Sustained-release delivery of octreotide from biodegradable polymeric microspheres

The study reports on the drug release behavior of a potent synthetic somatostatin analogue, octreotide acetate, from biocompatible and biodegradable microspheres composed of poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) following a single intramuscular depot injection. The serum octreotide levels of three Oakwood Laboratories formulations and one Sandostatin LAR(®) formulation were compared. Three formulations of octreotide acetate-loaded PLGA microspheres were prepared by a solvent extraction and evaporation procedure using PLGA polymers with different molecular weights. The in vivo drug release study was conducted in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Blood samples were taken at predetermined time points for up to 70 days. Drug serum concentrations were quantified using a radioimmunoassay procedure consisting of radiolabeled octreotide. The three octreotide PLGA microsphere formulations and Sandostatin LAR(®) all showed a two-phase drug release profile (i.e., bimodal). The peak serum drug concentration of octreotide was reached in 30 min for all formulations followed by a decline after 6 h. Following this initial burst and decline, a second-release phase occurred after 3 days. This second-release phase exhibited sustained-release behavior, as the drug serum levels were discernible between days 7 and 42. Using pharmacokinetic computer simulations, it was estimated that the steady-state octreotide serum drug levels would be predicted to fall in the range of 40-130 pg/10 μL and 20-100 pg/10 μL following repeat dosing of the Oakwood formulations and Sandostatin LAR(®) every 28 days and every 42 days at a dose of 3 mg/rat, respectively.

Cross-linked Chitosan Microspheres: Preparation and Evaluation as a Matrix for the Controlled Release of Pharmaceuticals

Chitosan microspheres having good spherical geometry and a smooth surface were prepared by the glutaraldehyde cross-linking of an aqueous acetic acid dispersion of chitosan in paraffin oil using dioctyl sulphosuccinate as the stabilizing agent. Microspheres having different degrees of swelling were made by varying the cross-linking density. Microspheres were prepared by incorporating theophylline, aspirin or griseofulvin. Drug incorporation efficiencies exceeding 80% could be achieved for these drugs. In-vitro release studies of these drugs were carried out in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids at 37°C. It was observed that the drug release rates were influenced by the cross-linking density, particle size and initial drug loading in the microspheres.

Impurity formation studies with peptide-loaded polymeric microspheres Part I. In vivo evaluation

The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the peptide related substances or impurities formed during incubation of drug loaded poly-(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly-(D,L-lactide) (PLA) microspheres under in vivo conditions. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with separate batches of octreotide microspheres prepared by either an oil/water or oil/oil dispersion technique. At specified time points (days 14, 22, 30, and 41), animals were sacrificed and microsphere particles were recovered from the subcutaneous injection sites. The recovered particles were further extracted with 1:1 mixture of dimethylsulfoxide:dichloromethane for subsequent impurity analysis by HPLC and mass spectrometry. During incubation, the percentage purity of parent compound depended on the PLGA co-monomer ratio (e.g. 50:50, 85:15, and 100:0 glycolide:lactide ratios). After 41 days of incubation, for instance, octreotide area percentage by HPLC was determined to be approximately 47% for PLGA 50:50 microspheres, approximately 75% for PLGA 85:15 microspheres, and approximately 87% for PLA microspheres. Spectral analysis of particle extracts revealed the presence of peptide related substances with 58 m/z and 72 m/z units higher than the parent peptide m/z value. This indicated the presence of glycoyl and lactoyl covalent substitutions on the drug compound, resulting from chemical interaction between peptide amine groups and PLGA or PLA ester groups.

Impurity formation studies with peptide-loaded polymeric microspheres Part II. In vitro evaluation

Since acylated peptide impurities were isolated from octreotide microspheres following incubation in an in vivo environment, the present investigation was undertaken to determine the dosage form dynamics responsible for facilitating acylation. In particular, microsphere batches made with poly(L-lactide) (PLA) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) 85:15 were studied for in vitro drug release, mass balance relationships, mass loss behavior, hydration uptake, and solid-state stability. Furthermore, native octreotide was incubated in a varying pH stability model (heat treated lactic acid solutions 42.5%, w/w) to determine the effects of acidity on impurity formation. From a review of the experimental results, the appearance of octreotide impurities or related substances occurred with the onset of polymeric mass loss. In fact, the significant formation of acylated peptide did not appear until >90% mass loss, which was observed at 14 days. It was surmised that because of water uptake, the hydrolytic cleavage of the polymeric backbone created an acidic microenvironment to facilitate the covalent coupling of peptide with polymer. The lactic acid solution stability model corroborated with greater evidence of acylation at pH 2.25 where the presence lactoyl (+72 m/z) derivatives of octreotide were confirmed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

