This thesis is geared towards using hydrogel nanoparticles in various biotechnological applications. The polymer that was used in making these nanoparticles was poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), which is a thermoresponsive polymer. These particles were used in making fast responsive polymer films, which can be used in optics. It was observed that the rate of deswelling increased as the concentration of the nanoparticles in the film was increased. These particles were also used in making photoresponsive materials. In this case a photoresponsive dye (malachite green) was conjugated to these nanoparticles and in presence of light of appropriate wavelength the particles undergo a phase transition. A core/shell construct was synthesized where the core was composed of degradable cross-links and the shell of composed of non-degradable cross-links. The degradable cross-linker had vicinal diols, which can be cleaved by sodium periodate. Hence after degrading the core, hollow particles were obtained. Zwitterionic particles were made by incorporating a cationic and anionic comonomer. These microgels go from a positively charged state to zwitterionic to negatively charged state on increasing the pH. One of the important potential applications for these microgels is drug delivery. Microgels were used for targeting cancer cells. Folic acid was used as the targeting ligand. The microgels were conjugated with folic acid and were able to target cells that overexpress folate receptors. In one other application core/shell microgels were made which exhibit pore-size dependent permeation of proteins.

Currently growth plate fractures account for nearly 18.5% of fractures in children and can lead to stunted bone growth or angular deformation. If the body is unable to heal itself a bony bar forms, preventing normal bone growth. Clinical treatment involves removing the bony bar and replacing it with a filler substance, which causes poor results 60% of the time. Using primarily poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as the scaffold material, the goal was to develop an implant that would support to the implant site, allow for cell ingrowth, and degrade away over time. Porous scaffolds were fabricated from PLGA microspheres using the salt leaching method. The first part of this work investigated the effect of sintering the microspheres by studying the mechanical properties, degradation and morphology and their potential applications for hard and soft tissue implants. Growth factor or drugs can be encapsulated into PLGA microspheres, which was the second part of this work. Encapsulated insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) was able to withstand the scaffold fabrication process without compromising it’s bioactivity and promoted cell proliferation. The next part of this work experimented with the addition of a hydrogel porogen. Porogen particles were made using a quick degrading poly(beta-amino ester) (PBAE) hydrogel and loaded with ketoprofen. The addition of the porogen creates a dual drug-releasing scaffold with a localized delivery system. The final step of this work involved animal studies to determine the effectiveness of the scaffolds in growth plate regeneration and how they compare to the current clinical treatment option. Gross observation, microCT analysis, angular measurement of bone growth and histological methods were employed to evaluate the scaffolds. The goal was to develop a versatile scaffold that could be used for a wide range of tissue engineering applications. The mechanical properties, degradation profiles and drug delivery capabilities can be all tailored to meet the specific needs of an implant site. One specific application was regenerating the native growth plate that can also encourage the endogenous mesenchymal stem cells to follow the desire linage. By regenerating the native growth plate, angular deformation and stunted limb growth were greatly reduced.

In situ forming implants (ISIs) are popular due to their ease of use and local drug delivery potential, but they suffer from high initial drug burst, and release behavior is tied closely to solvent exchange and polymer properties. Additionally, such systems are traditionally viewed purely as drug delivery devices rather than potential scaffold materials due to their poor mechanical properties and minimal porosity. The aim of this research was to develop an injectable ISI with drug release, mechanical, and microstructural properties controlled by micro- and nanoparticle additives. First, an injectable ISI was developed with appropriate drug release kinetics for orthopedic applications. Poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) microparticles were loaded with simvastatin or clodronate, and their loading efficiency and drug retention after washing was quantified. Drug-loaded PBAE microparticles and hydroxyapatite (HA) microparticles were added to a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)–based ISI. By loading simvastatin into PBAE microparticles, release was extended from 10 days to 30 days, and burst was reduced from 81% to 39%. Clodronate burst was reduced after addition of HA, but was unaffected by PBAE loading. Scaffold mass and porosity fluctuated as the scaffolds swelled and then degraded over 40 days. Next, the mechanical properties of these composite ISIs were quantified. Both micro- and