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Surface modifications of bone-interfacing biomedical devices can increase their longevity by promoting bond formation and new bone growth, while reducing the toxic effects of corrosion and wear particles. Coatings which contain biocompatible polymers, bioceramics, drugs, and functional molecules are one route to achieve this. Here, a biomimetic approach is developed for the fabrication of poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) coatings. For the first time it is shown that PEMA can be solubilized in non-toxic solvents by naturally occurring bile acids. Their unique chemical structure and amphiphilicity allows for efficient solubilization of polymer macromolecules. Advancements in colloidal sciences enable a facile deposition method termed “dip coating” to be utilized. The feasibility of highly concentrated solutions of high molecular mass PEMA was a key factor for film deposition by dip coating. Singular layers or multilayered PEMA films could be deposited. Heat-treated PEMA films provided corrosion protection to stainless steels. This inexpensive and simple technique can be up scaled to larger manufacturing levels, leading to mass production and clinical development of novel coatings for biomedical applications. Additional challenges in the fabrication of composite coatings by dip coating were successfully addressed using bile acids. To produce high quality composite coatings by dip coating, a stable suspension is required. Particle aggregation leads to uneven coatings, poor adhesion, and weakened mechanical properties. It was shown that bile acids could act as dispersing agents to mediate this. PEMA coatings containing inorganic materials hydroxyapatite, silica, titania, and diamond were fabricated. The inorganic component of the films could be increased to 50 wt.%. Model drugs tetracycline and ibuprofen were used for the creation of drug-loaded PEMA coatings. Lastly, composite coatings containing functional molecules including heparin and nanocellulose were created. Overall, these coatings provide corrosion resistance to metallic orthopedic implants, while enhancing potential biocompatibility of the device. The biomimetic approach developed in this investigation was motivated by the role of bile acids and bile salts as solubilizers of cholesterol and other molecules within the digestive system of mammals. A solubilization mechanism has been proposed. This work paves the way for the fabrication of future composite coatings containing other high molecular mass polymers, inorganic nanomaterials, and functional materials or drugs. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc) / Biomedical devices have various properties they must possess to perform their function within the body without harming the patient. Coatings applied to these devices can mitigate the body’s response by reducing corrosion, preventing wear, and promoting bond formation. This increases the lifespan of the device and prevents invasive revision surgeries. Advances in materials engineering and colloidal sciences can help achieve these goals. Materials selection for novel coatings can be inspired by the composition of real bone - consisting of a polymer matrix with embedded inorganic nanomaterials. Additionally, manufacturing techniques that avoid high temperatures are desirable. Therefore, advances in colloidal sciences which enable coatings to be fabricated by a simple and inexpensive method known as dip coating is of paramount importance. This work used natural biosurfactants bile acids to aid in fabrication of coatings for biomedical devices using advanced polymer poly(ethyl methacrylate) and functional inorganic materials.

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Chapter 1: Amphiphilic self-assembled systems as nanocarriers Nanocarriers are the nanometric size molecular assemblies that are used for the transport of small molecules into their non-solvating environments. These systems find major applications as drug delivery systems (DDS) in pharmacological research. These drug delivery systems improves solubility and stability of the drug molecules through encapsulation and also offer additional advantages like target specificity and stimuli responsive release of the drug molecules. Several types of DDS are reported in the literature, which can be prepared by a variety of processing techniques. Of these, molecular self- Chart 1: Developments in the design of amphiphilic nanocarriers assembly has attained considerable attention due to its greater tunability and control in the preparation of nanocarriers. In this chapter we discussed about the amphiphilic nanocarriers which are prepared through self-assembly of amphiphiles through hydrophobic interactions. Several developments in the area of amphiphilic nanocarriers such as di-block polymeric systems, dendritic systems and core-shell architectures are also mentioned. We also highlighted some recent developments in the design of amphiphilic nanocarriers through supramolecular interactions and advantages of such systems. Chapter 2: Bile acid derived dendrons and their application as nanocarriers Host-guest chemistry is well known for dendritic systems. To understand the influence of steric crowding, dendritic effect and importance of number of hydroxyl groups on the bile acid backbone in the host-guest chemistry of bile acid dendrons, we designed and synthesized a new series of C3 