Pluronic F127 gels are proposed as an injectable barrier to prevent epidural scarring after spinal surgery. Rheological tests showed gelation of F127 above 17-18% concentration. Gels containing bovine serum albumin had lower elastic modulus than gels without. Dissolution tests found lower concentration gels dissolved faster when exposed to fluid. A system will be developed to test gel behavior under flow conditions mimicking the spinal region, using a 3D printed spine model and CT scan data. This will help determine if Pluronic gels can effectively serve as a post-surgery scar prevention barrier.
The document discusses tissue fixation and fixatives. It defines a fixative as a substance that prevents post-mortem changes and preserves the morphological and chemical characteristics of cells and tissues. The aims of fixation include preserving tissues as close to their living state as possible and preventing autolysis and bacterial attack. Common methods of fixation discussed are immersion, perfusion, heat, and vapor fixation. Types of fixatives covered include formaldehyde, alcohols, picric acid, mercuric chloride, and glutaraldehyde. Factors that influence fixation quality like fixation time and temperature are also addressed.
The document discusses trichrome staining, which is used in histopathology laboratories to differentiate collagen, muscle, and other tissues. It describes the most common uses in liver, renal, dermatology, cardiac, and muscle/nerve biopsies. The Masson's, Gomori One Step, Martius Scarlet Blue, and Mallory techniques are widely used. Collagen stains blue, muscle stains red, and elastin stains pink or yellow. Trichrome staining is useful for identifying fibrosis or changes in tissues.
Formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde are commonly used crosslinking fixatives that terminate biochemical reactions and preserve tissues from decay by creating covalent bonds between proteins. Different fixatives are chosen based on the target molecule - for example, frozen sections are used to preserve lipids, while alcoholic fixatives are used for glycogen fixation. The choice of fixative also depends on subsequent testing methods.
This document discusses various biomaterial fabrication techniques. It begins with an introduction to biomaterials and their uses. It then describes common materials used as biomaterials and the evolution of biomaterials. Several scaffold fabrication techniques are outlined, including solvent casting, melt molding, gas foaming, freeze drying, and fiber bonding. Limitations of these techniques are noted. Rapid prototyping and nanofabrication techniques that allow for more control and precision are also summarized.
The document discusses cell adhesion and migration. It outlines four classes of cell junctions: anchoring junctions, occluding junctions, channel-forming junctions, and signal-relaying junctions. Anchoring junctions like adherens junctions and desmosomes connect cells to each other and transmit stresses through connections to the cytoskeleton. Tight junctions form seals between cells and separate membrane domains. Cadherins are important cell adhesion molecules that mediate calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion through homophilic binding. Regulation of cadherins and other cell adhesion molecules controls processes like epithelial-mesenchymal transition that are important for tissue development and cancer metastasis.
Micro-encapsulation involves applying a thin coating of between 100-5000 microns to small particles or droplets to alter their properties. It has several advantages over tablet coating like converting liquids to solids, modifying surface properties, and allowing for wider distribution and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. However, no single microencapsulation process is suitable for all materials and it can be non-reproducible and economically limiting. Micro-encapsulation has applications in stabilizing core materials, separating reactive ingredients, and controlling release. Common microencapsulation processes include air suspension, coacervation, spray drying, polymerization, and pan coating.
* Treponema pallidum causes syphilis.
* A highly aneuploid tumor indicates genomic instability which is associated with increased aggressiveness and poor prognosis.
* Amyloid protein showing apple green birefringence under polarized light microscopy has clinical significance as it indicates amyloidosis.
* The signs ±, ± ± indicate the type of birefringence shown by substances under polarized light microscopy. ± indicates negative birefringence shown by uric acid while ± ± indicates positive birefringence shown by calcium pyrophosphate.
* Osmium tetroxide reacts with phospholipids in cell membranes, making them electron dense and visible under electron microscopy. This helps in better structural visualization of cells
This document discusses fixatives used in histopathology. It describes the process of fixation and how fixatives preserve tissue by denaturing or precipitating proteins. The ideal properties of a fixative are described, including preventing autolysis and allowing for staining. Common fixatives are classified and their mechanisms and uses are explained. Factors that affect fixation such as temperature, size, volume ratio, time, choice of fixative, and penetration are also summarized.