nanoparticulate HA as well as PBAE microparticle content were varied. Increasing HA content generally improved compressive strength and modulus, with a plateau occurring at 30% nano-HA. Injectability remained clinically acceptable for up to 10% w/w PBAE microparticles. Ex vivo injections into trabecular bone improved both strength and modulus. Lastly, HA-free ISIs were investigated for drug delivery into the gingiva to treat periodontitis. Doxycycline and simvastatin were co-delivered, with delivery of doxycycline over 1 week accompanied by simvastatin release over 30 days. PBAE-containing ISIs exhibited higher initial and progressive porosity and accessible volume than PBAE-free ISIs over the course of degradation. Additionally, PBAE-containing ISIs provided superior tissue retention within a simulated periodontal pocket. The ISIs investigated here have a wide range of potential applications due to their flexible material and drug release properties, which can be controlled by both the chemistry and concentration of various particulate additives.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:43:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T13:56:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 06480.pdf: 11629965 bytes, checksum: bb8ef426792486d33f67cd7e2123cc6a (MD5) / Tese (Doutoramento) / IPEN/T / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN/CNEN-SP

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:46:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T13:56:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 07980.pdf: 5791468 bytes, checksum: 2d077456e70a82616ef0f27e1d7f3b6b (MD5) / Tese (Doutoramento) / IPEN/T / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN/CNEN-SP

Este estudo tem como objetivo central avaliar a influência da secagem por aspersão de nanocápsulas de núcleo lipídico contendo tretinoína nos perfis in vitro de liberação e de penetração cutânea deste fármaco a partir de hidrogéis. Esses experimentos foram conduzidos empregando-se células de difusão de Franz, pele de abdome de porcos (fêmeas), regime de aplicação de doses infinitas e meio receptor composto por tampão fosfato pH 7,4 e etanol (70:30). A secagem por aspersão das suspensões de nanocápsulas, utilizando PVP e lactose (1:1, m/m) a 10% como adjuvantes, forneceu produtos com bons perfis de dispersão em água, bons rendimentos (próximos a 70%), baixos teores de substâncias voláteis, e teores do fármaco acima de 92%. O tipo de produto intermediário, suspensão aquosa ou respectivo pó, utilizado na produção de hidrogéis (G-LNC-TTN e G-LNC-TTN-SD, respectivamente) não influenciou no perfil de liberação in vitro da tretinoína, que se ajustou ao modelo de Higuchi. No estrato córneo houve diferenças nas quantidades de tretinoína penetradas a partir das duas formulações. O G-LNC-TTN levou a uma retenção exponencial do fármaco nessa camada, enquanto para o G-LNC-TTN-SD isso não ocorreu. Essa diferença foi associada à forma de organização das nanocápsulas na matriz do gel. Na epiderme e na derme, ambas as formulações permitiram a chegada de pequenas e constantes quantidades de tretinoína. No compartimento receptor da célula de Franz o fármaco não foi detectado. A pequena permeação da tretinoína para as camadas mais profundas da pele e para o meio receptor são indicativos de baixa absorção sistêmica, e também podem contribuir para a diminuição dos efeitos adversos associados à terapia tópica com essa substância. A secagem das suspensões de nanocápsulas de núcleo lipídico, nas condições utilizadas, forneceu um intermediário em potencial para a produção de formas farmacêuticas semissólidas contendo tretinoína. / This study’s central goal is to assess the influence of spray-drying lipid core nanocapsules on tretinoin in vitro release profiles as well as skin penetration/permeation from hydrogels. These experiments were conducted employing Franz diffusion cells, pig abdominal skin (female), infinite doses regimen and receptor medium composed of phosphate buffer pH 7.4 and ethanol (70:30). Spray-drying of the nanocapsules suspensions, using PVP and lactose (1:1, m/m) at 10% (m/v) as drying adjuvant provided powders with good water dispersion profiles, good yields (around 70%), low volatile substances contents, in addition to drug contents above 92%. Interchanging intermediate products, aqueous suspension or respective powder, used in hydrogel formulation (G-LNC-TTN and G-LNC-TTN-SD, respectively) caused no influence on tretinoin in vitro release profile which was adjusted by Higuchi model. In corneum stratum there were differences in tretinoin quantities which penetrated from those formulations. The G-LNC-TTN provided an exponential retention of the drug on this skin’s layer, although G-LNC-TTN-SD did not. This difference was associated with the nanocapsules organization form in hydrogel matrix. In epidermis and dermis both formulations allowed permeation of constant and low tretinoin quantities. Moreover, at receptor fluid the drug was not detected. The low tretinoin permeation for deeper skin layers and for receptor fluid is low systemic absorption indicative, furthermore, may contribute in reducing adverse effects associated with tretinoin topical therapy. In given conditions, spray-drying of lipid core nanocapsules provided a potential intermediate for production of semi solids pharmaceutical forms containing tretinoin.