In vivo release kinetics of octreotide acetate from experimental polymeric microsphere formulations using oil/water and oil/oil processes

The purpose of the present study was to characterize the in vivo release kinetics of octreotide acetate from microsphere formulations designed to minimize peptide acylation and improve drug stability. Microspheres were prepared by a conventional oil/water (o/w) method or an experimental oil/oil (o/o) dispersion technique. The dosage forms were administered subcutaneously to a rat animal model, and serum samples were analyzed by radioimmunoassay over a 2-month period. An averaged kinetic profile from each treatment group, as a result, was treated with fractional differential equations. The results indicated that poly(l-lactide) microspheres prepared by the o/o dispersion technique provided lower area under the curve (AUC) values during the initial diffusion-controlled release phase, 7.79 ngxd/mL, versus 75.8 ngxd/mL for the o/w batch. During the subsequent erosion-controlled release phase, on the other hand, the o/o technique yielded higher AUC values, 123 ngxd/mL, versus 42.2 ngxd/mL for the o/w batch. The differences observed between the 2 techniques were attributed to the site of drug incorporation during the manufacturing process, given that microspheres contain both porous hydrophilic channels and dense hydrophobic matrix regions. An o/o dispersion technique was therefore expected to produce microspheres with lower incorporation in the aqueous channels, which are responsible for diffusion-mediated drug release.

Assessment of fertility in male rats after extended chemical castration with a GnRH antagonist

The purpose of this study was to assess whether male rats whose testosterone levels were suppressed to castration levels (<0.5 ng/mL) for a 1-year period by the sustained delivery of orntide acetate, a GnRH antagonist, would return to fertility (ie, produce offspring) after serum testosterone returned to control levels. Male rats comprising a treatment group (orntide microspheres, dose = 27 mg/kg/y), a vehicle control group, and a control group of proven male breeders were used. For the treatment and vehicle control groups, serum orntide and testosterone levels were monitored at periodic intervals for 14 months from the initiation of treatment. After serum testosterone levels returned to vehicle control levels and orntide serum levels were no longer discernible for the treated group, each of the animals was housed with 2 drug-naive, female, proven breeders. All the breeder females produced offspring with the exception of 1 female housed with a male rat from the treatment group and the 2 females housed with a single male rat from the vehicle control group. The mean size and weight of the litters from each group were not statistically different. Further, fertility of the offspring from each group was assessed. The male and female offspring studied were all shown to be fertile. The results suggest that lack of fertility due to testosterone suppression in male rats is reversible after cessation of treatment with the GnRH analog, orntide.

Preparation and stability of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)ylated octreotide for application to microsphere delivery

The purpose of this study was to prepare poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)ylated octreotide and investigate the stability against acylation by polyester polymers such as poly(lactic acid) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid). Octreotide was modified by reaction with monomethoxy PEG-propionaldehyde (molecular weight 5,000) in the presence of sodium cyanoborohydride. The mono-PEGylated fraction was isolated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Circular dichroism demonstrated no significant secondary structural differences between mono-PEGylated octreotide (mono-PEG-octreotide) and intact octreotide. As a test system for the stability study against acylation reaction, lactic acid (LA) solutions with various concentrations and pH values were prepared with water dilution and subsequent accelerated equilibration at 90 degrees C for 24 hours. Native octreotide was found to be acylated in all the diluted LA solutions with different concentrations (42.5%, 21.3%, and 8.5%, wt/wt) and pH values (2.25, 1.47, and 1.85, respectively). The remaining amounts of intact octreotide continuously decreased to 50% through 30 days of incubation at 37 degrees C. MALDI-TOF MS identified the octreotide to be acylated by LA units. However, acylation reaction of mono-PEG-octreotide in LA solutions was negligible, and the remaining amounts of intact one through 30 days of incubation in LA solutions were also comparable to the initial concentration. These data suggest that mono-PEG-octreotide may prevent the acylation reaction in degrading PLA microspheres and possibly serve as a new source for somatostatin microsphere formulation.