The document discusses tissue fixation and fixatives. It defines a fixative as a substance that prevents post-mortem changes and preserves the morphological and chemical characteristics of cells and tissues. The aims of fixation include preserving tissues as close to their living state as possible and preventing autolysis and bacterial attack. Common methods of fixation discussed are immersion, perfusion, heat, and vapor fixation. Types of fixatives covered include formaldehyde, alcohols, picric acid, mercuric chloride, and glutaraldehyde. Factors that influence fixation quality like fixation time and temperature are also addressed.
The document discusses trichrome staining, which is used in histopathology laboratories to differentiate collagen, muscle, and other tissues. It describes the most common uses in liver, renal, dermatology, cardiac, and muscle/nerve biopsies. The Masson's, Gomori One Step, Martius Scarlet Blue, and Mallory techniques are widely used. Collagen stains blue, muscle stains red, and elastin stains pink or yellow. Trichrome staining is useful for identifying fibrosis or changes in tissues.
Formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde are commonly used crosslinking fixatives that terminate biochemical reactions and preserve tissues from decay by creating covalent bonds between proteins. Different fixatives are chosen based on the target molecule - for example, frozen sections are used to preserve lipids, while alcoholic fixatives are used for glycogen fixation. The choice of fixative also depends on subsequent testing methods.
This document discusses various biomaterial fabrication techniques. It begins with an introduction to biomaterials and their uses. It then describes common materials used as biomaterials and the evolution of biomaterials. Several scaffold fabrication techniques are outlined, including solvent casting, melt molding, gas foaming, freeze drying, and fiber bonding. Limitations of these techniques are noted. Rapid prototyping and nanofabrication techniques that allow for more control and precision are also summarized.
The document discusses cell adhesion and migration. It outlines four classes of cell junctions: anchoring junctions, occluding junctions, channel-forming junctions, and signal-relaying junctions. Anchoring junctions like adherens junctions and desmosomes connect cells to each other and transmit stresses through connections to the cytoskeleton. Tight junctions form seals between cells and separate membrane domains. Cadherins are important cell adhesion molecules that mediate calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion through homophilic binding. Regulation of cadherins and other cell adhesion molecules controls processes like epithelial-mesenchymal transition that are important for tissue development and cancer metastasis.
Micro-encapsulation involves applying a thin coating of between 100-5000 microns to small particles or droplets to alter their properties. It has several advantages over tablet coating like converting liquids to solids, modifying surface properties, and allowing for wider distribution and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. However, no single microencapsulation process is suitable for all materials and it can be non-reproducible and economically limiting. Micro-encapsulation has applications in stabilizing core materials, separating reactive ingredients, and controlling release. Common microencapsulation processes include air suspension, coacervation, spray drying, polymerization, and pan coating.
* Treponema pallidum causes syphilis.
* A highly aneuploid tumor indicates genomic instability which is associated with increased aggressiveness and poor prognosis.
* Amyloid protein showing apple green birefringence under polarized light microscopy has clinical significance as it indicates amyloidosis.
* The signs ±, ± ± indicate the type of birefringence shown by substances under polarized light microscopy. ± indicates negative birefringence shown by uric acid while ± ± indicates positive birefringence shown by calcium pyrophosphate.
* Osmium tetroxide reacts with phospholipids in cell membranes, making them electron dense and visible under electron microscopy. This helps in better structural visualization of cells
This document discusses fixatives used in histopathology. It describes the process of fixation and how fixatives preserve tissue by denaturing or precipitating proteins. The ideal properties of a fixative are described, including preventing autolysis and allowing for staining. Common fixatives are classified and their mechanisms and uses are explained. Factors that affect fixation such as temperature, size, volume ratio, time, choice of fixative, and penetration are also summarized.