L’épithélium intestinal est composé d’une monocouche de cellules épithéliales qui recouvrent à la fois les villi qui projettent dans le lumen et les cryptes invaginées dans le tissu conjonctif sous-jacent. Les cellules souches intestinales prolifèrent dans les cryptes et se différencient en 5 types de cellules différenciées incluant les entérocytes, les cellules de Paneth, les cellules caliciformes, les cellules entéroendocrines et les cellules Tuft. La plupart de ces cellules différenciées migrent vers le pôle apical du villus où elles meurent par apoptose exception faite des cellules de Paneth qui sont présentes uniquement dans les cryptes. Les cellules épithéliales adhèrent à la membrane basale qui sépare l’épithélium du stroma principalement constitué de collagène I et de fibroblastes. L’épithélium intestinal est renouvelé chaque semaine. Plusieurs voies de signalisation biochimiques qui gouvernent l’homéostasie intestinale ont été isolées en utilisant des modèles murins. En complément des études menées in vivo, des systèmes in vitro ont été développés de répondre à des questions difficiles à étudier in vivo, on peut notamment citer les organoides. Malgré leur indiscutable intérêt, les organoides ne reproduisent pas certaines caractéristiques majeures de l’intestin, à savoir que le nombre de total de cellules ne reste pas constant, qu’ils ne forment pas spontanément des villi et que le stroma est absent de ces modèles. Présentement, uniquement deux microsystèmes ont tenté de pallier l’absence de villi de ces modèles en reproduisant des caractéristiques dynamique (i.e le mouvement péristaltique) ou architecturale (i.e la topographie des villi) de l’intestin dans le but d’induire la formation des villi. Cependant, dans ces deux systèmes, les cellules ne reposent pas sur un substrat physiologique et sont directement ensemencées sur un support élastomérique. Quand bien même la surface de ces substrats est traitée avec des molécules constitutives de la matrice extracellulaire (ECM), ils ne reproduisent pas la micro-architecture (e.g sa structure microfibrillaire et la possibilité d’être remodelée par les cellules ensemencées) et les propriétés mécaniques spécifiques de l’ECM intestinale. Il est ainsi fort probable que ces systèmes induisent des phénotypes différents de ceux comprenant un substrat physiologique. Pour éviter ces phénomènes, nous avons développé un système innovant qui reproduit à la fois la composition et la topographie de la matrice intestinale. Le collagène I, en tant que principal composant des matrices extracellulaires, des mammifères a naturellement été choisi comme substrat cellulaire. La composition ainsi que les propriétés rhéologiques du collagène commercial ont été comparées au collagène extrait de queue de rat dans le laboratoire. Les techniques de lithographies ont été adaptées pour microstructurer les hydrogels en collagène en une sinusoïde tridimensionnelle de 400µm de période et 400µm d’amplitude en accord avec les dimensions anatomiques des intestins de souris. Les cellules épithéliales de lignées Caco2 qui sont considérées comme un modèle de cellules intestinales ont été ensemencées à la surface de la structure et ont colonisé les micro-structures en formant une monocouche cellulaire. L’utilisation du collagène I permet l’inclusion de fibroblastes primaires dans la matrice où ils évoluent in vivo. Les forces de tension développées par la monocouche épithéliale à la surface de la matrice mais également par les fibroblastes dans l’hydrogel affaissent les structures. Plus la concentration en collagène des gels est importante moins les structures sont déformées. Cependant, pour des concentrations supérieures à 6mg/mL, les fibroblastes présentent des difficultés pour s’étaler et proliférer dans la matrice probablement dues à une diffusion réduite des nutriments dans de telles matrices mais également à une réduction de la taille du maillage fibrillaire qui empêche l’étalement des cellules. / The epithelium of the small intestine is composed of a single layer of epithelial cells lining the villi that project into the lumen of the gut, and the crypts that descend into the underlying connective tissue. Dividing stem cells are contained within the crypts and give rise to five types of specialized epithelial cells including enterocytes, Goblet cells, Paneth cells, enteroendocrine cells and Tuft cells. Most of those cells travel upwards from the crypt towards the villus tip where they shed into the lumen except for Paneth cells that remain confined into the crypt. The basement membrane underlines the basal surface of epithelium and separates it from the stroma mostly composed of collagen I and fibroblasts. The whole intestinal epithelium is renewed every week. Many biochemical pathways that control intestinal homeostasis are discovered