Identification of chemically modified peptide from poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres under in vitro release conditions

The purpose of this research was to study the chemical reactivity of a somatostatin analogue, octreotide acetate, formulated in microspheres with polymers of varying molecular weight and co-monomer ratio under in vitro testing conditions. Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) microspheres were prepared by a solvent extraction/evaporation method. The microspheres were characterized for drug load, impurity content, and particle size. Further, the microspheres were subjected to in vitro release testing in acetate buffer (pH 4.0) and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (pH 7.2). In acetate buffer, 3 microsphere batches composed of low molecular weight PLGA 50:50, PLGA 85:15, and PLA polymers (< or =10 kDa) showed 100% release with minimal impurity formation (<10%). The high molecular weight PLGA 50:50 microspheres (28 kDa) displayed only 70% cumulative release in acetate buffer with significant impurity formation (approximately 24%). In PBS (pH 7.4), on the other hand, only 50% release was observed with the same low molecular weight batches (PLGA 50:50, PLGA 85:15, and PLA) with higher percentages of hydrophobic impurity formation (ie, 40%, 26%, and 10%, respectively). In addition, in PBS, the high molecular weight PLGA 50:50 microspheres showed only 20% drug release with ~66% mean impurity content. The chemically modified peptide impurities inside microspheres were structurally confirmed through Fourier transform-mass spectrometry (FT-MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses after extraction procedures. The adduct compounds were identified as covalently modified conjugates of octreotide with lactic and glycolic acid monomers within polymeric microspheres. The data suggest that due to steric hindrance factors, polymers with greater lactide content were less amenable to the formation of adduct impurities compared with PLGA 50:50 copolymers.

Effect of osmotic pressure in the solvent extraction phase on BSA release profile from PLGA microspheres

This study investigated the influence of osmotic pressure in the organic solvent extraction phase on release profile of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres. BSA-loaded PLGA microspheres with a target load of 10% were prepared by a double emulsion phase separation method. All the microsphere batches were fabricated in the same conditions except that in the organic solvent (CH2Cl2) evaporation step. Different concentrations of NaCl (0, 1.8, and 3.6%) or sucrose (20%) were used to generate a range of osmotic pressures in the extraction aqueous phase. These microspheres were characterized for incorporation efficiency, surface and internal morphology, particle size, protein stability, and in vitro release. The microspheres were spherical with particle size ranging from 16.8 to 27.8 microns. Higher osmotic pressure resulted in a denser internal structure although similar nonporous surface morphology was observed with all batches. No significant difference in encapsulation efficiency existed from batch to batch (87-94%). Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyamide gel electrophoresis showed that BSA integrity was well retained. The release profile of the batch prepared with only water as the continuous (solvent extraction) phase exhibited a 79% burst release in the first 24 hr followed by a plateau and then a little release after 21 days. In the presence of NaCl or sucrose, the burst effect significantly decreased with increase in osmotic pressure in the extraction aqueous phase, which was then followed by sustained release for 35 days. A mass balance was made when the release terminated. Therefore, in the organic solvent extraction and evaporation step, increasing the osmotic pressure in the aqueous phase both reduced the burst release from the microspheres and improved the subsequent sustained release profile.

Identification and determination of GnRH antagonist gelling at injection site

The purpose of this study was to first observe whether orntide, a GnRH antagonist, gels at the injection site and if so, to develop and validate an extraction method to quantitate the peptide amount as well as assess chemical stability in the gel. After subcutaneous injection of a large dose of orntide acetate solution, a white gel and local traumatized effect were observed at the injection site. Orntide remaining at the injection site was recovered by tissue excision, homogenization and tissue protein precipitation with perchloric acid and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) following separation on a C18 column. The standard curve was linear in the detection range and there was no interference from either blank tissue or excipients of the orntide formulation. The recovery from spiked tissue or that immediately following injection was in the range of 90-110%. MALDI-FT mass spectrometry (MS) of the peak fraction indicated that the orntide recovered from the injection site was in the intact form. The results showed that orntide solution, when injected at a large dose, formed a gel at the injection site. The gel delayed the release from the injection site and caused discernible tissue reaction.

Return to fertility after extended chemical castration with a GnRH antagonist

BACKGROUND

Antagonistic analogues of GnRH for the treatment of prostate cancer may be used clinically in persons for whom return to fertility after such treatment is important or desirable. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the effects of a long term treatment with orntide, a GnRH antagonist, on testosterone levels and fertility in male rats.

METHODS

Two groups of male rats received either 120-day orntide microspheres (8.8 mg orntide/kg/120 days) or vehicle alone (control group). Serum orntide and testosterone levels in both groups were monitored at certain intervals for 9 months from the initiation of treatment. After recovery of normal serum testosterone levels in the treated animals, each rat was housed with two proven breeder, but drug-naive, females.

