Master of Science / Department of Chemistry / Santosh Aryal / Nanomedicine-based therapeutics have exhibited clear benefits when compared to unmodified drugs, which include improved pharmacokinetics, drug retention, targeting efficiency, and minimizes toxicity. Every year thousands of bone cancer cases are diagnosed in the United States. Moreover, development of bone metastasis occurs in over 80% to 90% of various cancers that metastasize and signals the entry of the disease into an incurable phase. Cancer in bones can cause pain, fractures, hypercalcemia, and compression of the spinal cord, due to deposits that can erode into the bone using bone-absorbing cells. Bisphosphonates are drugs that reduce the activity of bone-absorbing cells and targets overexpressed calcium. They are characterized pharmacologically to inhibit bone resorption, skeletal distribution, and renal elimination. In addition, they can target bone microenvironment and bind strongly with calcium. The goal of this thesis is to engineer targeted nanomedicine drug with the ability to spatiotemporally control therapeutics delivery to the bone. Herein we synthesized biopolymers with functional end group moieties as alendronate (a molecular member of bisphosphate), which can target overexpressed calcium ions at the vicinity of the bone lesion where bone resorption takes place. In order to achieve our goal, a ring opening polymerization of cyclic L-lactide initiated by ALE in the presence of catalytic amount of stannous octoate was conducted in an inert environment. Thus, formed polymers are characterized for their chemistry and physicochemical properties using various analytical tools. These polymers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) and Fourier Transfer Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR), which shows monomer conversion and the presence of amide and phosphate moiety. Thereafter we engineered bone-homing polymeric nanoparticles of 80nm diameter by nanoprecipitation for controlled delivery of Dox, a first line anticancer drug used in clinics. The in-vitro results show that the nanoparticles have the ability to accumulate and internalized into the bone cancer cells, deliver drugs efficiently, and are least toxic. Therefore, innovative and efficient bisphosphonate functionalized Poly-l-lactide polymers were synthesized to target bone microenvironment.

The biocompatibility and the in vivo degradation of poly(L-lactide), (PLLA)- based materials has prompted much interest in the development of these materials into scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. PLLA-based polymers have been available for use in craniomaxillofacial surgery since 1991. Usually, a plate or sheet of the polymer is placed in or over a defect in the bone. Ideally the bone will use the polymer as a support to repair the defect and as the polymer degrades, the bone will continually remodel, so that the loss of mass and mechanical strength of the polymer correlates with the increase in the mass and strength of the new bone. However, this is an ideal situation, and is not always observed in practice. The aim of this work is to develop PLLA-based materials that should encourage bone growth onto the material and allow control over the rate of degradation. PLLA-co-succinic anhydride networks were synthesised and the mineralisation and degradation of these materials were evaluated in vitro. The synthesis of these networks, involved the polymerisation of 4-arm star PLLA polymers, which were coupled through their end groups with succinic anhydride. The low molecular weight star PLLA polymers were synthesised using calcium hydride and pentaerythritol as initiator and co-initiator respectively. Calcium hydride was preferred to stannous octoate in this study as there is concern over the release of tin-containing when the polymer is implanted. As only very limited studies have been directed into the polymerisation and resulting polymers formed using calcium hydride, this was a major focus of the study. The identification of hydrogen in the reaction tubes was evidence that calcium alkoxide, formed from the reaction of pentaerythritol and calcium hydride, is the actual initiating species for the ring opening polymerisation. In situ FT-Raman spectroscopy was used as a tool to monitor the reaction process and was found to be a convenient and reliable method for obtaining information about the polymerisation kinetics. Analysis of the FTRaman kinetic curves, along with analysis of products by GPC, polarimetry and NMR spectroscopy showed that the polymerisation was 'quasi-living' depending on the ratio of pentaerythritol and calcium hydride in the system. Furthermore, both the degree of transesterification and racemisation of polymers synthesised in optimised reactions were low. The PLLA-co-succinic anhydride networks were synthesised by coupling of hydroxyl-terminated PLLA star polymers with succinic anhydride (one-pot reaction) and by coupling hydroxyl-terminated PLLA stars with succinic anhydride-terminated PLLA star polymers (two-pot reaction), using a carbodiimide, EDC to mediate the esterification. The one-pot reaction produced polymers with high gel fractions and high conversion of functional groups in the gel, whereas the gel fraction and conversion of functional groups was lower in the two-pot reaction. For the networks synthesised in the one-pot reaction, the molecular weight between crosslinks was controlled by the length of the PLLA polymer arms. The networks synthesised were characterised by FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, SEM, contact angle and by swelling. The extent of mineralisation of the PLLA-co-succinic anhydride networks in simulated body fluid (SBF) after 14 days was greater than the mineral deposition on the high molecular weight PLLA reference polymer. The degradation of the networks was carried out under accelerated conditions in 0.1 M NaOH at 37 degrees Celsius. All networks degraded much more slowly than the high molecular weight linear PLLA reference sample. The rate of degradation was found to be dependent on the crystallinity of the polymer chains, with the more crystalline networks degrading at a faster rate, while the location of the degradation, surface or bulk, was controlled by the crosslink density, showing that the degradation is 'tuneable'.