Merits and demerits of different fixativesRoohi1234
There are several types of fixatives that can be used to preserve tissue samples for histological examination, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Simple fixatives include formalin, glutaraldehyde, acrolein, potassium permanganate, and osmium tetroxide. Compound fixatives include Zenker's fluid and Bouin's fluid. Formalin is rapid but can lose concentration over time. Glutaraldehyde preserves enzymes but can cause shrinkage. Acrolein penetrates quickly but is highly toxic. Osmium tetroxide stains lipids well but is also toxic and slow penetrating. The choice of fixative depends on the specific structures and components needing preservation in the tissue sample.
High density chitosan membranes were produced via a novel manufacturing process involving casting, freezing, neutralizing, and applying compression and dehydration. The resulting membranes have densities as high as 1.6 g/cm3 and superior physical properties compared to commercial collagen membranes. They exhibit biocompatibility and are resorbable in vivo, demonstrating potential as surgical barrier membranes, tissue scaffolds, wound dressings, or drug delivery devices.
This document provides an overview of microencapsulation and microencapsulation drug delivery systems (MDDS). It discusses various microencapsulation processes including coacervation, solvent evaporation, polymer-polymer incompatibility, interfacial polymerization, and in situ polymerization. It also covers characterization techniques, drug release measurement methods, applications of microencapsulation in drug delivery and recent research advances in the field.
Introduction
Why do we need plasticizers?
Mechanism of action of plasticizers
Properties of plasticizers
Classification of plasticizers
Selection of plasticizers
Effect of plasticizer on permeability of film.
Effect of plasticizer on mechanical properties of film.
Effect on residual internal stress.
Effect of plasticizers on release rates of drug.
Texture of plasticized films.
Limitations.
Conclusion.
This document provides an overview of microencapsulation including its classification, fundamental considerations, morphology, coating materials, reasons for use, release mechanisms, techniques, evaluation, applications, and disadvantages. Microencapsulation involves enclosing solids, liquids, or gases in microscopic particles with thin coatings to form microparticles, microcapsules, or microspheres ranging from 100-5000 microns. It allows for controlled release, masking of tastes, and protection of unstable or volatile materials. Common techniques include coacervation, pan coating, spray drying, solvent evaporation, and polymerization.
Microencapsulation is a process where tiny particles or droplets of a core material are surrounded by a coating to form capsules in the micrometer to millimeter range called microcapsules. Various techniques are used to produce microcapsules including air suspension, pan coating, coacervation, spray drying, solvent evaporation, and polymerization. Microencapsulation offers advantages like taste masking, sustained release, and protection of materials. Microcapsules find applications in pharmaceuticals for controlled drug delivery and replacement of non-orally administered drugs. Some marketed formulations that use microencapsulation technology include Lupin Cefadroxil, ZORprin CR, and Glipizide SR.
Microencapsulation is a process in which tiny particles or droplets are surrounded by a coating to give small capsules, of many useful properties. In general, it is used to incorporate food ingredients, enzymes, cells or other materials on a micro metric scale.
Microencapsulation involves coating solid, liquid, or gaseous active ingredients within thin polymeric coatings to produce microcapsules 1-1000 microns in size. It offers several advantages including protecting active ingredients, controlling release rates, and masking tastes/odors. Common techniques include solvent evaporation, pan coating, spray drying, and polymerization. Coacervation involves separating a hydrocolloid coating from solution and depositing it around active ingredient droplets. Microencapsulation has applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and other industries by improving product shelf life, stability and delivery properties.
I give this lecture in the Cell Biology and Genetics course for first-year veterinary students. The core material comes from Alberts' Molecular Biology of the Cell, Fifth Edition. I have added multiple clinical examples, both human and veterinary.