using mouse models. In contrast, in vitro models systems, such as organoids, provide a mean to investigate questions hard to be addressed in vivo. Despite their obvious interest, organoids do not fully recapitulate intestinal features: the total number of cells does not remain constant, villi-like structures are missing as well as cells and matrix constitutive of the stroma. Only two microfabricated devices have been developed to overcome this absence of villi by replicating dynamic (i.e the peristaltic motion) or structural feature (i.e the topography of the villus) of the intestine in order to induce the formation of villi. However they both do not provide the cells a physiological substrate as cells are directly seeded on an elastomeric synthetic scaffold. Even though those substrates are coated with ECM molecules, as they miss the micro-architecture specific of ECM (e.g. fibrillar structure and capacity to be remodeled by cells) as well as their mechanical properties; they might induce a different phenotype to the cells than if they were seeded on/in an ECM-like hydrogel. To address this lack, we developed an innovative device that recapitulates both the composition and topography of the intestinal lining. We chose collagen I as the constituent of our substrate since collagen I is the most abundant protein in mammals and the main constituent of all ECM in the body. We first characterized the composition and the rheological properties of commercial rat tail collagen I hydrogel and compared it to the one we extracted from rat tails. To reproduce the 3D structure of the intestine, we microstructured collagen I scaffolds as 3D sinusoids with 400µm period and 400µm height that respect the anatomic dimensions of mice intestine by adapting methods from soft lithography field. Epithelial cells from Caco2 cell line which are considered as an intestinal model were first seeded on the surface of the scaffold and successfully colonized the structure as a monolayer. Primary fibroblasts were embedded in collagen scaffolds were they actually belong in vivo. The force exterted by the epithelial monolayer at the surface of the scaffold but also by the fibroblasts inside the gels flattened the structures. The higher the concentration of collagen was the less the structures were deformed. However, for collagen concentrations higher than 6mg/mL, the fibroblasts experienced difficulties to spread and proliferate in the matrix probably related to a reduced diffusion of nutrients in such matrix or to the reduced mesh size of the fibrillar network that prevent cell spreading. Two main approaches were investigated to stiffen the collagen scaffold while maintaining a porosity suitable for fibroblasts spreading and proliferation. One consisted in the addition of a stiffer biocompatible polymer to generate a hybrid semi-interpenetrating network hydrogel with improved mechanical properties. The other resided in the addition of a cross-linker that covalently bonded the fibrils constitutive of the collagen network.

Este estudo tem como objetivo central avaliar a influência da secagem por aspersão de nanocápsulas de núcleo lipídico contendo tretinoína nos perfis in vitro de liberação e de penetração cutânea deste fármaco a partir de hidrogéis. Esses experimentos foram conduzidos empregando-se células de difusão de Franz, pele de abdome de porcos (fêmeas), regime de aplicação de doses infinitas e meio receptor composto por tampão fosfato pH 7,4 e etanol (70:30). A secagem por aspersão das suspensões de nanocápsulas, utilizando PVP e lactose (1:1, m/m) a 10% como adjuvantes, forneceu produtos com bons perfis de dispersão em água, bons rendimentos (próximos a 70%), baixos teores de substâncias voláteis, e teores do fármaco acima de 92%. O tipo de produto intermediário, suspensão aquosa ou respectivo pó, utilizado na produção de hidrogéis (G-LNC-TTN e G-LNC-TTN-SD, respectivamente) não influenciou no perfil de liberação in vitro da tretinoína, que se ajustou ao modelo de Higuchi. No estrato córneo houve diferenças nas quantidades de tretinoína penetradas a partir das duas formulações. O G-LNC-TTN levou a uma retenção exponencial do fármaco nessa camada, enquanto para o G-LNC-TTN-SD isso não ocorreu. Essa diferença foi associada à forma de organização das nanocápsulas na matriz do gel. Na epiderme e na derme, ambas as formulações permitiram a chegada de pequenas e constantes quantidades de tretinoína. No compartimento receptor da célula de Franz o fármaco não foi detectado. A pequena permeação da tretinoína para as camadas mais profundas da pele e para o meio receptor são indicativos de baixa absorção sistêmica, e também podem contribuir para a diminuição dos efeitos adversos associados à terapia tópica com essa substância. A secagem das suspensões de nanocápsulas de núcleo lipídico, nas