Controlling Microparticle Morphology in Melt-Jet Printing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients through Surface Phenomena.

Achieving homogeneity and reproducibility in the size, shape, and morphology of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) particles is crucial for their successful manufacturing and performance. Herein, we describe a new method for API particle engineering using melt-jet printing technology as an alternative to the current solvent-based particle engineering methods. Paracetamol, a widely used API, was melted and jetted as droplets onto various surfaces to solidify and form microparticles.

The Grafting of Multifunctional Antithrombogenic Chemical Networks on Polyurethane Intravascular Catheters.

Intravascular catheters (IVCs) and other medical tubing are commonly made of polymeric materials such as polyurethane (PU). Polymers tend to be fouled by surface absorption of proteins and platelets, often resulting in the development of bacterial infections and thrombosis during catheterization, which can lead to embolism and death. Existing solutions to fouling are based on coating the IVCs with hydrophilic, anti-thrombogenic, or antimicrobial materials.

Full-Spectrum Extract Microdepots Support Controlled Release of Multiple Phytocannabinoids for Extended Therapeutic Effect.

The therapeutic effect of the plant largely depends on the presence and specific ratio of a spectrum of phytocannabinoids. Although prescription of medicinal for various conditions constantly grows, its consumption is mostly limited to oral or respiratory pathways, impeding its duration of action, bioavailability, and efficacy. Herein, a long-acting formulation in the form of melt-printed polymeric microdepots for full-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD)-rich extract administration is described.

SPHRINT - Printing Drug Delivery Microspheres from Polymeric Melts.

This paper describes a simple, straightforward, and rapid method for producing microspheres from molten polymers by merely printing them in an inkjet-like manner onto a superoleophobic surface (microsphere printing, hence SPHRINT). Similar to 3D printing, a polymer melt is deposited onto a surface; however, in contrast to 2D or 3D printing, the surface is not wetted (i.e.

Bioactive Agarose Carbon-Nanotube Composites are Capable of Manipulating Brain-Implant Interface.

Composite electrodes made of the polysaccharide agarose and carbon nanotube fibers (A-CNE) have shown potential to be applied as tissue-compatible, micro-electronic devices. In the present work, A-CNEs were functionalized using neuro-relevant proteins (laminin and alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone) and implanted in brain tissue for 1 week (acute response) and 4 weeks (chronic response). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of neuronal and immunological responses revealed significant changes in immunological response to implanted materials depending on the type of biomolecule used.

Molecular design and evaluation of biodegradable polymers using a statistical approach.

The challenging paradigm of bioresorbable polymers, whether in drug delivery or tissue engineering, states that a fine-tuning of the interplay between polymer properties (e.g., thermal, degradation), and the degree of cell/tissue replacement and remodeling is required.

Biohybrid Carbon Nanotube/Agarose Fibers for Neural Tissue Engineering.

We report a novel approach for producing carbon nanotube fibers (CNF) composed with the polysaccharide agarose. Current attempts to make CNF's require the use of a polymer or precipitating agent in the coagulating bath that may have negative effects in biomedical applications. We show that by taking advantage of the gelation properties of agarose one can substitute the bath with distilled water or ethanol and hence reduce the complexity associated with alternating the bath components or the use of organic solvents.

Computational modeling of in vitro biological responses on polymethacrylate surfaces.

The objective of this research was to examine the capabilities of QSPR (Quantitative Structure Property Relationship) modeling to predict specific biological responses (fibrinogen adsorption, cell attachment and cell proliferation index) on thin films of different polymethacrylates. Using 33 commercially available monomers it is theoretically possible to construct a library of over 40,000 distinct polymer compositions. A subset of these polymers were synthesized and solvent cast surfaces were prepared in 96 well plates for the measurement of fibrinogen adsorption.

The fate of ultrafast degrading polymeric implants in the brain.

We have recently reported on an ultrafast degrading tyrosine-derived terpolymer that degrades and resorbs within hours, and is suitable for use in cortical neural prosthetic applications. Here we further characterize this polymer, and describe a new tyrosine-derived fast degrading terpolymer in which the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is replaced by poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC). This PTMC containing terpolymer showed similar degradation characteristics but its resorption was negligible in the same period.