“It is define has an substance or Pharmaceutical material is encapsulated over the surface of solid, droplet of liquid and dispersion of medium is known has Microencapsulation”
Microencapsulation may be defined as the packaging technology of solids, liquid or gaseous material with thin polymeric coatings, forming small particles called microcapsules .
coacervation-phase separation technique in micro encapsulation Tejaswini Naredla
This document discusses the coacervation-phase separation technique for microencapsulation. It begins by introducing microencapsulation and listing several techniques. It then describes coacervation-phase separation in more detail, explaining that it involves separating a solution into three immiscible phases to deposit a coating material onto a core material. The document outlines the three main steps of this process: forming the three phases, depositing the coating material, and rigidizing the coating. It provides examples of techniques used in coacervation-phase separation like temperature change, incompatible polymer addition, and salt addition. In conclusion, it states this technique is used to sustain drug release and stabilize oxidation among other purposes.
This document presents research on developing compatible cellulose and cellulose blended membranes using a novel solvent system. The objectives are to review previous work, develop cellulose blend membranes, and characterize the new membranes. Cellulose was blended with soy protein in solution and cast to make non-porous blend membranes. The blend membranes were characterized through SEM, TGA, XRD, and tensile testing. The soy protein blend membranes showed improved strength and water absorbency over pure cellulose membranes. Future work includes making blend fibers and cross-linking membranes to prevent degradation in water. The solvent system allows functional blend membranes to be produced from cellulose and other biopolymers like starch, chitosan and proteins.
The document presents information on microencapsulation including definitions, reasons for microencapsulation, release mechanisms, coating materials and their properties, manufacturing techniques such as air suspension coating and coacervation, and applications. Microencapsulation is described as applying a thin coating to small particles or droplets to form microcapsules or microspheres ranging from less than one micron to several hundred microns in size. Common techniques for manufacturing microencapsulates include physical methods like pan coating and spray drying as well as chemical processes like solvent evaporation and polymerization.
Self-healing dental polymer:mechanism and uses in dentistry.
This presentation discusses briefly the definition ,mechanism and uses of self-healing polymers in dentistry.
This document discusses microencapsulation in pharmacy. It defines microencapsulation as enclosing solids, liquids, or gases in microscopic particles by forming thin coatings around them. Reasons for microencapsulation include isolation, controlled release, and masking tastes/odors. Key considerations in microencapsulation are the core and coating materials, as well as the encapsulation method used. Common methods described are coacervation, spray drying, pan coating, solvent evaporation, and extrusion. The document outlines various polymers, core materials, and mechanisms that can be used for microencapsulation and controlled drug delivery.
Micro-encapsulation involves enclosing solids, liquids, or gases within microscopic particles coated with thin walls. It allows for controlled release of substances like drugs. Various methods are used including air suspension, coacervation, and spray drying. Coacervation involves separating a coating material from solution to form liquid droplets that coat core materials. This process protects substances and allows targeted, timed delivery for applications like pharmaceuticals.
The document discusses threats to the internet infrastructure from physical problems, routing vulnerabilities, and business conflicts. Physical problems include natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes damaging submarine cables, while routing vulnerabilities involve misconfigurations and hijacking of traffic. Recent examples are provided, such as earthquakes in Taiwan in 2006 severing submarine cables and affecting internet connectivity for parts of Asia. Building redundancy into the network infrastructure is suggested to mitigate against these threats.
Spirit Airlines is a low-cost carrier founded in 1980 that flies to 36 destinations in North America, South America, and the Caribbean. It operates Airbus aircraft from its headquarters in Miramar, Florida, with a focus on providing affordable fares while maintaining reliable service. Customers can save money through membership clubs that provide rewards and discounts on flights and additional services like baggage, parking, and vacation packages that combine airfare with hotels and car rentals.
Merits and demerits of different fixativesRoohi1234
There are several types of fixatives that can be used to preserve tissue samples for histological examination, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Simple fixatives include formalin, glutaraldehyde, acrolein, potassium permanganate, and osmium tetroxide. Compound fixatives include Zenker's fluid and Bouin's fluid. Formalin is rapid but can lose concentration over time. Glutaraldehyde preserves enzymes but can cause shrinkage. Acrolein penetrates quickly but is highly toxic. Osmium tetroxide stains lipids well but is also toxic and slow penetrating. The choice of fixative depends on the specific structures and components needing preservation in the tissue sample.
