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Abstract: Currently there is an increasing demand for high-throughput methods to identify and to verify the potential of new drug candidates. Cell-based microelectronic biosensors might be powerful tools for rapid screening assays. However, reliable cultivation of cells is influenced by the material characteristics and the surface topography of the wafers serving as growth supports. In order to investigate the influence of micropatterned structures on cell viability, Caco-2 cells were seeded on silicon wafers featuring trench/mesa patterns obtained by lithography and reactive ion etching. Besides determination of the cell growth pattern by electron microscopic inspection, the adherence of cells on different patterned silicon wafers and the formation of the tight junctional network was investigated. Microstructured trench/mesa patterns, especially their lateral distances, remarkably influenced the adhesion and proliferation behavior of Caco-2 cells. Lateral distances below the average cell diameter were easily overgrown by the cells, whereas dimensions above the average cell diameter increasingly limited cell proliferation. Notably increased cell growth was observed using trenches with a width of 10–20μm and a trench depth of around 35μm. All in all, the results of this study might improve the production of microstructured biosensors and open up new perspectives concerning the combination of biosensors and microfluidic systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Cytokines are basic targets that have to be removed effectively in order to improve the patient's health status in treating severe inflammation, sepsis, and septic shock. Although there are different adsorbents commercially available, the success of their clinical use is limited. Here, we tested different adsorbents for their effective removal of cytokines from plasma and the resulting effect on endothelial cell activation. Methods: The three polystyrene divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) based adsorbents Amberchrom CG161c and CG300m and a clinically approved haemoperfusion adsorbent (HAC) were studied with regard to cytokine removal in human blood. To induce cytokine release from leucocytes, human blood cells were stimulated with 1 ng/ml LPS for 4 hours. Plasma was separated and adsorption experiments in a dynamic model were performed. The effect of cytokine removal on endothelial cell activation was evaluated using a HUVEC-based cell culture model. The beneficial outcome was assessed by measuring ICAM-1, E-selectin, and secreted cytokines IL-8 and IL-6. Additionally the threshold concentration for HUVEC activation by TNF-α and IL-1β was determined using this cell culture model. Results: CG161c showed promising results in removing the investigated cytokines. Due to its pore size the adsorbent efficiently removed the key factor TNF-α, outperforming the commercially available adsorbents. The CG161c treatment reduced cytokine secretion and expression of cell adhesion molecules by HUVEC which underlines the importance of effective removal of TNF-α in inflammatory diseases. Conclusion: These results confirm the hypothesis that cytokine removal from the blood should approach physiological levels in order to reduce endothelial cell activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PLGA microparticles loaded with three different fluorescent model drugs, fluorescein sodium (hydrophilic), sulforhodamine (amphoteric), and boron- dipyrromethene (BODIPY® 493/503, lipophilic), were prepared by the solvent evaporation technique. Due to varying hydrophilicity, the diameters of the microparticles ranged between 4.1 and 4.7 µm. According to fluorimetric analysis, the loading varied from 0.06 to 2.25 µg of the model drug per mg PLGA. In terms of the release profile, the fluorescein sodium-entrapped formulation exhibited thermo-responsive release kinetics. In the case of sulforhodamine- and BODIPY® 493/503-loaded particles, almost no release was observed, neither at 4°C nor 37°C during the first 50 hours. Furthermore, to estimate the bioadhesive properties of such drug delivery systems, the surface of the loaded particles was grafted with wheat germ agglutinin by applying the carbodiimide method. Cytoadhesion studies with Caco-2 monolayers revealed an up to 1.9-fold and 3.6-fold increase in the bioadhesion of the lectin-functionalized, model drug-loaded particles as compared to the albumin- and non-grafted microcarriers, respectively. All in all, the results clearly indicated that the lipophilicity of the polymer matching that of the drug favored entrapment, whereas mismatching impeded loading into the PLGA-microparticles. Even in the case of low loading, these delivery systems might be useful for the fluorescent detections and microscopic imaging of cellular interactions due to their fluorescent properties and lack of dye leakage. Moreover, lectin grafting can mediate bioadhesive properties to such particulate drug carriers which could be a promising approach to improve drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The aim of this work was the development of appropriate analytical methods and assays for determining and monitoring composition and degradation of nanoparticles built from PLGA (poly D, L-lactid-co-glycolid), which can be reloaded with different drugs. A sensitive and precise method for monitoring of nanoparticle degradation in vitro