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The need to tailor release-rate profiles from polymeric microspheres remains one of the leading challenges in controlled drug delivery. Microsphere size, which has a significant effect on drug release rate, can potentially be varied to design a controlled drug delivery system with desired release profile. In addition, drug release rate from polymeric microspheres is dependent on material properties such as polymer molecular weight. Mathematical modeling provides insight into the fundamental processes that govern the release, and once validated with experimental results, it can be used to tailor a desired controlled drug delivery system. To these ends, PLG microspheres were fabricated using the oil-in-water emulsion technique. A quantitative study that describes the size distribution of poly(lactide-coglycolide) (PLG) microspheres is presented. A fluid mechanics-based correlation that predicts the mean microsphere diameter is formulated based on the theory of emulsification in turbulent flow. The effects of microspheres’ mean diameter, polydispersity, and polymer molecular weight on therapeutic drug release rate from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microspheres were investigated experimentally. Based on the experimental results, a suitable mathematical theory has been developed that incorporates the effect of microsphere size distribution and polymer degradation on drug release. In addition, a numerical optimization technique, based on the least squares method, was developed to achieve desired therapeutic drug release profiles by combining individual microsphere populations. The fluid mechanics-based mathematical correlation that predicts microsphere mean diameter provided a close fit to the experimental results. We show from in vitro release experiments that microsphere size has a significant effect on drug release rate. The initial release rate decreased with an increase in microsphere size. In addition, the release profile changed from first order to concave-upward (sigmoidal) as the microsphere size was increased. The mathematical model gave a good fit to the experimental release data. Using the numerical optimization technique, it was possible to achieve desired release profiles, in particular zero-order and pulsatile release, by combining individual microsphere populations at the appropriate proportions. Overall, this work shows that engineering polymeric microsphere populations having predetermined characteristics is an effective means to obtain desired therapeutic drug release patterns, relevant for controlled drug delivery.

Amphiphilic block copolymers consisting of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(lactide) have great potential for formulating drug delivery systems. Our approach was to synthesize poly(ethylene oxide-b-D,L-lactide), (PEO-b-PDLLA), block copolymers with controlled molecular weights and good functionality on the poly(ethylene oxide) end for the design of potential core-shell delivery vehicles for HIV drugs. PEO-b-PDLLA block copolymer was used as a polymeric nanocarrier to encapsulate the HIV protease inhibitor, Ritonavir, within magnetite nanoparticles. Well-defined multifunctional polymeric nanoparticles with controlled sizes and size distributions were fabricated by rapid nanoprecipitation using blends of the PEO-b-PDLLA block copolymer with poly(L-lactide), (PLLA) homopolymer. Heterobifunctional PEO oligomers were directly prepared by initiating ethylene oxide with functional alcohols bearing vinylsilane, vinylether and maleimide moieties to provide appropriate end groups for conjugating targeting ligands. The polyethers with narrow molecular weight distributions were utilized as macroinitiators for the synthesis of poly(lactide) block. Heterobifunctional diblock copolymers possessing carboxylic acids were prepared from ene-thiol addition reaction of mercaptoacetic acid across the vinyl group on the PEO end, while preserving the hydroxyl functionality on the other end. Additionally, PDLLAs bearing maleimide functionality with controlled molecular weights were synthesized using maleimide functional initiator. End group modification was performed via  Michael addition using cysteamine hydrochloride to introduce an amino group over the vinyl bond. The resulting carboxylic acid functional PEO-b-PDLLA diblock copolymers, and amino functional PDLLAs are potential biocompatible polymers that can be utilized to encapsulate an array of bioactive molecules, targeting ligands. / Master of Science

Ce travail a eu pour objectif la création de matériaux composites à base de nanocharges de carbonate de calcium. L'étude des phénomènes interfaciaux qui régissent ces systèmes, ainsi que leurs impacts sur les propriétés fonctionnelles du matériau et plus particulièrement des propriétés de transport, ont été réalisées. Pour ce faire, nous avons considéré deux matrices polymères de nature chimique différente : le polylactide et le polyfluore de vinylidène. Les nanocomposites ont été élaborés par deux voies de mise en œuvre : la voie fondu et la voix solvant. Une analyse fine des relations structure/morphologie/propriétés des composites a été réalisée. Nous avons mis en évidence, quelle que soit la matrice polymère choisie, l'importance du traitement de surface des charges afin d'améliorer leurs états de dispersion dans le matériau et d'augmenter la qualité de l'interface charge/polymère. Ces paramètres ont été corrélés aux propriétés de transport de ces matériaux composites. / The aim of this PhD work is to elaborate composites based on calcium carbonate nanoparticles. Polylactide and polyvinylidene fluoride were used as polymer matrix and nanocomposite were elaborated either by melting process and either by casting method. The interfacial behaviour between polymer and calcium carbonate were studied and we especially focused on their impact on the composite gas barrier properties. The importance of filler surface treatment had been highlighted on the filler dispersion state improvment and filler/polymer interface reinforcement. Both parameters were important in the improvement of composite gas barrier properties.