symmetric systems and studied the above-mentioned objectives through extraction of polar dyes into nonpolar media. Dye extraction experiments performed using trimeric molecules suggested that only the cholate derivatives (3 and 4) showed considerable extraction of the polar dyes into chloroform; deoxycholate derivatives did not show any extraction, thus emphasizing the importance of the number of hydroxyl groups for dye extraction in these molecular architectures. The effect of steric crowding at the core of these trimeric molecules was shown by efficient extraction of the dyes with the triethylbenzene core (4) compared to the benzene core (3). Greater influence of the aggregates in the case of triethylbenzene core on the extracted dye was also manifested in the Chart 2: Structures of the designed molecules 1-6 value of the induced circular dichroism signal. Surprisingly, a higher analogue in these molecular architectures showed lesser efficiency in dye extraction (on a per bile acid residue basis) compared to the trimers, suggesting a more compact structure for the higher analogue. This was supported by molecular modeling studies. Generality of these systems as nanocarriers for hydrophilic dyes was investigated by screening several other dyes and polar molecules, which are diverse in their structure and functionalities. All these experiments suggested a dependency of the extraction profile on the size of the dye molecule. This was also examined by dynamic light scattering studies, which showed larger size and wider distribution in the size of the aggregates in the case of larger dyes. We also demonstrated selective extraction of a single dye molecule from a blended food color (apple green) using one of the trimer (4) and demonstrated solvent dependent morphological changes in these compounds using electron microscopy. The self-assembly of these amphilic molecules at the air-water interface was studied through Langmuir monolayer studies. Chart 3: Structure of polar guest molecules (Cresol red (7). Erioglaucine (8), Eriochrome black T (9),) phenyl β-D-glucopyranoside (10) and Eosin B (11) Chapter 3: Design and synthesis of bile acid derived surfactants: Study of their aggregation and potential applications Bile acids are facially amphiphilic systems and their amphiphilicity can be improved by attaching polar groups on the bile acid back bone or by synthesizing oligomeric systems which show better self-assembly compared to their monomeric units. To study and improve the amphiphilicity of bile acids, we designed and synthesized a new tripodal surfactant system, with a phosphine oxide based central core to which the bile acids were attached through the C-3 position using click chemistry. Our molecular design also offers added advantage of studying the influence of the stereochemistry at the C-3 position on the aggregation of these molecular architectures. We synthesized trimeric systems with both cholic and deoxycholic acids attached to the central phosphine oxide core with α and β stereochemistry at the C-3 position. Aggregation of these molecules was studied by surface tension measurements, dye extraction studies and NMR. All these compounds showed aggregation at micromolar concentrations. NMR studies suggested changes in the structure of the aggregates at higher temperature and these changes were studied by DLS, which suggested thermodynamically stable monodispersed aggregates for cholic acid derivatives (13 and 15) at higher temperature. These aggregates are stable even after cooling to room temperature and with time. The aggregates of these derivatives were also characterized by atomic force microscopy. Gelation was observed in the case of α derivatives (12 and 13) in phosphate buffer (0.1 M) at pH 7.5 for both deoxy and cholic derivatives, which emphasized the influence of stereochemistry at C-3 position in these architectures. These gels were characterized by rheology experiments. Finally, the possible utility of these micellar systems as model systems to study photophysical processes was demonstrated through lanthanide sensitization experiments in these micellar solutions. Chart 4: Structure of the designed molecules Chapter 4: Synthesis of oligomeric bile acid-taurine conjugates: Study of their aggregation and efficiency in cholesterol solubilization Bile acids are bio-surfactants that are used for the emulsification of fats, vitamins etc. in our body. Bile salts also solubilize the excess cholesterol in our body through mixed micelle formation in the bile and when the bile gets saturated with cholesterol, it leads to cholesterol gallstone formation, which needs to be treated. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is used as drug in some cases for the solubilization of (small) cholesterol gallstones, even though the efficiency to solubilize cholesterol is less for UDCA compared to the other bile acids (UDCA is less toxic than the others). So there is a need to develop new cholesterol solubilizing agents. Since oligomeric systems can aggregate better, we designed and synthesized two tetramer taurine conjugates, which differ in the spacer between the bile acid units. Since these conjugates are not soluble in water, their solubility and aggregation was studied in 10% MeOH/Water using pyrene fluorescence experiments. Aggregation studies suggested better aggregation for these molecules compared to their monomeric analogues. These aggregates were also characterized byDLS and electron microscopy. These systems were subsequently studied as nanocarriers for liphophilic dye molecules into aqueous media. Finally, the influence of oligomeric effect in cholesterol solubilization was investigated by cholesterol solubilization studied using these two tetramer taurine compounds and a control, sodium taurocholate. These studies suggested efficient solubilization of cholesterol by oligomers compared to monomeric analogues.(For structural formula pl see the abstract file)

