Preparation of biodegradable polymer nanoparticles by miniemulsion technique and their cell interactions

The emulsion/solvent evaporation method and miniemulsion technique were combined and applied in the formulation of biodegradable monodisperse nanoparticles at high solid contents using different biocompatible and biodegradable polymers such as poly(L-lactide) (PLLA), poly[(D,L-lactide)-co-glycolide] 50:50 (PLGA), and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL). Differences between the results of various polymers are found in terms of the particle size and size distribution as well as in the degradation time. An encapsulated hydrophobic fluorescent dye was used as a model marker in order to study the entrapment efficiency and diffusion yield out of the particle. Cellular uptake of the obtained particles was observed in Jurkat and HeLa cells. In the investigated particle size range of 80-200 nm, the surfactant on the particles' surface had a greater influence than the particle size. Uptake kinetics reveals that the PLLA and PCL particles are endocytosed much faster than polystyrene particles.     

Fabrication of Gene Carrier via Self-assembly of Poly[(dimethylamino)ethyl Methacrylate] and Poly(aspartic acid)-grafted-Poly(ethylene glycol)

A biocompatible complex has been prepared as gene carrier via electrostatic interaction, which is composed of a polycation, that is, poly[(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] end-capped with cholesterol moiety (Chol-PDMAEMA₃₀), along with a polyanion named poly(aspartic acid)-grafted-poly(ethylene glycol) (PASP-g-PEG). The complexes have less cytotoxicity compared to the case of alone Chol-PDMAEMA₃₀ or branched polyethylenimine (PEI) system.

In the present study, biocompatible complexes have been prepared as gene carrier via electrostatic interaction, which is composed of a polycation, that is, poly[(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] end-capped with cholesterol moiety (Chol-PDMAEMA₃₀), along with a polyanion named poly(aspartic acid)-grafted-poly(ethylene glycol) (PASP-g-PEG). We first synthesized polysuccinimide (PSI) via condensation polymerization of aspartic acid, and then used PEG-NH₂ to react with the partial pentacyclic rings of PSI to yield a kind of graft copolymer polysuccinimide-grafted-poly(ethylene glycol) (PSI-g-PEG). After hydrolysis of the residual succinimide units, a new biodegradable and biocompatible graft copolymer PASP-g-PEG was prepared successfully. Chol-PDMAEMA₃₀ was synthesized via oxyanion-initiated polymerization, as reported in our previous literature. We investigated the interactions between every pair among calf thymus DNA, Chol-PDMAEMA₃₀, and PASP-g-PEG by agarose gel retardation assay. The results indicate that the prepared complexes could completely bind DNA and may become more stable during systemic circulation. The complexes have less cytotoxicity compared to the case of alone Chol-PDMAEMA₃₀ or branched polyethylenimine (PEI) system. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of the complexes were also investigated by zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. These biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric carriers have potential applications in gene delivery.     

A light scattering study of concentrated dispersions in nonaqueous media

Interparticle interactions between colloidal poly(methylmethacrylate) particles stabilised by poly(12-hydroxystearic acid) in non-aqueous media have been investigated using time-average light scattering. The problem of multiple scattering was avoided by using a binary mixture of solvents such that the colloidal particles were optically matched. This enabled the static structure factor to be measured and from the small scattering vector expansion the osmotic pressure to be determined. The softness of the pairwise interaction potential has been exposed using the Chandler-Weeks-Anderson perturbation theory. However, it is concluded that dispersions of the type studied can be reasonably well approximated by a hard sphere fluid model.     

Biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/chitosan-modified montmorillonite nanocomposites: Preparation and characterization

In this study, the biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were successfully prepared by the solution mixing process of PLA polymer with organically-modified montmorillonite (m-MMT), which was first treated by n-hexadecyl trimethyl-ammonium bromide (CTAB) cations and then modified by biocompatible/biodegradable chitosan to improve the chemical similarity between the PLA and m-MMT. Both X-ray diffraction data and transmission electron microscopy images of PLA/m-MMT nanocomposites indicate that most of the swellable silicate layers were disorderedly intercalated into the PLA matrix. Mechanical properties and thermal stability of the PLA/m-MMT nanocomposites performed by dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis have significant improvements in the storage modulus and 50% loss in temperature when compared to that of neat PLA matrix. The degradation rates of PLA/m-MMT nanocomposites are also discussed in this study.     