High density chitosan membranes were produced via a novel manufacturing process involving casting, freezing, neutralizing, and applying compression and dehydration. The resulting membranes have densities as high as 1.6 g/cm3 and superior physical properties compared to commercial collagen membranes. They exhibit biocompatibility and are resorbable in vivo, demonstrating potential as surgical barrier membranes, tissue scaffolds, wound dressings, or drug delivery devices.
This document provides an overview of microencapsulation and microencapsulation drug delivery systems (MDDS). It discusses various microencapsulation processes including coacervation, solvent evaporation, polymer-polymer incompatibility, interfacial polymerization, and in situ polymerization. It also covers characterization techniques, drug release measurement methods, applications of microencapsulation in drug delivery and recent research advances in the field.
Introduction
Why do we need plasticizers?
Mechanism of action of plasticizers
Properties of plasticizers
Classification of plasticizers
Selection of plasticizers
Effect of plasticizer on permeability of film.
Effect of plasticizer on mechanical properties of film.
Effect on residual internal stress.
Effect of plasticizers on release rates of drug.
Texture of plasticized films.
Limitations.
Conclusion.
This document provides an overview of microencapsulation including its classification, fundamental considerations, morphology, coating materials, reasons for use, release mechanisms, techniques, evaluation, applications, and disadvantages. Microencapsulation involves enclosing solids, liquids, or gases in microscopic particles with thin coatings to form microparticles, microcapsules, or microspheres ranging from 100-5000 microns. It allows for controlled release, masking of tastes, and protection of unstable or volatile materials. Common techniques include coacervation, pan coating, spray drying, solvent evaporation, and polymerization.
Microencapsulation is a process where tiny particles or droplets of a core material are surrounded by a coating to form capsules in the micrometer to millimeter range called microcapsules. Various techniques are used to produce microcapsules including air suspension, pan coating, coacervation, spray drying, solvent evaporation, and polymerization. Microencapsulation offers advantages like taste masking, sustained release, and protection of materials. Microcapsules find applications in pharmaceuticals for controlled drug delivery and replacement of non-orally administered drugs. Some marketed formulations that use microencapsulation technology include Lupin Cefadroxil, ZORprin CR, and Glipizide SR.
Microencapsulation is a process in which tiny particles or droplets are surrounded by a coating to give small capsules, of many useful properties. In general, it is used to incorporate food ingredients, enzymes, cells or other materials on a micro metric scale.
Microencapsulation involves coating solid, liquid, or gaseous active ingredients within thin polymeric coatings to produce microcapsules 1-1000 microns in size. It offers several advantages including protecting active ingredients, controlling release rates, and masking tastes/odors. Common techniques include solvent evaporation, pan coating, spray drying, and polymerization. Coacervation involves separating a hydrocolloid coating from solution and depositing it around active ingredient droplets. Microencapsulation has applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and other industries by improving product shelf life, stability and delivery properties.
I give this lecture in the Cell Biology and Genetics course for first-year veterinary students. The core material comes from Alberts' Molecular Biology of the Cell, Fifth Edition. I have added multiple clinical examples, both human and veterinary.
“It is define has an substance or Pharmaceutical material is encapsulated over the surface of solid, droplet of liquid and dispersion of medium is known has Microencapsulation”
Microencapsulation may be defined as the packaging technology of solids, liquid or gaseous material with thin polymeric coatings, forming small particles called microcapsules .
coacervation-phase separation technique in micro encapsulation Tejaswini Naredla
This document discusses the coacervation-phase separation technique for microencapsulation. It begins by introducing microencapsulation and listing several techniques. It then describes coacervation-phase separation in more detail, explaining that it involves separating a solution into three immiscible phases to deposit a coating material onto a core material. The document outlines the three main steps of this process: forming the three phases, depositing the coating material, and rigidizing the coating. It provides examples of techniques used in coacervation-phase separation like temperature change, incompatible polymer addition, and salt addition. In conclusion, it states this technique is used to sustain drug release and stabilize oxidation among other purposes.