The collective microbial genomes within our gut(microbiome) represent a powerful metabolic force, leading many authors to call our GI flora an "organ within an organ", and the metagenomic sequencing of our microbiome, "the second human genome project". Bile acids, endogenously produced by the host liver, represent both a strong selective pressure for potential colonizers, aswell as substrates for microbial metabolism. Indeed, microbes have evolved enzymes to deconjugate bile salts, epimerize bile acid hydroxyl groups, and 7alpha-dehydroxylateprimary bile acids. The products of microbial 7alpha-dehydroxylation, secondary bile acids, are suggested by numerous lines of evidence to be involved in promoting colon carcinogenesis. 7alpha-dehydroxylating activity is a multi-step pathway, genes of which have only been identified in a small number of organisms within the genusClostridium. The biochemistry of this pathway has been largely worked out. The third step in the pathway is introduction of a delta-4-double bond; however, the gene product(s) responsible have not been identified. The baiCD and baiH genes were cloned, expressed and shown to have NAD-dependent 3-oxo-delta-4-steroid oxidoreductase activity showing stereospecificity for 7alpha-hydroxy and 7beta-hydroxy bile acid, respectively.In addition, bai genes were isolated from C.hylemonae TN271 by bidirectional genome-walking by PCR. This represents the first report of bai genes from a "low activity" 7alpha-dehydroxylating bacterium. The gene organization and sequence of the baiBCDEFGHI operon was highly conserved between C. hylemonae TN271 and the "high activity" 7alpha-dehydroxylating bacterium C. scindens VPI12708. The baiA gene was located by PCR using degenerate oligonucleotides. Bi-directional genome-walking revealed what appears to be several novel genes involved in bile acid metabolism which were also located in C. scindens VPI 12708. Expression of a 62 kDa flavoprotein and reactionwith [24-14C] 3-oxo-DCA and NADP resulted in a product of greater hydrophilicity than deoxycholic acid. The identity of this product was not determined. A second gene appears to share a common evolutionary origin with the baiF gene. A hypothesis is offered regarding the function of these homologues as Type III CoA transferasesrecognizing 5alpha-bile acids, or 5beta-bile acids (allo-bile acids). A third gene encodes a putative short chain reductase, similar in size and predicted function to the baiA gene, which may be involved in the final reductive step in the pathway. These novel genes also contained a conserved upstream regulatory region with the baioxidative genes. Finally, two genes were identified which may serve as potential drug targets to inhibit bile acid 7alpha-dehydroxylation. The first is an ABC transporter which may be co-transcribed with the other novel bile acid metabolizing genes, and what appears to be a bile acid sensor/regulator similar to the Tryptophan-rich sensory protein (TspO)/mitochondrial peripheral benzodiazepinereceptor (MBR) family of proteins.

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Secondary bile acids have long been postulated to be tumor promoters in the colon but their mechanism of action are yet to be delineated. Though most bile acids are chemically similar, they have been found to exert contrasting signaling effects in the colonic epithelium. Particularly, hydrophobic bile acids such as deoxycholic acid (DCA) are found to be tumor promoters while their hydrophilic counterparts such as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) are chemopreventive. Given the fact that colon cells do not possess bile acid transporters, the question that arises is how do bile acids activate intracellular signaling? In our studies, we examined the actions of bile acids at the cell membrane and found that hydrophobic bile acids can perturb membrane structure. This membrane perturbation was found to be characterized by a change in membrane fluidity and by cholesterol aggregation. Additionally, several membrane associated proteins were found to be deregulated in response to DCA further supporting the above conclusion regarding membrane perturbation. Moreover, caveolin, a negative regulator of membrane microdomains was seen to be dephosphorylated and disassociated from the membrane microdomains, implicating membrane microdomains as a possible target of the effects of DCA on the membrane. Consistent with this, we found that DCA was able to cause rapid and sustained activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase, EGFR and that this activation was ligand-independent. Using fluorescent-tagged bile acids we showed increased aggregation and clustering in the membranes treated with FITC-DCA in a manner that was reminiscent of receptor activation in immune cells. Collectively, these data suggest that bile-acid induced signaling is likely to be initiated through alterations of the plasma membrane structure in colon cancer cells.

