• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.9-15
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• 2017

Recently, flexible cages have been introduced in an attempt to absorb and reduce the abnormal load transfer along the anterior parts of the spine. They are designed to be used with the pedicle screw systems to allow some mobility at the index level while containing ROM at the adjacent level. In this study, a finite element (FE) study was performed to assess biomechanical efficacies of the flexible cage when combined with pedicle screws with flexible rods. The post-operated models were constructed by modifying the L4-5 of a previously-validated 3-D FE model of the intact lumbar spine (L2-S1): (1) Type 1, flexible cage only; (2) Type 2, pedicle screws with flexible rods; (3) Type 3, interbody fusion cage plus pedicle screws with rigid rods; (4) Type 4, interbody fusion cage plus Type 2; (5) Type 5, Type 1 plus Type 2. Flexion/extension of 10 Nm with a compressive follower load of 400N was applied. As compared to the Type 3 (62~65%) and Type 4 (59~62%), Type 5 (53~55%) was able to limit the motion at the operated level effectively, despite moderate reduction at the adjacent level. It was also able to shift the load back to the anterior portions of the spine thus relieving excessively high posterior load transfer and to reduce stress on the endplate by absorbing the load with its flexible shape design features. The likelihood of component failure of flexble cage remained less than 30% regardless of loading conditions when combined with pedicle screws with flexible rods. Our study demonstrated that flexible cages when combined with posterior dynamic system may help reduce subsidence of cage and degeneration process at the adjacent levels while effectively providing stability at the operated level.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• 제30권3호
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• pp.295-305
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• 2004

Colloid and surface chemistry have been focused on surface area and surface energy. Local surface properties such as surface density, interaction, molecular orientation and reactivity have been one of interesting subjects. Systems of such surface energy being important would be listed as association colloid, emulsion, particle dispersion, foam, and 2-D surface and film. Such nanoparticle systems would be applied to drug delivery systems and functional cosmetics with biocompatible and degradable materials, while nanoparticles having its size of several nm to micron, and wide surface area, have been accepted as a possible drug carrier because their preparation, characteristics and drug loading have been inves-tigated. The biocompatible carriers were also used for the solubilization of insoluble drugs, the enhancement of skin absorption, the block out of UV radiation, the chemical stabilization and controlled release. Nano/micro emulstion system is classified into nano/microsphere, nano/microcapsule, nano/microemulsion, polymeric micelle, liposome according to its prep-aration method and size. Specially, the preparation method and industrial applications have been introduced for polymeric micelles self-assembled in aqueous solution, nano/microapsules controlling the concentration and activity of high concen-tration and activity materials, and monolayer or multilayer liposomes carrying bioactive ingredients.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.389-395
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• 2009

To develop the carrier of hydrophobic antifungal agents based on low molecular weight water-soluble chitosan (LMWSC), LMWSC was chemically modified with deoxycholic acid (DA) which is one of the bile acid as a hydrophobic group. The nanoparticles (WSCDA) using DA conjugated LMWSC were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmittance electron microscope (TEM). The particle size of WSCDA ranged from 250 to 350 nm and increased with the number of DA substitution. The loaded itraconazole as an antifungal agent WSCDA nanoparticles (WSCDA-ITCN) were prepared by solvent evaporation method. The drug content and the loading efficiency were investigated approximately $9{\sim}10%$ and $61{\sim}68%$ by UV spectrophotometer, respectively. The release of drug from nanoparticles was slow and showed sustained release characteristics. Based on the results of release study that the higher DA contents in WSCDA, the slower the releasing rate, the WSCDA-ITCN could be used as an excellent antifungal agent.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제29권6호
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• pp.548-552
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• 2004