was developed and optimized. Nanoparticles allow a selective enrichment of different drugs and knowledge of the nature and type of their degradation is essential for characterization and control of drug release and dosage. Materials and methods. The first method developed during this work to quantify the PLGA polymer matrix use advantage of the chemical reaction of aliphatic carboxylic acids with ferric chloride (FeCl3) thus quantifying both degradation products of PLGA, lactic and glycol acids, at the same time. A second assay method of choice was to react to the polymer hydrolysate with lactate dehydrogenase, thus assaying selectively the lactic acid part. Results. During development of both of described methods was possible to determine dynamic range for PLGA matrix and nanoparticles, as well as to characterize impact of Pluronic F-68 and glycolic acid on lactate dehydrogenase activity. Conclusion. During our work we were able to develop two sensitive methods for monitoring of biodegradation of polymers which are consecutively used as a nanoparticle matrix in drug targeting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this project was to develop a rectal formulation of metyrapone suitable for application in an infant hospitalised with McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS)-related Cushing syndrome and to provide a detailed description of the formulation protocol including quality control parameters., Methods: Suppositories with a drug load of up to 100 mg metyrapone were prepared. Mass variation, content uniformity and drug release were analysed according to the guidelines set out by the European Pharmacopoeia. Monitoring of the drug content for 6 weeks allowed for estimation of the storage stability at 2-8°C., Results: A protocol for the reproducible preparation of suppositories with intended metyrapone content of 30-100 mg was established. The suppositories were well tolerated by the patient and the clinical outcome is promising. The suppository preparations complied with the regulations from the European Pharmacopoeia. Further, a stability of the rectal formulation of at least 1 month was confirmed, facilitating medication supply for home care., Conclusions: An adequate and easy to follow protocol for preparation of high-quality metyrapone suppositories, with sufficient stability for practical use and fulfilling major pharmaceutical quality parameters, was established. The protocol can be easily replicated by skilled personnel in a community pharmacy facilitating treatment of the infant in home care., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Importance: The use of intratympanically applied steroids is of increasing interest. Consequently, research has focused on finding an ideal drug that diffuses through the round window membrane and can be retained in the perilymph., Objective: To compare levels of triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) in perilymph and plasma after intratympanic injection., Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial included 40 patients receiving cochlear implants at a single tertiary care center in Vienna, Austria. Patients were randomized to 1 of 4 treatment groups receiving 1 of 2 intratympanic doses of TAC (10 mg/mL or 40 mg/mL) at 1 of 2 approximate time points (24 hours or 1 hour) before sampling the perilymph. Inclusion was carried out between November 2017 and January 2020, and data were analyzed in December 2020., Interventions: All patients underwent intratympanic injection of TAC. During cochlear implantation, perilymph and plasma were sampled for further analysis., Main Outcomes and Measures: Levels of TAC measured in perilymph and plasma., Results: Among the 37 patients (median [range] age, 57 [26-88] years; 18 [49%] men) included in the analysis, TAC was present at a median (range) level of 796.0 (46.4-7706.7) ng/mL. In the majority of patients (n = 29; 78%), no drug was detectable in the plasma after intratympanic injection. Levels above the limit of detection were less than 2.5 ng/mL. The 1-factorial analysis of variance model showed lower TAC levels in the group that received TAC, 10 mg/mL, 24 hours before surgery (median, 271 ng/mL) compared with the group that received TAC, 10 mg/mL, 1 hour before surgery (median, 2877 ng/mL), as well as in comparison with the groups receiving TAC, 40 mg/mL, 24 hours before surgery (median, 2150 ng/mL) and 1 hour before surgery (median, 939 ng/mL). The 2-factorial analysis of variance model showed lower TAC levels in the group receiving TAC, 10 mg/mL, 24 hours before surgery than the group receiving TAC, 10 mg/mL, 1 hour before surgery, and higher TAC levels in the group receiving TAC, 40 mg/mL, 24 hours before surgery compared with the group receiving TAC, 10 mg/mL, 24 hours before surgery. Patients with thickening of the middle ear had statistically significantly higher plasma levels (median, 1.4 ng/mL vs 0 ng/mL) and lower perilymph levels (median, 213.1 ng/mL vs 904 ng/mL) than individuals with unremarkable middle ear mucosa., Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial, TAC was shown to be a promising drug for intratympanic therapies, with similar levels in perilymph 1 hour and 24 hours after injection (distinctly in the groups receiving the 40 mg/mL dose). There was also minimal dissemination to the plasma, especially in patients with unremarkable middle ear mucosa., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03248856.