This paper presents the fabrication of controlled release devices for anticancer drug paclitaxel using supercritical antisolvent method. The thermodynamic and hydrodynamic effects during supercritical antisolvent process on the particle properties obtained were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to study particle sizes and morphologies achieved. It was observed that increasing supercritical pressure improves the surface morphology of particles obtained, and increasing the flow rate of the organic solution jet reduces the particle sizes obtained. A modified Supercritical Antisolvent with Enhanced Mass transfer setup was developed to produce monodispersed nanoparticles with high recovery yield. High performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release profiles of paclitaxel loaded particles obtained. The encapsulation efficiencies of particles obtained using the modified SASEM process were high and up to 83.5%, and sustained release of paclitaxel from the polymer matrix was observed over 36 days release. The thermogram properties of the particles were also analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry to determine the crystalline state of polymer and drug. / Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA)

Dans cette étude, plusieurs voies ont été explorées dans l’objectif d’utiliser des polyesters aliphatiques issus de ressources oléagineuses comme additifs pour le renfort au choc du poly(L-lactide) (PLLA). Dans un premier temps, des poly(ester-amide)s (PEAs) ont été synthétisés à partir de dérivés de l’huile de ricin. La relation structure-propriétés des PEAs obtenus a été clairement établie. La dispersion des PEAs (à différents taux) par extrusion à l’état fondu dans une matrice de PLLA a ensuite été effectuée, démontrant un accroissement de la résilience de ces mélanges en comparaison au PLLA seul. Une étude systématique reliant la structure d’une large gamme de polyesters aux propriétés des mélanges polyesters/PLLA, a ensuite été réalisée. Une forte dépendance de la résilience des mélanges polyesters/PLLA avec la cristallinité de l’additif polyester a été observée et quantifiée.Une amélioration des propriétés mécaniques du PLLA a également été obtenue par polymérisation par ouverture de cycle du lactide amorcée par un poly(acide ricinoléique) di-hydroxy téléchélique. Les copolymères triblocs ainsi formés ont été caractérisés d’un point de vue morphologique et mécanique.Enfin, un travail exploratoire utilisant l’ADMET comme méthode de polymérisation a été conduit, permettant la synthèse de nouveaux polymères prometteurs pour le renfort au choc du PLLA. Notamment, la copolymérisation de α,ω-diènes bio-sourcés a permis de mimer le polyéthylène basse densité linéaire, couramment employé pour le renfort au choc du PLLA. / The objective of this thesis work, is to promote the use of fatty acid-based aliphatic polyesters as impact modifiers for poly(L-lactide) (PLLA).Firstly, poly(ester-amide)s (PEAs) have been synthesized from castor oil derivatives. The structure-properties relationship of the PEAs so-formed was clearly established. The PEAs were then melt-blended with PLLA by extrusion, yielding blends with improved impact strength compared to neat PLLA.A series of polyesters covering a wide range of thermo-mechanical properties was then employed to evaluate the influence of the polyester morphology on the properties of the blends with PLLA. A strong dependence of the impact strength of the blends was noticed with the crystallinity degree of the polyester additive.An improvement of the mechanical properties of PLLA was also obtained by ring-opening polymerization of lactide initiated by a di-hydroxy telechelic poly(ricinoleic acid). The so-formed triblock copolymers were fully characterized in terms of morphology and mechanical properties.Finally, an exploratory investigation related to the synthesis of PLLA impact modifiers by ADMET was carried out. Particularly, the copolymerization of two bio-based α,ω-dienes yielded a series of “LLDPE like” polyesters, LLDPE being a commonly used impact modifier for PLLA.

