Magnetic microcapsules for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs

To achieve targeted distribution of anticancer drugs with sustained activity, ferromagnetic ethylcellulose microcapsules containing an anticancer drug, mitomycin C (FM-MMC-mc), were prepared by a method based on phase separation principles. Two prototypes of FM-MMC-mc were made: one with the drug as the core and zinc ferrite on its capsular surface (outer type); the other with both the drug and zinc ferrite as the core (inner type). Both preparations provided a sustained-release property and a sensitive response to conventional magnetic force, although certain differences in the release rate of drug, magnetic responsiveness, and particle size were found between the two dosage forms. Animal studies showed that the magnetic microcapsules could be magnetically controlled in the artery and urinary bladder. VX2 tumors in the rabbit hind limb and urinary bladder were successfully treated with magnetic control of FM-MMC-mc. Pharmacokinetic study revealed that the targeting of the microcapsules markedly enhanced the drug absorption into the surrounding tissues for a prolonged period of time. The results indicate the feasibility and effectiveness of the magnetic microcapsules as a targeted drug delivery system.     

N-Alkyl cysteine-assisted thioesterification of peptides

A new method for the preparation of peptide thioester by the post-solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) approach was developed. A series of N-alkyl cysteine derivatives were prepared and used as the C-terminus residue of the peptides prepared by the Fmoc SPPS. The synthetic peptides released from resin by TFA were readily converted to the peptide thioester in aqueous 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) without significant side reactions.     

Novel amphiphilic fluorescent graft copolymers: synthesis,characterization, and potential as gene carriers

Amphiphilic fluorescent graft copolymer (PVP‐PyATAm) was successfully synthesized by the free radical copolymerizations of hydrophobic monomer N‐acryloyl‐thioureylene‐4‐(1‐pyrene)‐butyryl amide (PyATAm) with hydrophilic precursor polymers of vinyl‐functionalized poly (N‐vinylpyrrolidone) (Acryloyl‐PVP) in DMF. FT‐IR, ¹H NMR, TEM, gel permeation chromatography‐multi‐angle laser light scattering, UV‐vis spectroscopy, viscometric measurement, and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to characterize this copolymer. The TEM observation showed that the copolymer PVP‐ PyATAm formed spherical micelles in an aqueous solution and the size of micelles was between 50 and 70 nm in diameter. The interaction of PVP‐PyATAm copolymer and plasmid DNA was examined by agarose gel electrophoresis and TEM. Results indicated that the copolymer–DNA complexes were self‐assembled and the size of complexes was between 90 and 120 nm in diameter. Cytotoxity studies using MTT colorimetric assays suggested good biocompatibility of PVP‐PyATAm in vitro. These results suggested the potential of this graft copolymer as gene delivery carrier. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ionic liquid–modified cellulosic hydrogels for loading and sustained release of selenourea: an ensuing inhibition of tyrosinase activity

Cellulose-based hydrogel materials were prepared and modified with tannic acid and l-methionine using ionic liquid as the solvent. The gels were prepared to develop a sustained release medium for selenourea (SeU). The drug delivery characteristics of selenourea-loaded cellulose (CSeU), selenourea-loaded tannic acid-modified cellulose (CTSeU), and selenourea-loaded L-methionine-modified cellulose (CMSeU) were investigated in aqueous media and simulated gastric fluid (SGF) media. This modified gel beads have been characterized using field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis and swelling properties and compared with those of the unmodified ones. We also investigated the inhibitory effects of SeU released from these gels on the activity of mushroom tyrosinase. Out of all the gel materials, CTSeU showed maximum SeU release both in water and SGF media. However, tyrosinase inhibitory action in PBS medium was comparable for all the three gel materials.