RESULTS

All mates of treated rats achieved pregnancy as rapidly as the mates of control rats although two of the control rats did not sire a litter with either female and one sired only one litter. The mean size of the litters of treated (12.3 offspring per litter) and control (10.6 offspring per litter) were similar. All offspring were grossly normal morphologically and behaviorally during the time to weaning.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that lack of fertility due to testosterone suppression is reversible after cessation of treatment with this GnRH antagonist.

Preparation, characterization and in vivo evaluation of 120-day poly(D,L-lactide) leuprolide microspheres

A 120-day poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) microsphere delivery system for a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue, leuprolide, was prepared and evaluated. Leuprolide microspheres were prepared with PLA (m.w. 11000 Da) by a dispersion/solvent extraction-evaporation method and characterized for drug load by HPLC, particle size by laser diffractometry and surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy. In vitro peptide release and polymer degradation were studied using a modified dialysis method. Serum peptide and testosterone levels were analyzed after subcutaneous administration using a rat model. Spherical microspheres with a mean diameter of 52 microm containing 13.4% peptide released 10% of the peptide within 24 h, followed by a linear release for 150 days. Serum leuprolide levels increased immediately after administration of the microspheres to 45.6 ng/ml, but then fell to 4.3 ng/ml at 15 days and approximately 2.0 ng/ml at 30 days where they remained for 120 days. The testosterone levels increased initially to 15 ng/ml and then decreased to below 0.5 ng/ml by day 4 where they remained for 120 days. In conclusion, a 120-day microsphere formulation of leuprolide was developed with excellent controlled peptide release characteristics and in vivo efficacy.

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.

Extended release peptide delivery systems through the use of PLGA microsphere combinations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of combining polymer matrices to overcome extended lag periods or unacceptably short durations of action intrinsic in the individual polymer systems. Leuprolide, an LHRH superagonist, was incorporated into a variety of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) matrices using a solvent extraction/evaporation method. The in vitro release of Leuprolide from these matrices was evaluated at pH 7.0 and 37 degrees C in phosphate buffer. The formulations were administered to an animal model at 3 or 9 mg kg(-1) doses and serum testosterone levels were followed using a RIA method. A two-part system was made by combining microspheres made from a 75:25 acid terminated PLGA and microspheres made from a 75:25 ester terminated PLGA. This combination elicited chemical castration from 10-100 days. A three-part combination composed of an ester terminated 75:25 PLGA formulation, an ester terminated 50:50 PLGA formulation and an acid terminated 50:50 PLGA formulation also provided a composite profile with an onset of 10 days and a duration of approximately 100 days. Additionally, a single polymer system composed of a high molecular weight ester terminated 75:25 PLGA was employed to produce release over the desired 90-day release period. This study demonstrates that microsphere combinations can potentially provide effective therapies over extended intervals when combined at the proper ratio.

Effect of gamma-irradiation on peptide-containing hydrophilic poly (d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres

The effect of gamma-irradiation on the physicochemical properties of peptide-containing hydrophilic poly (d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres was evaluated. PLGA (50/50, Mw: 8,600) with free carboxylic end groups was used to make drug-loaded and placebo microspheres by a solvent extraction evaporation method. Both formulated and non-formulated microspheres were gamma-irradiated at 0, 1, 1.5, and 2.5 Mrad doses. HPLC analysis based on extraction of peptide from the microspheres showed that peptide content of the microspheres was lowered upon irradiation and the reduction was more pronounced in formulated microspheres. The in-vitro release in 0.033M phosphate buffer, pH 7.0 at 37 degrees C (based on extraction of residual peptide) showed that the initial and subsequent release of peptide was higher in gamma-irradiated microspheres during the first 20 days. The difference became insignificant during the erosional controlled release of the peptide. There was no difference in release between the formulated and non-formulated microspheres of the nonirradiated or irradiated forms. Molecular weights (Mw and Mn), determined by size exclusion chromatography, were reduced by gamma-irradiation for both formulated and non-formulated placebo microspheres. Differential scanning calorimetry showed a gradual reduction in Tg of placebo microspheres but no reduction in peptide-loaded microspheres. In-vivo evaluation of the nonirradiated and the 1.5 Mrad irradiated microspheres showed no marked differences through 28 days. Since irradiation caused a lowering of Mw and Mn with the appearance of a low amount of unidentified substances, seemingly catalyzed by the polymer and the formulation excipients, gamma-irradiation sterilization of these parenteral delivery systems requires careful investigation on an individual product basis.