Orientadores: Cecília Amélia de Carvalho Zavaglia, Marcos Akira d'Ávila / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-19T00:23:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 RodriguezPerea_GeraldineNancy_M.pdf: 1196408 bytes, checksum: 1a7f7c5e1320ddfd713867dbc7a1d5b6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: Este trabalho consiste na obtenção pelo método de eletrofiação, de microfibras poliméricas e microfibras reforçadas com nanopartículas de hidroxiapatita. Este método foi utilizado, pois propicia a produção de membranas microporosas que possuem um grande potencial de aplicação na área de engenharia tecidual, especificamente em aplicações para regeneração óssea. Este trabalho teve como objetivo principal produzir fibras poliméricas com a intenção de comparar suas características com o nanocompósito de fibras poliméricas e nanopartículas de hidroxiapatita como reforço. Trabalhou-se com o poli(L-ácido lático) (PLLA) e nanopartículas de hidroxiapatita (HA) produzidas pelo processo sol-gel. As fibras e os nanocompósitos foram caracterizados pelos seguintes métodos: microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), análise termogravimétrica (TGA), calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC) e espectroscopia na região do infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (FTIR). As fibras obtidas apresentaram diâmetros na faixa de 1 a 10 micrômetros. O objetivo de produzir membranas a partir de soluções de PLLA e nanocompósito PLLA/HA por eletrofiação foi atingido / Abstract: This work consists in obtaining polymeric microfibers and microfibers reinforced with nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite by the method of electrospinning. This method was used because it allows the production of microporous membranes that have great potential like application in tissue engineering, specifically in applications for bone regeneration. This work aimed to produce polymer fibers with the intention to compare their characteristics with the nanocomposite fibers with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles as reinforcement. The polymer used was poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite (HA) produced by the sol-gel process. The fibers and nanocomposites were characterized by the following methods: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), spectroscopy in the region of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The fibers obtained presented diameters in the range 1 to 10 micrometers. The goal of producing membranes from solutions of PLLA and nanocomposite PLLA / HA by electrospinning was reached / Mestrado / Materiais e Processos de Fabricação / Mestre em Engenharia Mecânica

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(医学) / 甲第21682号 / 医博第4488号 / 新制||医||1036(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院医学研究科医学専攻 / (主査)教授 妻木 範行, 教授 大森 孝一, 教授 別所 和久 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Medical Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

A administração indiscriminada de antimicrobianos sistêmicos tem como principais efeitos indesejáveis a seleção antimicrobiana, hipersensibilidade, comprometimento gastrointestinal e toxicidade. A busca por uma alternativa à terapêutica antimicrobiana sistêmica em Odontologia através do uso de um material biodegradável de aplicação local pode apresentar inúmeras vantagens. As características estruturais, de citocompatibilidade e facilidade de fabricação do polímero sintético ácido poli-L-lactídeo (PLLA) permitem que este seja um carreador de fármacos como amoxicilina (AM), azitromicina (AZ), clindamicina (CL) ou metronidazol (ME) mantendo concentrações inibitórias constantes e por tempo prolongado, sendo capazes de prevenir a colonização dos principais patógenos orais. Objetivo: Avaliar e comparar o comportamento de filmes ou malhas de PLLA associados aos quatro antimicrobianos mais utilizados em Odontologia como uma alternativa local. Metodologia: 180 (N) discos poliméricos com 15 ou 6 mm de diâmetro foram preparados em associação a 20% do antimicrobiano amoxicilina, azitromicina, clindamicina ou metronidazol sendo classificados como grupo F (filme) e M (malha). Foram confeccionados segundo os métodos de deposição e eletrofiação (fibras) respectivamente. Todos os discos foram armazenados em solução tampão (pH 5 ou 7.4) e alíquotas foram coletadas e analisadas por cromatografia líquida de alta performace (HPLC) em 8, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144 e 168 horas. As espécimes foram pesadas após 3 e 6 meses de armazenamento nas soluções tampões para análise de degradação. Para a análise de citotoxicidade, os materiais foram cultivados com fibroblastos humanos por 24h, 48h e 72h e analisados por ensaio de MTT. A capacidade antimicrobiana dos discos foi determinada em cultura de P.gingivalis e S.pyogenes. Para o controle estrutural foram realizadas fotografias digitais e MEV dos espécimes controle, das interfaces (criofratura) e das espécimes degradadas. Resultados: A liberação farmacológica para os antimicrobianos na ordem pH levemente básico (7.4) e ácido (5.0) foi respectivamente: ME 70.03% (F) e 100% (M); 88,01% (F) e 19,4% (M). Para AM 38,73% (F) e 