PLGA microparticles loaded with three different fluorescent model drugs, fluorescein sodium (hydrophilic), sulforhodamine (amphoteric), and boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY(®) 493/503, lipophilic), were prepared by the solvent evaporation technique. Due to varying hydrophilicity, the diameters of the microparticles ranged between 4.1 and 4.7 μm. According to fluorimetric analysis, the loading varied from 0.06 to 2.25 μg of the model drug per mg PLGA. In terms of the release profile, the fluorescein sodium-entrapped formulation exhibited thermo-responsive release kinetics. In the case of sulforhodamine- and BODIPY(®) 493/503-loaded particles, almost no release was observed, neither at 4°C nor 37°C during the first 50 hours. Furthermore, to estimate the bioadhesive properties of such drug delivery systems, the surface of the loaded particles was grafted with wheat germ agglutinin by applying the carbodiimide method. Cytoadhesion studies with Caco-2 monolayers revealed an up to 1.9-fold and 3.6-fold increase in the bioadhesion of the lectin-functionalized, model drug-loaded particles as compared to the albumin- and non-grafted microcarriers, respectively. All in all, the results clearly indicated that the lipophilicity of the polymer matching that of the drug favored entrapment, whereas mismatching impeded loading into the PLGA-microparticles. Even in the case of low loading, these delivery systems might be useful for the fluorescent detections and microscopic imaging of cellular interactions due to their fluorescent properties and lack of dye leakage. Moreover, lectin grafting can mediate bioadhesive properties to such particulate drug carriers which could be a promising approach to improve drug delivery.

Therapeutic and diagnostic carriers can be functionalized with active targeters to induce tissue-specific delivery. However, the possible impact of adsorbed steric stabilizer such as the frequently used poloxamers (Pluronics) on surface modification of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) particles has not been examined so far. Therefore, three model ligands of different molecular weights (653; 36,000; 155,000 g/mol) covering the size range of important targeters were conjugated to the surface of PLGA microparticles in the presence of different concentrations of Pluronic F68 (0.01-5%, w/v). Flow cytometry and fluorimetric quantification revealed for all tested ligands that high Pluronic concentrations decreased the coupling efficiency to a half or even one-third of that achieved in the absence of stabilizer. Moreover, the reduction strongly depends on the ligand size and its propensity for hydrophobic interactions. Apart from that, a high degree of particle aggregation was observed with Pluronic concentrations below 0.1% (w/v). Thus, a compromise has to be found, which combines sufficient stability with the best possible ligand coupling efficiency. For the studied system, 0.1% (w/v) turned out to be the optimum concentration of Pluronic F68.

Cryostorage media containing 1% of the non-ionic surfactant Poloxamer 188 provided full recovery of mammalian cells (Gonzalez Hernandez, 2006), but its effects during thawing of cryostored cells and proteolytic subcultivation are still unknown. In this study, the proliferation and viability of pre-confluent Caco-2 monolayers cultivated in media supplemented with the non-ionic surfactant were investigated. The addition of 0.5% Poloxamer 188 increased proliferation of subcultivated cells 1.5 fold and that of thawed cells about twofold. According to microaspiration experiments the non-ionic surfactant increased the tension of the cell membrane most notably at concentrations = 0.5% owing to adsorption and incorporation into the phospholipid bilayer. Thus, the performance of the cells appears to be improved. Since vitality of cells is a prerequisite for reproducibility and reliability of cell models for absorption studies at early stages of drug development, use of Poloxamer 188 supplemented cultivation media may help to refine cell culturing to further reduce animal trials in preclinical investigations.

It is estimated that 90% of all medicines are oral formulations and their market share is still increasing, due to sound advantages for the patient, the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare systems. Considering biopharmaceutical issues such as physicochemical requirements of the drug and physiological conditions, however, oral delivery is one of the most challenging routes. Recognising solubility, permeability and residence time in the gastrointestinal milieu as key parameters, different characteristics of drugs and their delivery systems such as size, pH, density, diffusion, swelling, adhesion, degradation and permeability can be adjusted to improve oral delivery. Future developments will focus on further improvement in patient compliance as well as the feasibility of administering biotech drugs via the oral route.