Fabrication of tri-polymers composite film with high cyclic stability and rapid degradation for cardiac tissue engineering

In this communication, biodegradable and highly elastic silk fibroin/poly(lactide-co-ε-caprolactone)/polyethylene oxide (SF/PLCL/PEO) tri-polymers composite film was fabricated by sol–gel casting technology. The tri-polymers composite film exhibited a high cycle performance and rapid degradation rate by regulating the content of blending of the three polymer contents. The viability of cardiomyocyte cells was demonstrated for both SF/PLCL and SF/PLCL/PEO composite films after 1 day of culture, although the tri-polymers composite film demonstrated superior cell growth, attachment and spreading after culturing for 7 days. Study findings support the potential application of this biocompatible tri-polymers composite film as a heart patch substitute with multi-functionalities.     

HDI作为扩链剂合成含PLLA和PBS链段的聚酯氨酯

以数均分子量为6350g/mol端羟基聚L-乳酸(PLLA-OH)与10500g/mol端羟基聚丁二酸丁二酯(PBS-OH)为预聚物,六亚甲基二异氰酸酯(HDI)为扩链剂,通过熔融反应制备了分子量高达30×104g/mol的可完全生物降解聚酯氨酯(PEU).研究了异氰酸根(NCO)与羟基比例对扩链反应的影响.结果表明,当[NCO]/[OH]=1∶1时,扩链效果最好,PEU分子量最大;PEU分子量随着预聚物中PBS含量增大而提高.通过核磁共振谱(1H-NMR)确定了PEU的结构与组成,并对聚酯氨酯进行了凝胶渗透色谱(GPC)、差示扫描量热(DSC)、热重分析(TGA)以及拉伸性能测试.DSC结果显示,扩链后PEU的结晶主要由PBS链段产生,而PLLA链段几乎不结晶;TGA结果表明,PEU的热降解分两步进行,第一步为PEU中PLLA链段的热降解,第二段为其中PBS链段的降解;拉伸测试结果表明,PBS与PLLA的共聚能够制备拉伸强度与断裂伸长率优异的聚合物材料.     

聚磷酸酯—聚氨酯药物释放材料的合成

报道了一类新型生物可降解和生物相容性药物释放材料聚磷酸酯－聚氨酯的合成和表征，研究了这类聚合物的体外降解及其对牛血清白蛋白的释放性能。     

官能团化聚己内酯的合成与表征

通过分子结构设计合成了新型含有侧基官能团的聚己内酯材料.首先,通过亲核加成反应,由溴乙酸乙酯与烯胺合成2-乙氧甲酰甲基环己酮;然后以间氯过氧化苯甲酸为氧化剂,通过Baeyer-Villiger氧化反应,得到带有官能团的己内酯单体,6-乙氧甲酰甲基-ε-己内酯;该单体在异辛酸亚锡(Sn(Oct)2)的催化下,本体开环聚合得到相应的均聚物及其与ε-己内酯的共聚物.采用1H-NMR、13C-NMR、GPC和DSC表征了聚合物的结构和热力学性能.随着6-乙氧甲酰甲基-ε-己内酯在共聚物中的含量增加,共聚物的分子量降低,同时熔点和熔融焓也随之降低.     

聚乳酸共混体系的研究进展

聚乳酸是人工合成的可生物降解的热塑性脂肪族聚酯 ,是一种环境友好的材料 ,逐渐成为人们研究的热点。本文根据聚乳酸共混体系中另一组分的生物降解性 ,将聚乳酸共混体系分为完全可生物降解共混体系和部分可生物降解共混体系两类。针对体系的相容性和结晶结构以及在提高PLA的性能和降低成本等方面 .综述了聚乳酸共混体系的最新研究进展 ,并对其发展动态进行了简要介绍     

Synthesis of nano-ZnO/poly(methyl methacrylate) composite microsphere through emulsion polymerization and its UV-shielding property

Nano-ZnO/poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA) composite latex microspheres were synthesized by in-site emulsion polymerization. The interfacial compatibility between nano-ZnO particles and PMMA were improved by treating the surface of nano-ZnO particles hydrophobically using methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS). TEM indicated that nano-ZnO particles present in nanosphere and have been encapsulated in the PMMA phase. FT-IR confirmed that MPTMS reacted with the nano-ZnO particle and copolymerized with MMA. It was clearly found from SEM that ZnO nanoparticles can be homogeneously dispersed in the PVC matrix. The absorbance spectrum of the nanocomposite polymer suggested that increasing the amount of nano-ZnO in composite particles could enhance the UV-shielding properties of the polymers. The nano-ZnO/PMMA composite particle could eliminate aggregation of ZnO nanoparticle and improve its compatibility with organic polymer. This means that the composite particles can be widely applied in lots of fields.     