18,63% (M); 61,44% (F) e 47,93% (M). Para AZ 32,53% (F) e 82,85% (M); 46,78% (F) e 73,15% (M). Para CL 68,42% (F) e 81,10% (M); 76,47% (F) e 72,76% (M). A análise antimicrobiana demonstrou capacidade inibitória para S.pyogenes e P.gingivalis para todos os materiais testados, não havendo diferença significativa entre filme e malha dentro de cada grupo (p>0.05). A reação de citotoxicidade por MTT comprovou que os biomateriais testados são compatíveis com fibroblastos humanos e mais citocompatíveis que o controle PLLA, controle de vida e morte (p<0.05). As malhas demonstraram favorecimento do crescimento celular principalmente em 24 e 48 horas. A MEV demonstra um filme com superfície rugosa e malha com fibras e poros mimetizando a matriz extracelular. Após criofratura a MEV da interface comprovou incorporação do fármaco ao filme e malha, exceto para o ME, com cristais externos ao polímero. Após a degradação, os filmes de amoxicilina apresentaram maior degradação que PLLA no pH 5.0 (p=0.007) e pH 7.4 (p=0.046). Já para as malhas a azitromicina apresentou maior degradação que PLLA no pH 7.4 (p=0.031). Conclusão: O PLLA é um polímero cuja associação aos antimicrobianos utilizados mostrou-se segura, citocompatível e promissora na liberação de doses inibitórias contra os microrganismos P.gingivalis e S. pyogenes. A liberação farmacológica foi influenciada pela característica química do fármaco, apresentação do polímero (filme e malha) e pH da solução de armazenamento. Este estudo comprovou ser possível através de uma terapêutica medicamentosa local controlar ou prevenir infecções localizadas, sem que seja necessário o fármaco sistêmico. / Indiscriminate administration of systemic antimicrobial has undesirable effects such as antimicrobial selection, hypersensitivity, gastrointestinal commitment and toxicity. For an alternative to systemic antimicrobial therapy in Dentistry, use a biodegradable material of local application can present numerous advantages. The structural characteristics, cytocompatibility and ease of fabrication of the synthetic polymer poly-L- lactide acid (PLLA) enable this to be a carrier biomaterial. When associated with antimicrobials as amoxicillin (AM), azithromycin (AZ), clindamycin (CL) or metronidazole (ME) it can maintain constant the inhibitory concentrations for a long time, being able to prevent colonization of the main oral pathogens. Objective: To evaluate and compare the behavior of PLLA associated with the most useful antimicrobials in Dentistry as an alternative for prevention and treatment of infections. Methodology: 180 (N) polymer discs with 15 or 6 mm diameter were prepared in association with the antimicrobial concentration of 20% amoxicillin, metronidazole, clindamycin or azithromycin being classified as Group F (film) and M (mesh). They were made using the methods of deposition and electrospinning (nanofibers) respectively. All discs were stored in buffer solutions (pH 5 or 7.4) and aliquots were collected and analyzed by high performance chromatography (HPLC) on 8, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 , 144 and 168 hours. Cytotoxicity of human fibroblasts was tested after 24h, 48h and 72h by the MTT reaction. The antimicrobial capacity of the disks was determined against P. gingivalis and S. pyogenes cultures. The specimens were weighed after 3 and 6 months of storage for degradation analysis. Specimens were also carried out by digital photos for structural control. SEM was used to control interfaces (freeze-fracture) and degradation description. Results: The drug release for antimicrobials in order slightly basic pH (7.4) and acid ( 5.0 ) was respectively : ME 70.03 % (F ) and 100% (M ) ; 88.01 % (F) and 19.4 % ( F ) . For AM 38.73 % (F) and 18.63% ( F ) ; 61.44 % (F) and 47.93 % ( F ) . To AZ 32.53 % (F) and 82.85 % (F ) ; 46.78 % (F) and 73.15% ( F ) . Cl 68.42 % (F) and 81.10 % ( F ) ; 76.47 % (F) and 72.76 % ( F ) . Antimicrobial analysis showed inhibitory capacity against S. pyogenes and P. gingivalis for all tested polymers. ANOVA showed no difference between film and mesh within each group (p> 0.05). The MTT reaction demonstrated that the biomaterials tested are compatible with human fibroblasts (p < 0.05). The meshes have shown a tendency to cell growth especially in 24 to 48 hours. The SEM images showed a film with a rough surface and mesh of nanofibers and pores mimicking the extracellular matrix and also proved incorporation of the drug to the film and mesh after the freeze-fracture interface, except for ME that was external to the polymer crystals. Degradation showed differences among Amoxicillin-film and PLLA pH 5.0 (p = 0.007) and pH 7.4 (p = 0.046). As for the meshes differences occurred only between azithromycin and the PLLA pH 7.4 (p = 0.031). Conclusion: The PLLA is a polymer biomaterial whose association to antimicrobial is safe, biocompatible and promising. It can inhibit P. gingivalis and S. pyogenes microorganisms. The drug release was influenced by the chemical characteristics of the drug, polymer performance (mesh and film) and the pH of the storage solution. This study proved a local drug system therapy to control or prevent localized infections without systemic doses.

