50 PLGA copolymer. Spherical ms (3.9 mu to 14 mu in diameter) with mostly nonporous surface and varying degree of internal porosity were prepared. FT-MALDI mass spectra of the extracted peptide showed that the encapsulation process did not alter its chemical structure. Peptide binding to PLGA and PLA and non-specific adsorption to blank PLGA ms were dependent upon pH and were markedly higher in PB than in AB. The initial in vitro release in PB varied from 0.5 to 26%/24 h but due to substantial binding of the peptide to the polymeric matrix the long-term release in PB could not be determined. Application of a dialysis method allowed for a more accurate determination of in vitro release and a good total drug recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Orntide acetate was successfully incorporated into PLA and PLGA ms and the 1- and 4-month in vitro release profiles were achieved by polymer selection and optimization of the manufacturing parameters.

Swelling properties of various polymers used in controlled release systems

The effect of powder packing and porosity of specimens on the swelling properties of polymeric materials was studied, in various swelling liquids, such as distilled water and 0.1 N hydrochloric acid solution. Capsules, tablets and films of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, poly(ethylene oxide) and sodium alginate were prepared, and their weight uptake after immersion into the above solutions was recorded as a function of time, in order to assess the swelling process. Measurements of some characteristics of the as-received powders were also performed in an attempt to classify the specimens prepared according to their porosity. Within the experimental conditions of this work, it was shown that the porosity of polymeric specimens is a dominant factor that controls their swelling behaviour. Increased porosity leads to fast initial rates of weight uptake and high extent of equilibrium swelling. On the other hand, dissolution and possible degradation of polymers susceptible to acid hydrolysis results in some variations from the above mentioned behaviour. With respect to the application in controlled release systems, the overall delivery rate from a polymeric specimen is expected to be a function of both swelling and disintegration characteristics of a specimen, and therefore, the weight uptake can be considered a measure of the release only in the case of polymers with low water solubility and increased stability to hydrolysis.

Polymers for use in controlled release systems: the effect of surfactants on their swelling properties

The effect of an ampholytic surfactant on the swelling properties of polymeric materials was studied, using various swelling liquids. Tablets were prepared consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, poly(oxyethylene) and sodium alginate. Tego betain was the non-ionic surfactant used as an additive in a series of samples made of the above polymers. Those tablets were immersed in distilled water, phosphate buffer and 0.1 N HCl, and their weight uptake was recorded as a function of time, in order to assess the swelling process. Measurements of the contact angle of the above systems were also carried out for estimating their wetting properties. The results of this study showed a selectivity among polymers, surfactant and surrounding liquid. Clearly, an enhancement of the swelling capacity of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose tablets due to the surfactant was recorded. An unclear effect was observed in the case of poly(oxyethylene), whereas for sodium alginate, the dominant factor is its water solubility that controls swelling behaviour.

A novel in vitro release technique for peptide containing biodegradable microspheres

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a dialysis in vitro release technique for peptide-containing poly(d, l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres (ms) that would correlate with in vivo data. Using a luteinizing hormone- releasing hormone analogue (LHRH), Orntide acetate, solubility and stability were determined in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (PB), pH 7.4, and in 0.1 M acetate buffer (AB), pH 4.0, with high-performance liquid chromotography (HPLC), and peptide permeability through a dialysis membrane (molecular weight cut-off 300,000) was determined. Orntide ms were prepared by a dispersion/solvent extraction/evaporation method and characterized for drug content (HPLC), particle size distribution (laser diffraction method), and surface morphology (scanning electron microscopy). In vitro release was studied in PB using a conventional extraction method and with a new dialysis method in AB. Gravimetric analyses of polymer mass loss and matrix hydration, and peptide adsorption to blank PLGA ms (50:50, M(w) 28 022) were carried out in PB and AB upon incubation at 37 degrees C. Serum Orntide and testosterone levels in rats after administration of Orntide ms were determined by radioimmunoassay. Orntide acetate solubility was influenced by pH; approximately 2.3 mg/mL dissolved in PB and > 18 mg/mL in AB. Stability was pH- and temperature-dependent. The peptide was very stable at pH 4.0, 4 degrees C, but degraded rapidly at pH 7.4, 37 degrees C. Peptide permeability through the dialysis membrane was accelerated by agitation and >95% equilibrium was reached within 48 hours. The overall release rate was higher with the dialysis method. Mass loss of the Orntide ms was faster in AB (50% loss in 3 weeks; 95% in 35 days) than in PB (65% in 35 days). In contrast, hydration after 35 days was 4-fold higher in PB. The nonspecific adsorption to blank ms was greater in PB (128 microg Orntide/10 mg PLGA) compared with AB (< 5 microg Orntide/ 10 mg PLGA). Administration of 30-day Orntide PLGA ms to rats resulted in an initial serum Orntide level of 21 ng/mL after 6 hours and a Cmax of 87 ng/mL after 6 days. Testosterone levels were suppressed immediately after ms administration (3 mg Orntide /Kg) from 5.2 ng/mL to 0.3 ng/mL (after 24 hours) and remained suppressed for 38 days. Orntide acetate solubility and degradation kinetics were markedly influenced by pH of the buffer systems and mass loss; matrix hydration, as well as the nonspecific adsorption to blank ms, was pH-dependent. The in vitro release profile obtained with the dialysis method in AB correlated well with the in vivo data, thereby providing a more reliable prediction of in vivo performance.