Fracture evaluation of plasticized polylactic acid / poly (3-HYDROXYBUTYRATE) blends for commodities replacement in packaging applications

Nowadays, scientific and technological efforts are being carried out to diminish serious ecological problems caused by indiscriminate use of non-biocompostable polymers in the packaging industry. In this sense, novel biodegradable blends of different composition based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and tributyrin (TB) are developed and here proposed as an eco-friendly alternative. Materials are characterized by fracture experiments under quasi-static and biaxial impact loading. Fracture behavior is analyzed together with thermal, tensile and water permeation properties to evaluate their potential in-service performance. TB_PLA/PHB blends with 15 wt% TB exhibit better permeation and fracture toughness than currently used bio-based polymers, being in the range of polyethylene properties. Results highlight the potential of these new blends broadening the current application field of PLA.     

Preparation, characterization and biocompatibility of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate) nanocapsules with oil core via miniemulsion polymerization

A new type of nanocapsules with an oil core, coated by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was designed. The loading efficiency and the biocompatibility of the polymeric nanocapsules were evaluated when it was used as a carrier for hydrophobic agent paclitaxel. The nanocapsules were synthesized through miniemulsion polymerization of butylcyanoacrylate (BCA) with PEG as initiator. The particle size and zeta potential of nanocapsules were influenced by the PEG content in the polymerization system. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and ¹H NMR demonstrated the chemical coupling between PEG and poly(butylcyanoacrylate) (PBCA). Thermal characteristics of the copolymer were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The encapsulation efficiency increased concurrently with the increase of the PEG content in the system. The hemolytic assay and the cytotoxicity measurement showed that the PEG coating could significantly reduce the hemolytic potential and cytotoxicity of the nanocapsules. The results showed that the PEG-PBCA nanocapsules could be an effective carrier for hydrophobic agents.     

Preparation of Colloidal Transition Metals in Polymers by Reduction with Alcohols or Ethers

Colloidal dispersions of rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum are prepared by refluxing the methanol-water solutions of rhodium(III) chloride, palladium(II) chloride, osmium(VIII) oxide, sodium chloroiridate, and chloroplatinic acid, respectively, in the presence of poly(vinyl alcohol) as a protective colloid. The preparations of colloidal dispersions of rhodium are successful in the presence of vinyl polymer with polar group such as poly(vinyl alcohol), polyvinylpyrrolidone, or poly(methyl vinyl ether). Polyethyleneimine, gelatin, polyethylene glycol), and dextran are ineffective as the protective colloid. Water-soluble primary alcohols such as methanol and ethanol, water-soluble secondary alcohols such as 2-propanol, and water-soluble diethers such as 1,4-dioxane are available as reductants for preparation of the colloidal dispersion of rhodium. The average diameters of metal particles in the colloidal dispersions of palladium, rhodium, platinum, iridium, and osmium in poly(vinyl alcohol) are determined by electron microscopy to be 53, 40, 27, 14, and < 10 Å, respectively. The particle size distribution in each colloidal dispersion is sharp within 50 Å wide. The particles in the colloidal dispersions of both iridium and osmium are highly dispersed with no aggregation, while in the colloidal dispersions of rhodium, palladium, and platinum, there exist aggregates of 5-15, 5-30, and 100-200 particles, respectively. Colloidal dispersions of rhodium, palladium, osmium, and platinum are effective as catalysts for hydrogenation of cyclohexene at 30.0°C under atmospheric hydrogen pressure.     

Synthesis of poly(ethylene glycol)-functionalized hydroxyapatite organic colloid intended for nanocomposites

Traditional modifications to hydroxyapatite(HA) nanoparticles usually occurred after HA synthesis and thus are insufficient to avoid particle agglomeration.In this study,a new heterofunctional poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) with phosphoric acid and carboxyl end groups,i.e.,α-(N-2-phosphoethyl phosphoric acid)-amide,ω-carboxyl-bismethyoxy poly(ethylene glycol)(ADP-PEG-COOH),was synthesized as an in situ surface modifier to HA nanoparticles.The resulting modified HA(ADP-PEG-HA) can disperse in methanol,forming a colloid stabilized by peripheral carboxyl-endcapped PEG chains.The colloidal particles resembled nanospheres which agglomerated to some extent under examination by transmission electron microscope.This highly dispersible HA nanoparticles in organic solvent might find application in preparing new HA nanocomposites.     