condições utilizadas, forneceu um intermediário em potencial para a produção de formas farmacêuticas semissólidas contendo tretinoína. / This study’s central goal is to assess the influence of spray-drying lipid core nanocapsules on tretinoin in vitro release profiles as well as skin penetration/permeation from hydrogels. These experiments were conducted employing Franz diffusion cells, pig abdominal skin (female), infinite doses regimen and receptor medium composed of phosphate buffer pH 7.4 and ethanol (70:30). Spray-drying of the nanocapsules suspensions, using PVP and lactose (1:1, m/m) at 10% (m/v) as drying adjuvant provided powders with good water dispersion profiles, good yields (around 70%), low volatile substances contents, in addition to drug contents above 92%. Interchanging intermediate products, aqueous suspension or respective powder, used in hydrogel formulation (G-LNC-TTN and G-LNC-TTN-SD, respectively) caused no influence on tretinoin in vitro release profile which was adjusted by Higuchi model. In corneum stratum there were differences in tretinoin quantities which penetrated from those formulations. The G-LNC-TTN provided an exponential retention of the drug on this skin’s layer, although G-LNC-TTN-SD did not. This difference was associated with the nanocapsules organization form in hydrogel matrix. In epidermis and dermis both formulations allowed permeation of constant and low tretinoin quantities. Moreover, at receptor fluid the drug was not detected. The low tretinoin permeation for deeper skin layers and for receptor fluid is low systemic absorption indicative, furthermore, may contribute in reducing adverse effects associated with tretinoin topical therapy. In given conditions, spray-drying of lipid core nanocapsules provided a potential intermediate for production of semi solids pharmaceutical forms containing tretinoin.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This work aimed the preparation of clotrimazole-loaded nanocapsule suspensions for vulvovaginal fungal infections treatment. For the first time, virgin coconut oil and medium chain triglycerides were used as an oil core of polymeric nanocapsules containing clotrimazole. The analytical method for quantification of this drug into nanoparticles was developed and validated. The method proved to be selective, linear, precise, accurate and robust. Using the method of interfacial deposition of preformed polymer, the nanoparticles were successfully prepared at three different concentrations of clotrimazole (1, 2 and 3 mg/mL). The physicochemical parameters measured were pH, particle diameter, polydispersity index, drug content, encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential and stability in storage during 60 days. The encapsulation efficiency was near to 100%, zeta potential was positive due to the cationic polymer employed, the pH was around 5.6 and drug contents were close to the theoretical values. The size distribution was nanometer (140-200 nm) with polydispersity index lower than 0.2. The formulations had adequate physicochemical characteristics and were stable during storage. Photodegradation studies have shown that the nanoencapsulation improved the stability of clotrimazole against UVC radiation compared to free drug solution after 14 hours of experiment. The in vitro drug release using the dialysis bag technique was characterized by a prolonged release. No burst effect was observed. Profilesare based on an anomalous transport and first order kinetics, regardless of the oil used. The in vitro microbiological test of nanocapsules suspensions was performed against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata susceptible and resistant to fluconazole by microdilution method. In combination with clotrimazole into nanoparticles, medium chain triglycerides was reported to have similar MICs of methanolic solution containing the oil and the drug. In addition to the antifungal activity in solution, coconut oil did not lose its activity after incorporation into the nanostructures and, in combination with drug, showed greater inhibition of microbial growth than the nanocapsules of medium chain triglycerides with clotrimazole. Finally nanoparticle suspensions were incorporated into hydrogels containing polymers with mucoadhesive properties, Pemulen® and Pullulan, which presented appropriate drug content, pH and spreadability. The formulations developed in this study represent promising alternatives for treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. / Este trabalho objetivou a preparação de suspensões de nanocápsulas contendo clotrimazol para o tratamento de infecções fúngicas vulvovaginais. Pela primeira vez, o óleo de coco virgem e os triglicerídeos de cadeia média foram empregados como núcleo oleoso de nanocápsulas poliméricas contendo