This document presents research on developing compatible cellulose and cellulose blended membranes using a novel solvent system. The objectives are to review previous work, develop cellulose blend membranes, and characterize the new membranes. Cellulose was blended with soy protein in solution and cast to make non-porous blend membranes. The blend membranes were characterized through SEM, TGA, XRD, and tensile testing. The soy protein blend membranes showed improved strength and water absorbency over pure cellulose membranes. Future work includes making blend fibers and cross-linking membranes to prevent degradation in water. The solvent system allows functional blend membranes to be produced from cellulose and other biopolymers like starch, chitosan and proteins.
The document presents information on microencapsulation including definitions, reasons for microencapsulation, release mechanisms, coating materials and their properties, manufacturing techniques such as air suspension coating and coacervation, and applications. Microencapsulation is described as applying a thin coating to small particles or droplets to form microcapsules or microspheres ranging from less than one micron to several hundred microns in size. Common techniques for manufacturing microencapsulates include physical methods like pan coating and spray drying as well as chemical processes like solvent evaporation and polymerization.
Self-healing dental polymer:mechanism and uses in dentistry.
This presentation discusses briefly the definition ,mechanism and uses of self-healing polymers in dentistry.
This document discusses microencapsulation in pharmacy. It defines microencapsulation as enclosing solids, liquids, or gases in microscopic particles by forming thin coatings around them. Reasons for microencapsulation include isolation, controlled release, and masking tastes/odors. Key considerations in microencapsulation are the core and coating materials, as well as the encapsulation method used. Common methods described are coacervation, spray drying, pan coating, solvent evaporation, and extrusion. The document outlines various polymers, core materials, and mechanisms that can be used for microencapsulation and controlled drug delivery.
Micro-encapsulation involves enclosing solids, liquids, or gases within microscopic particles coated with thin walls. It allows for controlled release of substances like drugs. Various methods are used including air suspension, coacervation, and spray drying. Coacervation involves separating a coating material from solution to form liquid droplets that coat core materials. This process protects substances and allows targeted, timed delivery for applications like pharmaceuticals.
The document discusses threats to the internet infrastructure from physical problems, routing vulnerabilities, and business conflicts. Physical problems include natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes damaging submarine cables, while routing vulnerabilities involve misconfigurations and hijacking of traffic. Recent examples are provided, such as earthquakes in Taiwan in 2006 severing submarine cables and affecting internet connectivity for parts of Asia. Building redundancy into the network infrastructure is suggested to mitigate against these threats.
Spirit Airlines is a low-cost carrier founded in 1980 that flies to 36 destinations in North America, South America, and the Caribbean. It operates Airbus aircraft from its headquarters in Miramar, Florida, with a focus on providing affordable fares while maintaining reliable service. Customers can save money through membership clubs that provide rewards and discounts on flights and additional services like baggage, parking, and vacation packages that combine airfare with hotels and car rentals.
Syed Babar Hussain has over 8 years of experience in marketing, business development, strategic planning, brand management, and channel management in Dubai, UAE. He is currently the Assistant Channel Marketing Manager at The New Store LLC, where he develops brand plans, manages supply chain and logistics, and supports boutique stores. Previously he held roles as Strategic Customer Executive and Key Accounts Executive, where he negotiated promotions, managed key retailer accounts, and expanded product listings. He holds an MBA in Marketing Management and a BBA in Marketing.
La Cura, Erbe Indisciplinate, presentazione di benvenuto, frameSalvatore Iaconesi
La presentazione di Erbe Indisciplinate, il Sabato, per dare il benvenuto e stabilire il frame del workshop.
Maggiori informazioni qui:
http://la-cura.it/2016/04/22/report-da-erbe-indisciplinate/
Este documento discute el rol del profesor como curador de contenidos digitales. Explica que un curador digital selecciona y organiza información relevante de una manera original para compartirla. También analiza cómo la figura del curador es necesaria en contextos educativos modernos para mediar entre la información disponible y facilitar el aprendizaje. Finalmente, presenta ejemplos concretos de cómo los profesores pueden usar herramientas digitales para construir entornos personales de aprendizaje para sus estudiantes.
