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A protein delivery method using freeze concentration was presented with a variety of polyampholyte nanocarriers. In order to develop protein nanocarriers, hydrophobically modified polyampholytes were synthesized by the succinylation of ε-poly-L-lysine with dodecyl succinic anhydride and succinic anhydride. The self-assembled polyampholyte aggregated form nanoparticles through intermolecular hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions when dissolved in aqueous media. The cationic and anionic nanoparticles were easily prepared by changing the succinylation ratio. Anionic or cationic proteins were adsorbed on/into the nanoparticles depending on their surface charges. The protein-loaded nanoparticles were stable for at least 7 d. When L929 cells were frozen with the protein-loaded nanoparticles in the presence of a cryoprotectant, the adsorption of the protein-loaded nanoparticles was enhanced and can be explained by the freeze concentration mechanism. After thawing, proteins were internalized into cells via endocytosis. This was the first report that showed that the efficacy of protein delivery was successfully enhanced by the freeze concentration method. This method could be useful for in vitro cytoplasmic protein or peptide delivery to various cells for immunotherapy or phenotype transformations.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has been used for several decades as the most efficient cryoprotective agent (CPA) for many types of cells and tissues in spite of its cytotoxicity and its effects on differentiation. Here we report that polyampholytes with an appropriate ratio of amino and carboxyl groups show higher cryopreservation efficiency and lower cytotoxicity than DMSO. Culture medium solutions of epsilon-poly-L-lysine (PLL) with more than 50 mol% of amino groups carboxylated showed excellent post-thaw survival efficiency of 95% murine L929 cells, and rat mesenchymal stem cells fully retained the potential for differentiation without serum. We also found that carboxylated PLLs showed antifreeze protein properties, such as ice recrystallization inhibition, which may contribute to successful cryopreservation by membrane protection. Thus, these polyampholytes can replace DMSO as new materials for CPAs in various preserving functions and will also be useful in studies elucidating the mechanisms of cryopreservation.

To reveal and control the differentiation and proliferation of the periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and to develop a highly organized hybrid implant possessing periodontium, hydroxyapatite (HAP) was immobilized on the poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVA) by alternate soaking method following with carboxyl groups' introduction through ozone exposure. Human PDL cells were cultured on the ozone-exposed EVA, collagen-immobilized EVA, HAP-immobilized EVA, HAP plate, tricalcium phosphate plate, and conventional tissue culture dish. Cell proliferation was highest on the collagen-immobilized EVA and lowest on the HAP-immobilized EVA. Alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin secretion were highest on the HAP-immobilized EVA. These results suggest that PDL cells were differentiated toward bone-like cells on the HAP-immobilized EVA.

Localized drug delivery from drug-eluting stents has been accepted as one of the most promising treatment methods for preventing restenosis after stenting. However, thrombosis, inflammation, and restenosis are still major problems for the utility of cardiovascular prostheses such as vascular grafts and stents. Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenolic constituent of green tea, has been shown to have anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities. It was hypothesized that controlled release of EGCG from biodegradable poly(lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone, PLCL) stent coatings would suppress migration and invasion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) as well as platelet-mediated thrombosis. EGCG-releasing PLCL (E-PLCL) was prepared by blending PLCL with 5% EGCG. The surface morphology, roughness and melting temperature of PLCL were not changed despite EGCG addition. EGCG did, however, EGCG appreciably increase the hydrophilicity of PLCL. EGCG was found to be uniformly dispersed throughout E-PLCL without direct chemical interactions with PLCL. E-PLCL displayed diffusion controlled release of EGCG release for periods up to 34 days. E-PLCL significantly suppressed the migration and invasion of VSMCs as well as the adhesion and activation of platelets. E-PLCL coatings were able to smooth the surface of bare stents with neither cracks nor webbings after balloon expansion. The structural integrity of coatings was sufficient to resist delamination or destruction during 90% dilatation. These results suggest that EGCG-releasing polymers can be effectively applied for fabricating an EGCG-eluting vascular stent to prevent in-stent restenosis and thrombosis.