Intracanal disinfection of infected root canal is one of important treatment procedure. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate whether the surface polymers of controlled release drug (CRD) can effectively control the release rate of chlorhexidine for root canal disinfection. Four CRD prototypes were prepared: Group A (n=12); The core device (absorbent paper point) was loaded with 40% CHX solution as control. Group B (n=12); same as group A, but the device was coated with chitosan. Group C (n=12); same as group A and then coated three times with 5% PMMA. Group D (n=12); same as group A and then coated three times with 3% PLGA. All CRD prototypes were soaked in 3 mL distilled water for experimental periods and the concentrations of released CHX from each CRD prototype were determined using a UV spectrophotometer. Results showed that release rate of CHX were the greatest in the non-coated group (control group), followed by the chitosan-coated group, the PLGA-coated group, and the PMMA-coated group (P < 0.05). This data indicate that surface polymers can control the release rate of CHX from the CRD prototypes.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제32권4호
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• pp.531-540
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• 2022

Due to the high incidence of malignant melanoma, the establishment of in vitro models that recapitulate the tumor microenvironment is of great biological and clinical importance for tumor treatment and drug research. In this study, 3D printing technology was used to prepare GelMA/PEGDA composite scaffolds that mimic the microenvironment of human malignant melanoma cell (A375) growth and construct in vitro melanoma micro-models. The GelMA/PEGDA hybrid scaffold was tested by the mechanical property, cell live/dead assay, cell proliferation assay, cytoskeleton staining and drug loading assay. The growth of tumor cells in two- and three-dimensional culture systems and the anti-cancer effect of luteolin were evaluated using the live/dead staining method and the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) method. The results showed a high aggregation of tumor cells on the 3D scaffold, which was suitable for long-term culture. Cytoskeleton staining and immunofluorescent protein staining were used to evaluate the degree of differentiation of tumor cells under 2D and 3D culture systems. The results indicated that 3D bioprinted scaffolds were more suitable for tumor cell expansion and differentiation, and the tumor cells were more aggressive. In addition, luteolin was time- and dose-dependent on tumor cells, and tumor cells in the 3D culture system were more resistant to the drug.

• KSBB Journal
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.333-340
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• 2011

In this study, gemcitabine-loaded methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lactide) (MPEG-PLLA) microparticles with different PEG block lengths were prepared by a W/O/W double emulsion technique. The present study focuses on the investigation of the influence of various preparative parameters such as the ratio of internal water phase and oil phase, polymer concentration, solvent composition of organic phase and salt concentration of external water phase on the morphology and encapsulation efficiency of the microparticles. The microparticles fabricated at high volume ratios of internal water phase to oil phase and at high polymer concentrations showed a relatively high encapsulation efficiency and low porosity. When a dichloromethane/ethyl acetate mixture was used as solvent, both the encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of the microparticles decreased as the level of ethyl acetate increased. The addition of a salt (NaCl) to the external water phase significantly improved the encapsulation efficiency up to 40%, and the microparticles became more spherical with their size and porosity decreased.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• 제31권7호
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• pp.1869-1874
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• 2010

By reducing PVP with $H_2NOH$.HCl and NaOH 2:2:1 mass ratios in aqueous ethanol, poly-N-vinyl pyrrolidone oxime [PVPO] was prepared with 92% yield. Applying the sol-gel concept, orthosilicic acid [OSA] was made by hydrolyzing TEOS with ethanol in 1:0.5 molar ratios using 1 N KOH aqueous solution as a catalyst. The OSA + PVPO + $_L$-Valine ($\alpha$-amino acid) were mixed with pure ethanolic medium in 1:2:2 mass ratios and refluxed at $78^{\circ}C$ and 6 pH for 6.5 h. A white residue of poly-N-vinyl pyrrolidone oximo-L-valyl-siliconate [POVS] appeared after 5 h. The heating of reaction mixture was stopped and the contents were brought to NTP. The residue formation of POVS was intensified with lowering a temperature and completely solidified within 5 h, was filtered using a vacuum pump with Whatmann filter paper no. 42. The residue of POVS was washed several times with 20% aqueous cold ethanolic solution and dried in vacuum chamber at $25^{\circ}C$ for 24 h. The MP was noted above $350^{\circ}C$. Structural and internal morphology were analyzed with IR and $^1H$-NMR, and SEM respectively. A drug loading and transporting ability of the POVS in water and at pH = 5 and 8 was determined chromatographically.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.101-106
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• 2001