The Communist Party of China uses the country's mass media as a propaganda tool to promote social stability and the party's agenda. The CCP censors the media through tactics like fines, demotions, imprisonment and closing outlets. The government also restricts information online through blocking websites and canceling searches. In 1989, student protests in Tiananmen Square calling for democratic reforms were violently suppressed by the military, resulting in hundreds or possibly over a thousand deaths. The government continues censoring information about this event.
Dokumen tersebut merupakan analisis penerapan standar pengelolaan pendidikan di Madrasah Tsanawiyah Uswatun Hasanah. Dibahas mengenai visi, misi, tujuan, rencana kerja, struktur organisasi, pelaksanaan kegiatan, pengawasan evaluasi, dan akreditasi sekolah sesuai dengan Permendiknas Nomor 19 Tahun 2007."
Managing Risks in Large Solar Energy ProjectsRick Borry
Large renewable energy projects require substantial capital investments, and depend on predictable, long-term cash flows in order to provide investor returns that can attract that capital. Developers, operators and investors should understand the risks, and how to mitigate them.
Key questions that will be addressed in this insightful webinar include:
What are the risks in renewable energy projects, and to which party can they be assigned?
How can risks be managed, and at what cost?
Which risks can be eliminated?
Join us with energy risk expert, Christopher Lohmann , VP of Alternative Energy Solutions, Energi, Inc., to learn more as he shares insights and experiences on this essential topic.
Pink Solar Energy Storage - Best Practice - Horst Striessnig 2013-06-11Sekem Energy
Horst Striessnig introducing Pink storage technologies and the ADA project - Solar thermal energy demonstration plant at SEKEM's main farm near Belbeis - presentation held at Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development
This document contains a summary of an individual's skills, work history, education, and interests. The individual has over 5 years of experience in customer service roles in the hotel and restaurant industries, including as a receptionist, order taker, salesperson, waiter, and cashier. They have strong computer, communication, and customer service skills, and education includes a bachelor's degree in tourism and hotels as well as various certificates in IT, accounting, nutrition, and English.
Javier Guallar. El bibliotecari com a content curator (I) Javier Guallar
Este documento describe el concepto de curación de contenidos y el rol del bibliotecario como curador de contenidos. Explica que la curación de contenidos implica buscar, seleccionar y compartir de forma continua el contenido más relevante de diversas fuentes sobre un tema específico. También destaca que aunque la curación de contenidos no es nueva para los bibliotecarios, la versión digital requiere mayor valor añadido y comunicación con la audiencia.
This document provides an overview of nanogels for drug delivery applications. It defines nanogels as nanosized polymer networks that swell in solvent. Nanogels have properties like biocompatibility and drug loading capacity. They can be administered via various routes and classified based on responsive behavior or linkage type. The document discusses synthesis, characterization, and applications of nanogels in cancer treatment, ophthalmic use, and more. Nanogels are a promising drug delivery system due to abilities like controlled drug release and delivery of therapeutics to targeted sites.
The document describes a proposed research project to develop and evaluate a fluoxetine hydrochloride nasal in situ gel drug delivery system. The objectives are to improve the bioavailability of fluoxetine and reduce its unwanted toxic effects by providing controlled drug release through a thermoreversible nasal gel. The plan of work involves preformulation studies, preparation and evaluation of in situ nasal gels, and in vitro and permeation studies to characterize drug release and gel properties. If successful, the nasal gel could reduce first-pass metabolism and side effects compared to oral administration of fluoxetine hydrochloride.
In situ gelling system for drug deliveryAhmad Shaddad
This document discusses in situ gel drug delivery systems. It defines in situ gels as drug delivery systems that are in solution form before administration but gelate inside the body. The gelation is triggered by factors like temperature, pH, ions, or UV exposure. This allows sustained drug release. In situ gels provide benefits like ease of use, improved bioavailability, and patient compliance. The document then categorizes and describes different types of in situ gel systems and polymers used to make them, providing examples of their use in oral, nasal, ocular, rectal/vaginal, and parental applications.