clotrimazol. A metodologia analítica para a quantificação do fármaco nas nanopartículas foi desenvolvida e validada. O método mostrou-se seletivo, linear, preciso, exato e robusto. A partir do método de deposição interfacial do polímero pré-formado, as nanopartículas foram preparadas com sucesso em três concentrações diferentes de clotrimazol (1, 2 e 3 mg/mL). Os parâmetros físico-químicos avaliados foram pH, diâmetro de partícula, índice de polidispersão, teor, eficiência de encapsulamento, potencial zeta e estabilidade frente ao armazenamento por 60 dias. A eficiência de encapsulamento foi próxima a 100%, o valor do potencial zeta foi positivo devido ao polímero catiônico empregado, valor de pH em torno de 5,6 e teores de fármaco próximos aos teóricos. A distribuição de tamanho foi nanométrica (140-200 nm), com índice de polidispersão menor que 0,2. As formulações apresentaram características físico-químicas adequadas e foram estáveis durante o armazenamento. Estudos de fotodegradação mostraram que o nanoencapsulamento melhorou a estabilidade do clotrimazol sob radiação UVC, em comparação com a solução do fármaco livre, após 14 horas de experimento. A liberação do fármaco in vitro, a partir da técnica de sacos de diálise, foi caracterizada como uma liberação prolongada sem efeito burst, que foi mediada por transporte anômalo e seguiu cinética de primeira ordem, independente do óleo utilizado. As suspensões foram capazes de diminuir a velocidade de liberação do clotrimazol nas 24 horas de experimento. A partir do método de microdiluição, procedeu-se a avaliação microbiológica in vitro das suspensões de nanocápsulas contra Candida albicans e Candida glabrata sensíveis e resistentes ao fluconazol. Em combinação com o clotrimazol nas nanopartículas, os triglicerídeos de cadeia média apresentaram valores de CIMs semelhantes à solução metanólica contendo o óleo e o fármaco. Além de apresentar atividade antifúngica em solução, o óleo de coco não perdeu sua atividade após a incorporação na nanoestrutura e, em associação com o fármaco, apresentou maior inibição do crescimento microbiano do que as nanocápsulas de triglicerídeos de cadeia média com clotrimazol. Por fim, as suspensões nanoparticuladas foram incorporadas em hidrogéis contendo polímeros com propriedades mucoadesivas, Pemulen® e Pullulan, que apresentaram teor, pH e espalhabilidade adequados. As formulações desenvolvidas neste estudo representam alternativas promissoras para o tratamento da candidíase vulvovaginal.

abstract: Relapse after tumor dormancy is one of the leading causes of cancer recurrence that ultimately leads to patient mortality. Upon relapse, cancer manifests as metastases that are linked to almost 90% cancer related deaths. Capture of the dormant and relapsed tumor phenotypes in high-throughput will allow for rapid targeted drug discovery, development and validation. Ablation of dormant cancer will not only completely remove the cancer disease, but also will prevent any future recurrence. A novel hydrogel, Amikagel, was developed by crosslinking of aminoglycoside amikacin with a polyethylene glycol crosslinker. Aminoglycosides contain abundant amount of easily conjugable groups such as amino and hydroxyl moieties that were crosslinked to generate the hydrogel. Cancer cells formed 3D spheroidal structures that underwent near complete dormancy on Amikagel high-throughput drug discovery platform. Due to their dormant status, conventional anticancer drugs such as mitoxantrone and docetaxel that target the actively dividing tumor phenotype were found to be ineffective. Hypothesis driven rational drug discovery approaches were used to identify novel pathways that could sensitize dormant cancer cells to death. Strategies were used to further accelerate the dormant cancer cell death to save time required for the therapeutic outcome. Amikagel’s properties were chemo-mechanically tunable and directly impacted the outcome of tumor dormancy or relapse. Exposure of dormant spheroids to weakly stiff and adhesive formulation of Amikagel resulted in significant relapse, mimicking the response to changes in extracellular matrix around dormant tumors. Relapsed cells showed significant differences in their metastatic potential compared to the cells that remained dormant after the induction of relapse. Further, the dissertation discusses the use of Amikagels as novel pDNA binding resins in microbead and monolithic formats for potential use in chromatographic purifications. High abundance of amino groups allowed their utilization as novel anion-exchange pDNA binding resins. This dissertation discusses Amikagel formulations for pDNA binding, metastatic cancer cell separation and novel drug discovery against tumor dormancy and relapse. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Bioengineering 2016