Este trabalho visou a produção de suportes para crescimento celular constituídos de compósitos de poli(L-lactídeo) (PLLA) e diversos tipos de fosfatos de cálcio (CaP). A hidroxiapatita deficiente em cálcio (HAD) e o fosfato octacálcico (OCP) em tamanhos submicrométricos foram sintetizados. Hidroxiapatita (HA) e o &#946;-fosfato tricálcico (&#946;-TCP) foram adquiridos da Sigma-Aldrich. Uma mistura de HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3) também foi preparada. Para melhorar a dispersão da fase mineral em uma matriz polimérica de PLLA, utilizou-se cloreto de lauroíla para funcionalizar a superfície dos CaP. Os espectros de infravermelho e a análise termogravimétrica confirmaram a presença de laurato na superfície de partículas de CaP. As partículas de HA pura também foram funcionalizadas com cloreto de lauroíla para fins comparativos. Compósitos de PLLA/CaP-laurato foram fabricados utilizando a técnica de eletrofiação. A funcionalização da superfície do CaP com laurato resultou em uma melhoria significativa na dispersão de partículas de CaP na matriz polimérica, permitindo a inclusão de até 40% da fase mineral sem comprometer as propriedades mecânicas. Microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM) e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM) foram utilizadas para investigar a morfologia da fibra. A perda de massa e a liberação de cálcio dos suportes durante a degradação em uma solução salina tamponada com fosfato (PBS) foram medidas. HAD e OCP se mostraram ser mais solúveis do que HA e HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3). A bioatividade dos compósitos foi investigada por imersão das fibras em um fluido corporal simulado (SBF) a 37 °C e pH 7.4. Embora todos os suportes de PLLA/CaP-laurato foram capazes de formar uma camada de apatita em sua superfície após a exposição em SBF, os resultados demonstraram um aumento significativo na mineralização quando HAD, OCP e HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3) são a fase mineral no compósito em vez da HA. Além disso, malhas produzidas a partir das fibras eletrofiadas de PLLA/CaP-laurato, utilizadas como suporte para crescimento celular, favoreceram a adesão e proliferação de células de fibroblastos de camundongo (NIH-3T3) e células tronco mesenquimais de dentes decíduos humanos (SHED). Finalmente, suportes a partir das malhas PLLA/HAD-laurato e PLLA/OCP-laurato apresentaram melhor desempenho para acelerar a calcificação in vitro como resultado da osteoindução de células SHED e de células pré-osteoblásticas derivadas de calvária de rato (MC3T3-E1) se comparados aqueles contendo HA e HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3). Esses novos materiais são propostos como biocompósitos de rápida degradação de CaP, para serem utilizados em aplicações de regeneração óssea em ortodontia e ortopedia. / This work aimed at the generation of scaffolds for cellular growth constituted by poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and several types of calcium phosphate (CaP). Calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (HAD) and octacalcium phosphate (OCP) were synthesized in submicrometer sizes. Hydroxyapatite (HA) and &#946;-tricalcium phosphate (&#946;-TCP) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. A mixture of HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3) also was prepared. In order to improve the dispersion of the mineral phase in a PLLA polymeric matrix, lauroyl chloride was used to functionalize the surface of CaP. Infrared spectra and thermal gravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of laurate on the surface of CaP particles. Neat HA particles were also functionalized with lauryl chloride for comparative purposes. Composites of PLLA/CaP-laurate were fabricated by electrospinning method. The functionalization of CaP surfaces resulted in significant improvement of the dispersion of CaP particles into the polymeric matrix, allowing inclusion of up to 40% of mineral phase without compromising its mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to investigate the morphology of the fibers. The mass loss and calcium release of the scaffolds during degradation in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were measured. HAD and OCP are more soluble than HA and HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3). The bioactivity of the composites was investigated by immersing the fibers in a simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37°C and pH 7.4. Although all PLLA/CaP-laurate can form apatite precipitation on their surface after exposition to SBF, the results demonstrate a significant enhancement in the mineralization when HAD, OCP and HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3) are the mineral phase in the composite instead of HA. Furthermore, mats obtained from PLLA/CaP-laurate electrospun fibers favored the mouse fibroblast cells (NIH-3T3) and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) attachment and proliferation. Finally, PLLA/HAD-laurate and PLLA/OCP-laurate meshes showed better performance in accelerate the calcium phosphate mineralization on its surface as a result of the in vitro osteoinduction of SHEDs and calvaria derived mouse preosteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) if compared of those containing HA and HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3). These new materials are proposed as fast degradation CaP biocomposites to be used in bone regeneration applications in orthodontics and orthopedics.

Este trabalho visou a produção de suportes para crescimento celular constituídos de compósitos de poli(L-lactídeo) (PLLA) e diversos tipos de fosfatos de cálcio (CaP). A hidroxiapatita deficiente em cálcio (HAD) e o fosfato octacálcico (OCP) em tamanhos submicrométricos foram sintetizados. Hidroxiapatita (HA) e o &#946;-fosfato tricálcico (&#946;-TCP) foram adquiridos da Sigma-Aldrich. Uma mistura de HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3) também foi preparada. Para melhorar a dispersão da fase mineral em uma matriz polimérica de PLLA, utilizou-se cloreto de lauroíla para funcionalizar a superfície dos CaP. Os espectros de infravermelho e a análise termogravimétrica confirmaram a presença de laurato na superfície de partículas de CaP. As partículas de HA pura também foram funcionalizadas com cloreto de lauroíla para fins comparativos. Compósitos de PLLA/CaP-laurato foram fabricados utilizando a técnica de eletrofiação. A funcionalização da superfície do CaP com laurato resultou em uma melhoria significativa na dispersão de partículas de CaP na matriz polimérica, permitindo a inclusão de até 40% da fase mineral sem comprometer as propriedades mecânicas. Microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM) e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM) foram utilizadas para investigar a morfologia da fibra. A perda de massa e a liberação de cálcio dos suportes durante a degradação em uma solução salina tamponada com fosfato (PBS) foram medidas. HAD e OCP se mostraram ser mais solúveis do que HA e HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3). A bioatividade dos compósitos foi investigada por imersão das fibras em um fluido corporal simulado (SBF) a 37 °C e pH 7.4. Embora todos os suportes de PLLA/CaP-laurato foram capazes de formar uma camada de apatita em sua superfície após a exposição em SBF, os resultados demonstraram um aumento significativo na mineralização quando HAD, OCP e HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3) são a fase mineral no compósito em vez da HA. Além disso, malhas produzidas a partir das fibras eletrofiadas de PLLA/CaP-laurato, utilizadas como suporte para crescimento celular, favoreceram a adesão e proliferação de células de fibroblastos de camundongo (NIH-3T3) e células tronco mesenquimais de dentes decíduos humanos (SHED). Finalmente, suportes a partir das malhas PLLA/HAD-laurato e PLLA/OCP-laurato apresentaram melhor desempenho para acelerar a calcificação in vitro como resultado da osteoindução de células SHED e de células pré-osteoblásticas derivadas de calvária de rato (MC3T3-E1) se comparados aqueles contendo HA e HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3). Esses novos materiais são propostos como biocompósitos de rápida degradação de CaP, para serem utilizados em aplicações de regeneração óssea em ortodontia e ortopedia. / This work aimed at the generation of scaffolds for cellular growth constituted by poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and several types of calcium phosphate (CaP). Calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (HAD) and octacalcium phosphate (OCP) were synthesized in submicrometer sizes. Hydroxyapatite (HA) and &#946;-tricalcium phosphate (&#946;-TCP) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. A mixture of HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3) also was prepared. In order to improve the dispersion of the mineral phase in a PLLA polymeric matrix, lauroyl chloride was used to functionalize the surface of CaP. Infrared spectra and thermal gravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of laurate on the surface of CaP particles. Neat HA particles were also functionalized with lauryl chloride for comparative purposes. Composites of PLLA/CaP-laurate were fabricated by electrospinning method. The functionalization of CaP surfaces resulted in significant improvement of