Effect of processing parameters on the properties of peptide-containing PLGA microspheres

The physico-chemical properties of biodegradable polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) microspheres containing the peptide salmon calcitonin (sCT) were affected by the processing parameters. The microsphere size increased with an increase in the viscosity of the polymer solution. Concentration of methanol and peptide in the dispersed phase had the most discernible effects with the combination causing external and internal porosity. Increasing sCT in the presence of methanol increased the surface area and porosity. The surface area also increased as the molecular weight of the polymer was decreased. At higher ratios of the dispersed phase volume to the continuous phase volume, the surface area and surface porosity were higher and the particle size was lower. Thus, the physico-chemical properties of the microspheres can be easily altered by varying the processing parameters allowing formation of microspheres with a range of properties. The microspheres may be used to evaluate the relationship between the properties and ultimate in-vivo performance.

Biodegradable indium-111 labeled microspheres for in vivo evaluation of distribution and elimination

Short-lived gamma emitting radioisotopes can be incorporated into polylactide/glycolide polymeric microspheres with various specific activities for possible use in understanding the in-vivo deposition, distribution and clearance of microparticulate drug carrier systems. The incorporated radiolabel is stable with negligible leaching out of the microspheres. These microspheres are suitable for studying the oral uptake of particles, lung distribution after inhalation delivery and evaluation of in-vivo fate following parenteral administration in systemic circulation or in specific tissue compartments.

Oral sustained-release drug delivery systems using polycarbonate microspheres capable of floating on the gastric fluid

Polycarbonate microspheres loaded with aspirin, griseofulvin and p-nitroaniline were prepared by a solvent evaporation technique. High drug loading (> 50%) was achieved by this process. Drug-loaded microspheres were found to float on simulated gastric fluid and intestinal fluid. Drug-release studies were carried out in these fluids at 37 degrees C. Increasing the drug to polymer ratio in the microspheres increased both their mean particle size and the release rate of the drugs. It was concluded that sustained delivery of drugs could be effected using this matrix.

Controlled release of oral drugs from cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol microspheres

A new technique for the preparation of cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microspheres containing various drugs is described. An aqueous solution of PVA containing various concentrations of glutaraldehyde was dispersed as droplets in liquid paraffin using a suitable stabilizing agent. Cross-linking of PVA droplets with glutaraldehyde was induced by an acid catalyst (HCl) which was produced by the addition of small quantities of benzoyl chloride into the dispersion medium. Microspheres containing drugs such as aspirin, griseofulvin and nicotinic acid were prepared by carrying out the cross-linking reaction in the presence of such drugs. The drug release studies were carried out in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids without enzymes at 37 degrees C. It was observed that increase in the cross-linking density of the microspheres reduced the drug release rate considerably, suggesting that the release profiles could be controlled by changing the cross-linking density. It was also observed that a higher rate of release was obtained from smaller beads.

Tantalum-loaded polyurethane microspheres for particulate embolization: preparation and properties

Polyurethane microspheres having diameters in the range 150-1500 microns were prepared by condensation polymerization of toluene diisocyanate (TDI) with poly(tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG) of average mol wt 990 in an aqueous dispersion medium containing dioctyl sulphosuccinate (DOS) as the suspension stabilizer and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) as the catalyst for polymerization. Incorporation of tantalum powder in the polymerizing phase led to the formation of Ta-loaded microspheres with good radiopacity. Microspheres were surface-modified by grafting methacrylic acid (MA) on to them using gamma-radiation from a Co60 source. Conversion of the grafted MA into its sodium salt imparted hydrophilicity and slipperiness to the microspheres enabling them to pass through Teflon catheters without obstructing the catheter lumen. These microspheres may find application as radiopaque embolization agents.