Ovarian cancer is one of the five most common causes of cancer death in women in the USA and UK. It is usually diagnosed when it is well established beyond the ovary in the peritoneum. Intravenous injection of cisplatin is a common palliative therapy for ovarian cancer patients. Intraperitoneal therapy has been shown to improve survival for patients. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) is a biodegradable polyester which has been proven safe for medical implantation. PLGA microspheres or fibres have been considered in this work as depots for delivering intraperitoneal cisplatin directly to the tumour site. The aims of this work were (1) to develop microsphere depot formulations with improved drug release profiles compared to previous work; (2) Novel cisplatin containing solid and hollow fibres were to be developed and investigated as alternative structures for depot devices; (3) The drug release profiles were to be examined using mathematical models to allow rational comparison of the devices. It was found that cisplatin containing PLGA 65:35 solid and hollow fibres represent a novel, reproducible formulation for encapsulating higher amounts of cisplatin for an equivalent mass of excipient than other polymer formulations. The fibres developed in this study were able to maintain elevated concentrations of unbound cisplatin in the presence of a biological matrix for approximately 100 hours in vitro.

Este trabalho apresenta estudos sobre a síntese química do PEDOT com o objetivo de desenvolver diferentes arquiteturas e propriedades para melhorar a taxa de degradabilidade deste polímero. As estratégias foram as preparações de uma blenda, um copolímero e um nanocompósito. O estudo foi iniciado pela síntese química oxidativa do PEDOT (poli (3,4- etilenodioxitiofeno)) em microestruturas utilizando condições brandas e ambientalmente amigáveis, porém o material obtido não apresentou solubilidade e boas condições de se produzir um filme. Então foi sintetizado quimicamente o PEDOT dopado com PSS (poli estireno sulfonado) (PEDOT:PSS), o mesmo foi usado para preparar blendas com o PLGA (poli (ácido láctico-co-glicólico), para melhorar sua degradabilidade. Foi possível produzir um filme fino e nanoestruturado através de deposição eletrostática camada por camada (LBL) que pode ser utilizado para modificação de eletrodos ou de suportes tridimensionais para engenharia celular. Para garantir a degradabilidade do material, foi realizada a síntese de copolímeros de PEDOT e PLLA (poli(lactídeo)) em que foi variada a proporção de PEDOT na cadeia polimérica. Os copolímeros foram caracterizados por IV, RMN, UV, análises térmicas e submetidos a testes de degradabilidade e de viabilidade celular, apresentando excelentes resultados. Foi possível a obtenção de microfibras deste material. A outra alternativa estudada foi a síntese de um nanocompósito, preparado através da síntese química do PEDOT, partindo do monômero EDOT (3,4- etilenodioxitiofeno)usando HAuCl4 como oxidante e NaPSS como dopante e dispersante. O nanocompósito obtido foi caracterizado apresentando diâmetros médio próximos de 4 nm e com uma estrutura caroço-casca, apresentando nanopartícula de ouro como caroço e o polímero PEDOT:PSS como casca. Foram obtidos filmes deste material por deposição por evaporação de solvente, LBL, utilizando como policátion o PDDA (cloreto de poli (dialil dimetil amônio)) e quitosana, e por deposição eletroforética, que apresentou excelentes propriedades eletrocrômicas como rápidos tempos de respostas com bons contrastes ópticos / This work presents studies about the chemical synthesis of PEDOT (Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) with the aim of preparing different architectures and properties to improvement the degradability rate of this polymer. The strategies used to achieve this pupose were the preparation of polymer blends, copolymers and nanocomposites. The study was started by the chemical synthesis of microstructures PEDOT in mild and environment friendly conditions, but the material did not show solubility which enable film formation. Then, PEDOT was synthetized by chemical synthesis doped with PSS (poly(styrene sulfonic acid)), (PEDOT:PSS) to prepare blends with PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) to improve its degradability. It was possible to prepare a thin and nanostructured film, by electrostatic layer-by-layer deposition (LBL), which could be used for electrodes or scaffold surface modification. In order to ensure the material\'s degradability, PEDOT and PLLA (poly(lactide)) copolymers were prepared, changing PEDOT proportion in the polymeric structure. The copolymers were characterized by, IR, NMR, UV, thermal analysis and then degradability and cell viability tests, which shown important results. Fibers were able to be obtained with these materials. The next strategy was the preparation of a nanocomposite by one-spot chemical synthesis, initiated by the monomer EDOT (3,4- ethylenedioxythiophene) using HAuCl4 as oxidant and NaPSS as both dopant and dispersant. The nanocomposite obtained was characterized showing diameter of around 4nm and a core-shell structure, with gold nanoparticle as core and PEDOT:PSS as the shell. Films were obtained by this material by casting, by LBL, using PDDA (Poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride) and chitosan as polycations, and by electrophoretic deposition. The latter method shows excellent characteristics as fast response time with a good optical contrast