Alginate-chitosan (anion-cationic polymeric complex) was prepared to control the release rate of silver sulfadiazine (AgSD). Na-alginate (2%) solution containing AgSD was gelled in $CaCl_2$ solution. The gel beads formed were immediately encapsulated with chitosan (CS). The gel matrix and membrane were then reinforced with chondroitin-6-sulfate (Ch6S). Release rate of AgSD from the gel matrix was investigated by placing alginate beads in the sac of cellulose membrane simmered in HEPES-buffer solution. The concentration of AgSD released was analyzed by UV at 264 nm. Incorporation capacity of AgSD in Ca-alginate gel was more than 90%. Alginate-Ch6S-CS could control the release rate of AgSD. The amount of AgSD release was dependent on the AgSD loading dose. Incorporation of tripolyphosphate (polyanionic crosslinker) onto the alginate-Ch6S-CS bead increased the release rate of AgSD. Collagen-coating had no influence on the AgSD release rate. Alginate-Ch6S-CS beads with a sufficiently high AgSD encapsulation were capable of controlling the release of the drug over 10 days. In summary, alginate-Ch6S-CS beads could be used as a sustained delivery for AgSD and provide local targeting with low silver toxicity and patient discomfort.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• 제41권6호
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• pp.323-329
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• 2011

In order to develop new protein carrier replacing poly(DL-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres, succinylated pullulan acetate (SPA) was investigated to fabricate a long term protein delivery carrier. SPA microspheres loaded with lysozyme (Lys) as a model protein drug were prepared by a water/oil/water (W/O/W) double emulsion method. An acidity test of SPA copolymers after hydrolysis was performed to estimate the change of protein stability during releasing proteins from the microspheres. There was no pH change of SPA copolymers, but pH of PLGA polymers after hydrolysis was significantly decreased to around pH 2, indicating that the long-term stability of proteins released from SPA microspheres can be guaranteed. Loading efficiency of proteins into SPA microspheres was three times higher than those into conventional PLGA microspheres, indication of inducing stronger charge interaction between proteins and succinyl groups in SPA microspheres. Although initial burst behaviors were monitored in Lys-loaded SPA microspheres due to relatively strong hydrophilic succinyl segments in SPA microspheres, initial burst issues would be circumvented if the ratio of charge density of succinyl moieties and hydrophobic acetate groups is harmonically controlled. Therefore, in this study, a new attempt of protein delivery system was made and functional SPA was successfully confirmed as a new protein carrier.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• 제41권2호
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• pp.75-82
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• 2011

LB71350 is an HIV protease inhibitor with poor aqueous solubility and extensive first pass effect. The purpose of the present study was to test the feasibility of solid dosage form of LB71350 with improved bioavailability utilizing solid dispersion. Three different compositions with varying ratio of (LB71350: Gelucire 44/14: Tween 20) were studied. Capsule filling of these solid dispersion compositions was tested using a semi-automatic capsule filling system. Oral bioavailability in dog was tested. Chemical and physical stability at 4, 25 and $40^{\circ}C$ was monitored by HPLC assay, dissolution test, powder XRD and microscopy. The capsule filling system yielded uniform products of drug loading up to 10%. Oral bioavailability in dog was improved compared to the aqueous suspension of crystalline LB71350. Capsules were chemically stable for up to 6 months at $40^{\circ}C$. However, there were temperature and composition dependent physical changes. Decrease in dissolution rates after storage at $40^{\circ}C$ was due to the polymorphic change. In conclusion, manufacturing process, bioavailability, and physico-chemical stability have been considered to propose a solid dispersion capsule formulation for the HIV protease inhibitor with poor physico-chemical properties. A new less soluble crystalline form identified during the physical stability test warrants further study.