There are many causes of cholestasis, which results when the flow of bile acids is slowed or stopped. Bile acids are hydrophobic molecules synthesized from cholesterol in the liver, and when present in excess, are cytotoxic to cell membranes. Treatment options for cholestasis are limited, and if left untreated or inadequately treated, many patients will require a liver transplant; thus, underscoring the importance of successfully managing this disease. Activation of nuclear receptors in animal models has been shown to be hepatoprotective during bile acid-induced cholestasis; however, the mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective effects are poorly understood. Therefore, the over-arching goal of this project is to glean an improved comprehension of the mechanisms of hepatoprotection during bile acid-induced cholestasis. All of the studies involve administration of CAR activators phenobarbital (PB), oltipraz (OPZ), 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene [TCPOBOP (TC)] or corn oil (CO) to C57BL/6 wild type (WT), or WT and CAR knockout (CAR-/-) mice prior to induction of intrahepatic cholestasis using the secondary bile acid lithocholic acid (LCA). Efflux transport proteins such as Mrps 3 and 4 are known to be up-regulated during cholestasis, and this was the first topic of exploration. Unexpectedly, the expression of efflux transporters was not consistently up-regulated in protected mice. However, a decrease in total liver bile acid concentrations was observed. These changes in hepatic bile acids indicated that bile acid biosynthesis may be relevant to hepatoprotection. Indeed decreases in total and individual bile acids correlated with hepatoprotection, and Cyp8b1 expression was also increased which could be suggestive of a shift in the bile acid biosynthesis pathway towards the formation of less toxic bile acid species. CAR may also have a role in cell death via apoptosis by altering Bcl-2 protein expression. Although apoptosis was decreased in hepatoprotected mice, an increase in the expression of Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL was not observed, suggesting hepatoprotection is not a direct result of CAR-induced Mcl-1 expression. These findings add significantly to the body of knowledge surrounding cholestatic liver disease and suggest that studies aimed toward manipulation of nuclear receptors are worthy of further exploration.

Bile acids are essential for the efficient digestion and absorption of lipids, and are re-absorbed by aNa+ /bile acid co-transport protein within the ileum. Investigation into the transport protein, using BBMV and Xenopus laevis oocytes, revealed that pig ileal Na +/bile acid co-transport protein was not strictly dependent of the presence of an inwardly directed Na + gradient, as previously determined. Cations which had ionic radii between 0.8 - 1.33A, most notably Na+, K+ and Ca2+, stimulated secondary active transport of taurocholate. Taurocholate uptake in the presence of inwardly directed cation gradients of Na + and K+, demonstrated Michealis Menten Kinetics, concentrative accumulation, competitive inhibition and was temperature sensitive. Preventing the translation of the gene encoding the Na+/bile acid co-transport protein, abolished secondary active transport in the presence ofboth Na+ and K+. Isolation and computer modelling of the gene which encoded the pig ileal Na +/bile acid co-transport protein, revealed that this protein was composed of 8 transmembrane domains and lead to the identification of proposed cation and bile acid binding sites. The ability of K+ to stimulate the Na +/bile acid co-transport protein could be of physiological importance in vivo, because of the depleted Na + concentration present within the ileum. Though, the rate of taurocholate transport in the presence of K+ is reduced when compared to Na+, the transport protein has very similar affinities for taurocholate in the presence of both cations and therefore could use K+ for efficient re-absorption of taurocholate. Therefore, for this study it was proposed that the Na+/bile acid co-transport protein had a preference for Na+ rather than a strict dependence as previously concluded.