The synthetic chemotherapeutic agent, 5-FU, has been used for the treatment of a variety cancers, with colorectal cancer being among the most susceptible. Administration of 5-FU by continuous intravenous infusion has proven to yield greater antitumor efficacy and lower hematotoxicity compared to administration of 5-FU by intravenous bolus injections. Nevertheless, systemic application of 5-FU is often limited by its narrow therapeutic threshold, and therefore in certain situations, such as tumor resection, it may be more appropriate to provide local rather than systemic delivery of 5-FU. It was therefore proposed that 5-FU loaded PLGA millirods may be capable of providing sustained release of 5-FU at a local level which may have equivalent or greater antitumor activity and less cytotoxicity than the systemic or local delivery of soluble 5-FU. PLGA millirods loaded with 5-FU were successfully fabricated by a hot-melt extrusion technique and characterized for in vitro and in vivo release rates. It was demonstrated that percentage loading by weight of 5-FU could be adjusted to modify its release kinetics. It was also shown that millirods could be stably stored under a variety of conditions for at least 2 months. An optimal millirod formulation (PLGA 50:50 loaded with 5-FU (50% w/w)) was tested for antitumor activity and general toxicity in vivo. At the dose of 120 mg/kg 5-FU, millirods (delivered peritumorally) were efficacious (with 100% survival rates) against solid thymomas in tumor-challenged mice (causing complete regression). Whilst the soluble form of 5-FU (delivered intraperitoneally (IP) at 120 mg/kg) was also highly efficacious (90% survival rates) against thymomas it was also more hematotoxic. In addition, the millirod form provided significantly greater antitumor activity against colorectal tumors in mice compared to the soluble form of 5-FU. In terms of in vivo toxicity, surprisingly, the type of formulation did not have a significant effect on mouse weight despite both IP and subcutaneous (SC) delivery causing death of some mice. Importantly, it was found that 5-FU loaded PLGA millirods were significantly less hematotoxic than soluble 5-FU delivered by either IP or SC injection at the equivalent dose. Thus, locally implanted 5-FU loaded PLGA millirods appeared to be less toxic and possessed overall greater antitumor potency than soluble 5-FU delivered by IP or SC injection. This study further investigated whether the combination of 5-FU loaded PLGA millirods with eniluracil (in both thymoma and colorectal tumor models) or immune checkpoint inhibitors (in the colorectal tumor model) could enhance the antitumor efficacy of 5-FU millirods in mice challenged with colorectal tumors. It was found that the combination of 5-FU loaded PLGA millirods and eniluracil (millirod or solution forms) did not significantly enhance the antitumor efficacy of 5-FU millirods in either tumor models. It was also found that immune checkpoint inhibitors did not enhance the antitumor efficacy of 5-FU loaded PLGA millirods in the colorectal tumor model.