Poly(methyl methacrylate) composites prepared by in situ polymerization using organophillic nano-to-submicrometer zinc oxide particles

Nano- and submicrometer zinc(II) oxide particles were synthesized by the polyol method and were used for the preparation of ZnO/poly(methyl methacrylate) (ZnO/PMMA) composite materials by the chain polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in bulk. ZnO particles with an organophilic surface layer were homogeneously dispersed in the PMMA matrix. Very low concentrations (0.1 wt.%) of nano zinc oxide absorbed over 98% of UV light as determined by UV-vis spectroscopy. Nano zinc oxide (75 nm) increased the initial decomposition temperature of the PMMA matrix by 30-40 °C at concentrations of 0.1% and above. This was explained by the changes in the termination mechanism of MMA polymerization resulting in a reduced concentration of vinylidene chain ends. Nano ZnO also increased the MMA polymerization reaction rate and reduced the activation energy. Submicrometer ZnO showed lower UV absorption, thermal stabilization and no influence on the reaction kinetics indicating that average particle size is of vital importance for the properties of PMMA nanocomposites and for MMA polymerization.     

Correlative studies on the fabrication of poly(styrene-methyl-methacrylate-acrylic acid) colloidal crystal films

This research describes a one-step procedure for monodispersed poly(styrene-methyl-methacrylate-acrylic acid colloidal spheres [P(St-MMA-AA)] via soap-seeded emulsion polymerization. The effects ofreaction conditions such as temperature, stirring speed, initiation concentration, e.t.c. were examined. The results obtained showed that the spheres average particle diameter decreased with increase in initiator concentration, the reaction temperature and stirring speed and increased with an increase in monomer concentrations. The particles show stable mechanical properties within the transition and heating temperatures of 111.9?°C and 388?°C respectively. Zeta-potential values ranging from ?31.8?mV to ?36.5?mV which is indicative of stable dispersion of colloidal particles were obtained for all the prepared latexes. The assembled colloidal latex had periodic structures with mainly hexagonal three-dimensional structures with multi-facet arrangements. The latex also shows spherical shape of monodispersed core-shell particles.     

Biocompatibility properties of composite scaffolds based on 1,4-butanediamine modified poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and nanobioceramics

Three-dimensional biodegradable porous scaffolds play an important role in tissue engineering. The degradable scaffold material, based on 1,4-butanediamine-modified poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (BMPLGA), nano-bioactive glass (NBAG), and nano-β-tricalciumphosphate (β-TCP), was prepared by a solution-casting/salt-leaching method. The biological properties were studied by using cell cytotoxicity, von Kossa staining, alkaline phosphatase activity, hemolytic test, acute toxicity, and genetic toxicity test. The MTT results indicated that the BMPLGA/NBAG-β-TCP materials did not show any cytotoxicity. The result of von Kossa staining showed that the introduction of the NBAG and β-TCP promoted fibroblastic differentiation and improved the mineral deposition of the BMPLGA matrix. In addition, the presence of NBAG and β-TCP in the composite further enhanced the ALP activity in comparison with the sole BMPLGA material. The hemolytic potential showed that the nanocomposite scaffolds were non-hemolytic. The BMPLGA/NBAG-β-TCP scaffolds showed no acute systemic toxicity or mutagenic action. Therefore, the results indicated the BMPLGA/NBAG-β-TCP nanocomposite scaffold could be considered as a potential bone tissue engineering implant.     

聚乳酸-乙醇酸/纳米氧化锌复合电纺纤维装载亲疏水药物的控释及体外细胞毒性

利用静电纺丝技术制备了负载亲水性药物阿霉素(DOX)以及疏水性药物喜树碱(CPT)的复合纳米纤维. 先用巯基封端的普朗尼克(F127)修饰纳米氧化锌(FZnO), 再将FZnO负载盐酸阿霉素(DOX@FZnO), 最后将DOX@FZnO与CPT一起纺入聚乳酸-乙醇酸(PLGA)纤维中. 体外药物释放结果表明, 复合纳米纤维能够减小亲水性药物的突释, 减缓药物释放速率, 延长药物释放时间. 体外细胞活性结果表明, 双载药复合纤维比单载药复合纤维具有更强的细胞毒性, 能够有效抑制癌细胞生长.     

Polycaprolactone–poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer,I: synthesis and degradability in vitro

A new type of biodegradable polymer material, poly(caprolactone)–poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer (PCL-b-PEG), was synthesized by means of direct copolycondensation of ε-caprolactone with poly(ethylene glycol) in the presence of a Ti(OBu)₄ catalyst. The degradability of the polycaprolactone was improved by introducing a PEG component into it. The degradation of PCL-b-PEG copolymer increase with a decreasing crystallinity of the copolymer, and can be controlled by adjusting the component ratio of the copolymer.     

生物可降解材料聚乳酸结晶行为研究进展

聚乳酸是一种具有良好生物相容性、可生物降解的热塑性脂肪族聚脂,是一种环境友好材料。聚乳酸的结晶性能对其力学性能和降解速率有着重要的影响,因而其结晶行为也逐渐成为人们研究的热点。本文针对聚乳酸的结晶行为综述了聚乳酸及其共混、共聚体系的最新研究进展。