摘要:
A method of modifying epidermis for transport of a material by electroporation includes applying to epidermis an agent that, upon entry into the epidermis, will modify the epidermis to thereby cause and altered rate of transport of a material across the epidermis. Typically, the altered rate will be an increased rate of transport. The epidermis is electroporated, whereby at least a portion of the modifying agent enters the electroporated epidermis, thereby modifying the epidermis to cause an altered rate of transport of a material across the epidermis. In another embodiment, the modifying agent can modify the epidermis to enable measurement and/or monitoring of physiological conditions or change within or beneath the epidermis. The modifying agents can also be employed to facilitate discharge of fluids from within an organism, such as by providing pathways for discharge of fluids from a tumor. Examples of modifying agents include: oxidizing agents; reducing agents; particles, such as optical indicator beads or beads that include drugs to be released into tissue; electrically-charged particles or molecules; etc. Materials that can be transported by the method of the invention include, for example, proteins, nucleic acids, electrically charged molecules or particles, microorganisms suitable for immunization, etc. Also, tissues other than skin can be employed in the method of the invention.
摘要:
Improved aerodynamically light particles for drug delivery to the pulmonary system, and methods for their synthesis and administration are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the aerodynamically light particles are made of a biodegradable material and have a tap density less than 0.4 g/cm.sup.3 and a mass mean diameter between 5 .mu.m and 30 .mu.m. The particles may be formed of biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polymers. For example, the particles may be formed of a functionalized polyester graft copolymer consisting of a linear .alpha.-hydroxy-acid polyester backbone having at least one amino acid group incorporated therein and at least one poly(amino acid) side chain extending from an amino acid group in the polyester backbone. In one embodiment, aerodynamically light particles having a large mean diameter, for example greater than 5 .mu.m, can be used for enhanced delivery of a therapeutic agent to the alveolar region of the lung. The aerodynamically light particles incorporating a therapeutic agent may be effectively aerosolized for administration to the respiratory tract to permit systemic or local delivery of wide variety of therapeutic agents.
摘要:
Applications of low-frequency (20 KHz) ultrasound enhances transdermal transport of high-molecular weight proteins. This method includes a simultaneous application of ultrasound and protein on the skin surface in order to deliver therapeutic doses of proteins across the skin. Examples demonstrate in vitro and in vivo administration of insulin (molecular weight 6,000 D), and in vitro administration of gamma interferon (molecular weight 17,000 D), and erythropoeitin (molecular weight 48,000 D).
摘要:
A matrix structure containing attached cells such as endocrine cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells or genitourinary cells is implanted in a patient adjacent tissue having a high surface area and vasculature such as mesentery, omentum or peritoneum tissue. Large volumes of cells can be attached to the matrix and the matrix implanted with minimum trauma and blood loss into a patient to produce a functional organ equivalent. Multiple matrix structures containing cells can be implanted to functionally resemble naturally occurring organs. Implanting multiple matrices between folds of the mesentery is particularly well suited for growth of endocrine structures, including liver, pancreas, and adrenal gland. The matrix structure is preferably formed from a biodegradable artificial polymer. Collagen and non-biodegradable materials can also be used, and the matrix structure can be overlaid with a material that enhances cell attachment. Materials such as angiogenesis factors can be incorporated into a matrix and implanted prior to implanting the matrix containing cells or the materials can be incorporated into the matrix containing cells. Cells attached to the matrix may be cultured in vitro prior to implanting. Matrix structures containing different types of cells can be implanted juxtapositioned with each other.
摘要:
A method for preparation of biodegradable polymeric drug delivery devices using relatively low temperatures and non-aqueous solutions which is particularly useful with polyanhydrides, thermolabile drugs, and in forming multi-layered devices. In a first embodiment, the polymer is dissolved in a volatile organic solvent, the drug is dispersed or dissolved in the polymer solution, the mixture is suspended in an organic oil, and the organic solvent is extracted into the oil, creating microspheres. The preferred polymers are polyanhydrides since they are biodegradable and have been proven to be useful in vivo. In a second embodiment, the polymer is dissolved in organic solvent with or without the drug, and the mixture is suspended in glycerol. The suspension is frozen and the organic solvent slowly evaporated. Using these embodiments, alone or in combination with other methods including the "hot melt" technique, multi-walled microspheres having each wall degrading at a different rate or containing different drugs can be manufactured.
摘要:
A novel processing technique is reported to bond non-woven fibers and, thus, prepare structural interconnecting fiber networks with different shapes for organ implants. The fibers are physically joined without any surface or bulk modification and have their initial diameter.
摘要:
A method and devices for localized delivery of a chemotherapeutic agent to solid tumors, wherein the agent does not cross the blood-brain barrier and is characterized by poor bioavailability and/or short half-lives in vivo, are described. The devices consist of reservoirs which release drug over an extended time period while at the same time preserving the bioactivity and bioavailability of the agent. In the most preferred embodiment, the device consists of biodegradable polymeric matrixes, although reservoirs can also be formulated from non-biodegradable polymers or reservoirs connected to implanted infusion pumps. The devices are implanted within or immediately adjacent the tumors to be treated or the site where they have been surgically removed. The examples demonstrate the efficacy of paclitaxel and camptothecin delivered in polymeric implants prepared by compression molding of biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers, respectively. The results are highly statistically significant.
摘要:
A single, reproducible scheme to simultaneously purify all three of the heparin lyases from F. heparinum to apparent homogeneity is disclosed herein. The kinetic properties of the heparin lyases have been determined as well as the conditions to optimize their activity and stability. Monoclonal antibodies to the three heparinases are also described and are useful for detection, isolation and characterization of the heparinases.
摘要:
A composition and method for controlled release of water-soluble proteins comprising a surface-eroding polymer matrix and water-soluble bioactive factors is described. The composition bioerodes in the biological environment of the subject at a controlled rate, thereby releasing the water soluble proteins at a rate which allows them to interact with local cell populations.
摘要:
Biocompatible porous polymer membranes are prepared by dispersing salt particles in a biocompatible polymer solution. The solvent in which the polymer is dissolved is evaporated to produce a polymer/salt composite membrane. The polymer can then be heated and cooled at a predetermined constant rate to provide the desired amount of crystallinity. Salt particles are leached out of the membrane by immersing the membrane in water or another solvent for the salt but not the polymer. The membrane is dried, resulting in a porous, biocompatible membrane to which dissociated cells can attach and proliferate. A three-dimensional structure can be manufactured using the polymer membranes by preparing a contour drawing of the shape of the structure, determining the dimensions of thin cross-sectional layers of the shape, forming porous polymer membranes corresponding to the dimensions of the layers, and laminating the membranes together to form a three-dimensional matrix having the desired shape.