Construction of nanoassemblies from degradable components is desired for packaging and controlled release of active therapeutics, and eventual biodegradability in vivo. In this study, shell crosslinked micelles composed of biodegradable poly(lactide) (PLA) core were prepared by the self-assembly of an amphiphilic diblock copolymer synthesized by a combination of ring opening polymerization (ROP) and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Enzymatic degradation of the PLA cores of the nanoparticles was achieved upon the addition of proteinase K (PK). Kinetic analyses and comparison of the properties of the nanomaterials as a function of degradation extent will be discussed. Building upon our findings from selective-excavation of the PLA core, enzyme- and redox-responsive nanoparticles were constructed for the encapsulation and stimuli-responsive release of an antitumor drug. This potent chemotherapeutic, otherwise poorly soluble in water was dispersed into aqueous solution by the supramolecular co-assembly with an amphiphilic block copolymer, and the release from within the core of these nanoparticles were gated by crosslinking the hydrophilic shell region with a reduction-responsive crosslinker. Enzyme- and reduction-triggered release behavior of the antitumor drug was demonstrated along with their remarkably high in vitro efficacy. As cationic nanoparticles are a promising class of transfection agents for nucleic acid delivery, in the next part of the study, synthetic methodologies were developed for the conversion of the negatively-charged shell of the enzymatically-degradable shell crosslinked micelles to positively-charged cationic nanoparticles for the complexation of nucleic acids. These degradable cationic nanoparticles were found to efficiently deliver and transfect plasmid DNA in vitro. The hydrolysis of the PLA core and crosslinkers of the nanocarriers may provide a mechanism for their programmed disassembly within endosomes, which would in-turn promote endosomal disruption by osmotic swelling, and release of active therapeutics from the polymeric assemblies. In the last part, a comparative degradation study was performed between the anionic and cationic micellar assemblies in the presence of two model enzymes, and electrostatic interaction-mediated preferential hydrolysis was demonstrated between the oppositely-charged enzyme-micelle pairs. These findings may be of potential significance toward the design of charge-mediated enzyme-responsive nanomaterials that are capable of undergoing environmentally-triggered therapeutic release, disassembly or morphological alterations under selective enzyme conditions.

The biocompatibility and biodegradability of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) facilitate its use in a variety of biomedical applications, ranging from sutures to drug delivery. However, uncontrolled interactions with cells and insufficient mechanical properties have prevented PLA from reaching its full potential as a scaffold for use in tissue engineering. Methods to improve the mechanical, chemical and biological properties of PLA are limited by the lack of functional groups along the backbone of the polymer. One possible approach towards overcoming these limitations involves the incorporation of functional groups into the backbone of the polymer through the copolymerization of monomers bearing protected functional groups. Deprotection and modification of these functional groups could provide the opportunity to direct the attachment of cells, and enhance to the physical properties of the polymer. We have developed a general methodology for the synthesis of lactide monomers substituted with protected functional groups (alcohols protected as benzyl ethers, amines protected as benzyl carbamates and carboxylic acids protected as benzyl esters). The monomers were homopolymerized, and copolymerized with lactide, and deprotected to give functional PLA copolymers with pendant hydroxyl, amine, and carboxyl groups. A thorough investigation of the chemical modification of PLA copolymers bearing functional groups along the polymer backbone was performed on a copolymer prepared by copolymerizarion of a dibenzyloxy-substituted lactide monomer with lactide followed by reductive debenzylation. Reaction of the resulting hydroxyl-substited PLA with succinic anhydride resulted in an acid-substituted PLA that is amenable to standard EDC/NHS coupling. The utility of this copolymer was illustrated by coupling with an amine derivative of biotin, and an RGD-containing peptide sequence. The preparation of the biodegradable polyester substituted with RGD, a ubiquitous adhesion peptide, provided us with control over cellular attachment to the hybrid material. We also explored approaches to make use of the pendant functional groups on PLA to enhance the physical properties of polymer foams. Copolymers with pendant photocrosslinkable cinnamate groups were prepared by reaction of the hydroxyl-substited PLA copolymers with cinnamoyl chloride. The copolymer was foamed using thermally-induced phase separation (TIPS), and photocrosslinked upon irradiation at 300 nm. Irradiation resulted in an increase in the compressive modulus of the foams. Crosslinking also led to a decrease in the rate of hydrolytic degradation of the foams, thereby demonstrating the potential for use of these strategies in the development of porous scaffolds for bioengineering. Another potential approach towards the preparation of robust polymer foams is the incorporation of a rigid polymer block which can phase separate during foam formation to provide additional structural integrity. Several poly(norbornene)-PLA diblock copolymer compositions were prepared by the ring-opening of lactide by a hydroxyl-terminated poly(norbornene) macroinitiator. The ability of the diblock copolymer to phase separate at elevated temperature was verified using small-angle x-ray scattering and wide-angle x-ray scattering.