Vancomycin encapsulation in biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone) microparticles for bone implantation. Influence of the formulation process on size, drug loading, in vitro release and cytocompatibility.

Vancomycin encapsulation in biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone) microparticles (200 microm mean diameter) was most efficient with a simple emulsion technique that dispersed 122.5 mg/g of polymer. Scanning electron micrographs showed smooth or pitted particles.

A new injectable bone substitute combining poly(epsilon-caprolactone) microparticles with biphasic calcium phosphate granules.

Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of an injectable bone substitute (IBS) composed of biphasic calcium phosphate in 2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose gel (50/50 w/w). A therapeutic agent in the form of a drug can be added to the biomaterial by encapsulation into microparticles to protect the active agent, control its release and preserve the material rheological properties. Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) was used in this study because of its biocompatibility and resorbability, as tested in orthopaedic implants and surgical sutures.

[The use of propofol does not increase the cost of the management of patients in heart surgery with extracorporeal circulation].

Objectives: Evaluation of the cost of propofol used for fast-track in cardiac surgery and its impact on global cost of management for anaesthesia and intensive care.

Study Design: Case-control study, prospective (1998) and retrospective (1994).

Patients: Twenty patients operated for cardiac surgery in 1998 and scheduled for fast-track anaesthesia.

Development of a "continuous-flow adhesion cell" for the assessment of hydrogel adhesion.

The purpose of this study was to develop an in vitro perfusion technique or "continuous-flow adhesion cell" model to predict the in vivo performances of different mucoadhesive drug delivery systems based on hydrogels. Two studies were performed, either using a rabbit small intestine or a polyethylene surface; the adhesion of four gels--two poly(acrylic acid)s (PAAs) (carbomer [CM] and polycarbophil [PC]), an ethyleneoxide-propyleneoxide block copolymer (Poloxamer 407 [PM]), and a polysaccharide (scleroglucane [SG])--were evaluated. In this respect, scleroglucane was used as a control.

Quantitation of amphotericin B in plasma by second-derivative spectrophotometry.

A method is described for determining amphotericin B in plasma using second-derivative spectrophotometry after deproteinization. The assay was based on the absorbance at 407.5 nm.