Degradation, Intra-Articular Biocompatibility, Drug Release, and Bioactivity of Tacrolimus-Loaded Poly(d-l-lactide-PEG)--poly(l-lactide) Multiblock Copolymer-Based Monospheres.

The aim of this study was to develop a formulation with a sustained intra-articular release of the anti-inflammatory drug tacrolimus. Drug release kinetics from the prepared tacrolimus loaded monodisperse biodegradable microspheres based on poly(d-l-lactide-PEG)--poly(l-lactide) multiblock copolymers were tunable by changing polymer composition, particularly hydrophobic-hydrophilic block ratio. The monospheres were 30 μm and released the drug, depending on the formulation, in 7 to >42 days.

Impact of change of matrix crystallinity and polymorphism on ovalbumin release from lipid-based implants.

The objectives of this study were to prepare lipid-based implants by hot melt extrusion (HME) for the prolonged release of ovalbumin (OVA), and to relate protein release to crystallinity and polymorphic changes of the lipid matrix. Two lipids, glycerol tristearate and hydrogenated palm oil, with different composition and degree of crystallinity were studied. Solid OVA was dispersed within the lipid matrixes, which preserved its stability during extrusion.

Improving release completeness from PLGA-based implants for the acid-labile model protein ovalbumin.

The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility of hot melt extrusion (HME) for the preparation of PLGA-based ovalbumin-loaded implants as well as to characterize and improve protein release from the implants. Ovalbumin (OVA) was stable during extrusion, which was attributed to a protective effect of the biodegradable matrix. OVA release was characterized by a low burst, a slow release up to day 21, which plateaued thereafter resulting in incomplete release for all evaluated protein loadings.

Passiflora tarminiana fruits reduce UVB-induced photoaging in human skin fibroblasts.

Skin aging is a complex process that is strongly affected by UV radiation, which stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the epidermis and dermis and subsequently causes skin damage. Among the major consequences are increased collagen degradation and reduced collagen synthesis. Previous reports have demonstrated the beneficial effects of polyphenols for healthy skin.

Degradation, intra-articular retention and biocompatibility of monospheres composed of [PDLLA-PEG-PDLLA]-b-PLLA multi-block copolymers.

Unlabelled: In this study, we investigated the use of microspheres with a narrow particle size distribution ('monospheres') composed of biodegradable poly(DL-lactide)-PEG-poly(DL-lactide)-b-poly(L-lactide) multiblock copolymers that are potentially suitable for local sustained drug release in articular joints. Monospheres with sizes of 5, 15 and 30μm and a narrow particle size distribution were prepared by a micro-sieve membrane emulsification process. During in vitro degradation, less crystallinity, higher swelling and accelerated mass loss during was observed with increasing the PEG content of the polymer.

Microsphere-Based Rapamycin Delivery, Systemic Versus Local Administration in a Rat Model of Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

Purpose: The increasing prevalence and treatment costs of kidney diseases call for innovative therapeutic strategies that prevent disease progression at an early stage. We studied a novel method of subcapsular injection of monodisperse microspheres, to use as a local delivery system of drugs to the kidney.

Methods: We generated placebo- and rapamycin monodisperse microspheres to investigate subcapsular delivery of drugs.

Production methods and stabilization strategies for polymer-based nanoparticles and microparticles for parenteral delivery of peptides and proteins.

Introduction: Therapeutic proteins and peptides often require parenteral administration, which compels frequent administration and patient discomfort. This ultimately decreases compliance and leads to therapy failure. Biocompatible and biodegradable polymers offer a versatile matrix for particles suitable for the parenteral delivery of these biomacromolecules, with the added possibility of long-term controlled release.

Local therapeutic efficacy with reduced systemic side effects by rapamycin-loaded subcapsular microspheres.

Kidney injury triggers fibrosis, the final common pathway of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The increase of CKD prevalence worldwide urgently calls for new therapies. Available systemic treatment such as rapamycin are associated with serious side effects.

Radical scavenging capacity of 2,4-dihydroxy-9-phenyl-1H-phenalen-1-one: a functional group exclusion approach.

2,4-Dihydroxy-9-phenyl-1H-phenalen-1-one (4-hydroxyanigorufone, 1), a compound isolated from Anigozanthos flavidus and Monochoria elata, displayed a high radical scavenging capacity in the ORAC assay. A systematic approach was adopted in order to explore the effect of each functional group. H-Atom transfer from the phenolic hydroxyl, a captodative effect from the hydroxy ketone, and the presumed involvement of the phenyl ring in the termination step of the radical reaction were disclosed as relevant features of this type of antioxidant.

Structure-activity relationship in the interaction of substituted perinaphthenones with Mycosphaerella fijiensis.

The levels of native fungitoxic perinaphthenone phytoalexins in susceptible Musa varieties (banana), which are commercially grown in large plantations, are too low to provide plants with long-lasting protection against highly pathogenic fungi. Novel strategies for plant protection are necessary to reduce crop losses and to prevent the development of resistant fungal strains. The synthesis of novel fungicides based on the structures of perinaphthenone natural products is considered to be a promising strategy.