Tantalum loaded silicone microspheres as particulate emboli

Chloroform solutions of medical grade silicone resin were cured in an aqueous dispersion medium containing poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as the drop stabilizer at 40-60 degrees C to generate smooth, spherical, elastic microspheres. The microspheres were encapsulated with tantalum powder to render them radiopaque. Tantalum loaded microspheres having diameter more than 1.00 mm could be prepared by this technique. Incorporation of radiopaques such as barium sulphate and methyl iothalamate resulted in the instability of the suspension giving rise to an agglomerated product. Microspheres were grafted with hydrophilic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) using ionizing radiation from a 60Co source in an effort to make their surfaces hydrophilic. While the graft yield was very little when HEMA alone was used for grafting, a combination of HEMA/NVP in a 1:1 ratio produced better graft yields resulting in improved surface hydrophilicity. The tantalum loaded microspheres were found to be very resistant to surface modification. Microspheres could be dispersed in water with the aid of small quantities of surfactants such as Tween 20. These microspheres may find use in particulate embolization.

Barium sulphate-loaded p(HEMA) microspheres as artificial emboli: preparation and properties

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) p(HEMA) microspheres of good spherical geometry (diameter 90-1500 microns) encapsulated with 40-50% barium sulphate to impart radiopaque properties were prepared by a solvent evaporation process. These microspheres were cross-linked by reacting with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) or by gamma-irradiation in the presence of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM) in n-heptane. Microspheres with a porous structure and a rough surface were also made by the incorporation of NaCl along with BaSO4. The effects of concentration of the polymer solution, concentration of the stabilizing agent, concentration of BaSO4, viscosity of the dispersion medium and ratio of the dispersed phase to the dispersion medium on the formation, stability and particle size distribution of the microspheres were investigated.

Preparation and evaluation of radiopaque hydrogel microspheres based on PHEMA/iothalamic acid and PHEMA/iopanoic acid as particulate emboli

Highly porous poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) microspheres prepared by suspension polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in presence of polymeric diluents such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in toluene and poly(tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG) were made radiopaque by esterification of the reactive hydroxyl groups with iothalamic acid and iopanoic acid, two radiopaque substances clinically used. Of the various solvents and catalysts examined, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and N,N'-dimethyl paratoluidine (DMPT) were found to be best for obtaining a high degree of conversion. More than 30 wt% iodine could be bound to the microspheres which made them sufficiently radiopaque to be imaged radiographically. Microspheres retained their porosity, swelling ability, hydrophilicity, and surface morphology to a significant extent after iodination. Preliminary implantation studies of such microspheres subcutaneously in rats have shown no adverse tissue reactions over a 6-month period. It is suggested that these microspheres would prove to be useful as particulate emboli in endovascular embolization.

Suspension polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate in the presence of polymeric diluents: a novel route to spherical highly porous beads for biomedical applications

Spherical, highly porous beads of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) cross-linked with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM) were prepared by suspension polymerization of HEMA in concentrated NaCl solutions in presence of toluene, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in toluene, and poly(tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG). Magnesium hydroxide prepared in situ in the dispersion medium gave the best stabilization effect for the monomer droplets. In the presence of PTMG, beads having nearly 1.0 mm in diameter could be prepared, while toluene alone as the diluent produced beads of very small size. Removal of PMMA or PTMG from the beads after polymerization using suitable solvents gave rise to highly porous PHEMA microspsheres. Polymerization in the presence of PTMG produced microspsheres with better spherical geometry as compared to those generated in the presence of PMMA. The effect of various factors such as NaCl concentration, concentration of Mg(OH)2, and the concentration of PMMA or PTMG in the monomer phase on the stability of the suspension and the particle size distribution was investigated.

Synthetic hydrogel microspheres as substrata for cell adhesion and growth

Cross-linked poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microspheres were subjected to alkaline hydrolysis to obtain hydrophilic microspheres having carboxyl residues distributed throughout the matrix. These microspheres were found to support the growth of human skin fibroblasts and human heart and lung cells. Further, fibroblasts grown on them were found to be comparable with those grown on the commercial tissue culture plate with respect to [14C]amino acid uptake and incorporation into proteins. The hydrolyzed PMMA microspheres may find application as a microcarrier for cell culture.

Radiopaque hydrogel microspheres

Spherical, hydrophilic microspheres prepared from crosslinked poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by alkaline hydrolysis have been made radiopaque by impregnating with barium sulphate by the precipitation technique. Microspheres having carboxyl functions as their alkali metal salt were swollen in sodium sulphate solution and barium sulphate entrapment was effected by treating with barium chloride solution. The swelling characteristics of the microspheres could be controlled by acidification and further by anhydride formation thereby trapping the barium sulphate firmly inside the microspheres. Barium sulphate loading of up to 70 wt-per cent could be achieved by this technique. These microspheres have been found to possess excellent X-ray contrast properties and may find application as particulate emboli in endovascular embolization.