the dispersion of CaP particles into the polymeric matrix, allowing inclusion of up to 40% of mineral phase without compromising its mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to investigate the morphology of the fibers. The mass loss and calcium release of the scaffolds during degradation in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were measured. HAD and OCP are more soluble than HA and HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3). The bioactivity of the composites was investigated by immersing the fibers in a simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37°C and pH 7.4. Although all PLLA/CaP-laurate can form apatite precipitation on their surface after exposition to SBF, the results demonstrate a significant enhancement in the mineralization when HAD, OCP and HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3) are the mineral phase in the composite instead of HA. Furthermore, mats obtained from PLLA/CaP-laurate electrospun fibers favored the mouse fibroblast cells (NIH-3T3) and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) attachment and proliferation. Finally, PLLA/HAD-laurate and PLLA/OCP-laurate meshes showed better performance in accelerate the calcium phosphate mineralization on its surface as a result of the in vitro osteoinduction of SHEDs and calvaria derived mouse preosteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) if compared of those containing HA and HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3). These new materials are proposed as fast degradation CaP biocomposites to be used in bone regeneration applications in orthodontics and orthopedics.

In this study, it is aimed to develop an injectable controlled release system of PCL and P(L,DL)LA microspheres loaded with TA and/or Ral for local treatment of rheumatoid arthritis which will avoid from systemic side effects of traditional administration and eliminate problems caused by direct local injections. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disorder that most commonly causes inflammation and tissue damage in joints and tendon sheaths. Current strategies for the disease are mainly towards relieving symptoms and increasing mobility. The microsphere form drug delivery systems were developed to enhance the treatment success of rheumatic diseases by providing these agents alone or together for long terms without causing systemic or local site effects upon injection to the RA joints. Microspheres were prepared with s/o/w solvent evaporation technique and optimized to achieve a suitable size for joint application, to sustain the delivery of the drug(s), to provide required amount of the agent with feasible amount of microsphere. In order to manage these, microspheres prepared with different combinations of polymers and drugs were examined for particle size analysis, surface and structural characterizations, time related drug release properties, and drug loading capacities. In vitro cytotoxicity tests using 3T3 fibroblast cells were done to evaluate the biocompatibility of drug loaded PCL microspheres. The degradation of polymers were conducted and evaluated by GPC analysis. In PCL:TA microspheres, as polymer:drug ratio decreased (from 10:1 towards 10:4), namely as the drug partition increased, it was seen that encapsulation efficiency and loading percentages increased. Meanwhile, percent release of the drug decreased, indicating more prolonged release. Among all microspheres, PCL:TA 10:4 and PCL:Ral 10:2 were found to be the most appropriate for dual release in terms of release values (ca 21% and 0.09%, respectively), loadings (ca 27% and ca 13%, respectively) and mean particle size values (ca 100 &mu / m and ca 95 &mu / m, respectively). After release studies, microspheres preserved their sphericity. These selected polymer:drug groups also represented no cytotoxic effect. The microspheres for dual drug study (PCL:TA:Ral 10:4:2) released app. 55% of its TA and 0.29% of Ral at the end of 4 weeks. Drug loading capacities of these microspheres were found to be ca 14% for TA and 8% for Ral. Furthermore, with dual loading case, smallest mean particle size (68 &mu / m) could be obtained among all studied groups. P(L,DL)LA microspheres caused high viscosity problems during microsphere preparation steps and resulted in the slowest release, which was unfavorable for the aim of the study. To our knowledge there is no microsphere study reported with P(L,DL)LA in literature. The TA and Ral delivery systems with PCL and P(L,DL)LA were developed and studied for the first time in literature and they were optimized for RA treatment purposes. The potential of these systems, should be further tested in experimental animal models of RA.