Polidocanol endovenous microfoam (PEM) and physician-compounded foams (PCFs) were tested to compare their bubble size distributions, stability, and degradation rates. PEM was found to have a narrower bubble size distribution with no large bubbles compared to PCFs. PEM also had a lower degradation rate and longer dwell time in a model vein than PCFs, indicating greater stability. Testing showed PEM provides more consistent properties than PCFs for treating varicose veins.
Nanogels are innovative drug delivery system that can play an integral part in pointing out many issues related to old and modern courses of treatment such as nonspecific effects and poor stability.
A poloxamer /chitosan in situ forming gel with prolonged retention time for o...veeranna-bhukya
The document summarizes research on developing an in-situ forming ocular gel made of poloxamer and chitosan polymers for prolonged drug retention time. Key points:
- A poloxamer/chitosan gel was formulated to be liquid at instillation and undergo sol-gel transition in the eye cul-de-sac. Rheological tests showed the gel had elastic properties at ocular surface temperature.
- In vitro tests found the gel had appropriate gelation temperature and increased mechanical strength and mucoadhesion over poloxamer alone.
- In vivo scintigraphy on human volunteers showed the gel remained in contact with the cornea longer (65% at 2 min) than saline control
Application Of Polymer In Controlled Release FormulationAnindya Jana
Polymers are becoming increasingly important in the field of drug delivery. The pharmaceutical applications of polymers range from their use as binders in tablets to viscosity and flow controlling agents in liquids, suspensions and emulsions. Polymers can be used as film coatings to disguise the unpleasant taste of a drug, to enhance drug stability and to modify drug release characteristics.
As a consequence, increasing attention has been focused on methods of giving drugs continually for a prolonged time periods and in a controlled fashion.
This technology now spans many fields and includes pharmaceutical, food and agricultural applications, pesticides, cosmetics, and household products.
Tissue engineering uses scaffolds, cells, and signaling molecules to regenerate tissues and organs. Scaffolds provide a structure for cell attachment, growth, and tissue formation. Natural polymers like collagen and hyaluronic acid, and synthetic polymers like poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid are commonly used as scaffold materials. Scaffolds can be fabricated using various methods including freeze drying, electrospinning, 3D printing, and textile technologies to produce scaffolds with desirable properties like porosity and pore size for tissue growth. Scaffolds seeded with stem cells or tissue-specific cells aim to repair and regenerate tissues for applications in skin, bone, cartilage, and other organs.
Dr. Mehrdad Rafat developed PEG-PLA microparticles for encapsulating and delivering Tat-EGFP to retinal cells. The microparticles provided an initial rapid release within 24 hours followed by sustained release. They were injected subretinally into rabbit eyes and showed uptake in retinal cells without toxicity. Dr. Rafat's future goals include replacing Tat-EGFP with XIAP to treat retinal diseases and conducting more animal tests before human trials.
Design and Evaluation of Ion Induced in Situ Gel formulation For Levofloxacin...inventionjournals
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention (IJPSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Pahrmaceutical Science. IJPSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
This study aimed to create a biomaterial scaffold that releases the osteogenic drug dexamethasone to dental pulp stem cells sitting on its surface to produce osteoblasts for bone regeneration. Polyurethane and PLDLA scaffolds were synthesized with PF127 and gelatin hydrogels loaded with dexamethasone to create a drug delivery mechanism. Results showed the hydrogels' drug release rates could be controlled and successfully integrated into scaffolds, but the hydrogel rapidly dissolved in cell media, suggesting a cross-linker is needed to improve cell compatibility by stronger attachment to the scaffold.
Synthesis and Utility of Starch Based Polymers- A Short Reviewiosrjce
IOSR Journal of Applied Chemistry (IOSR-JAC) is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal that provides rapid publication (within a month) of articles in all areas of applied chemistry and its applications. The journal welcomes publications of high quality papers on theoretical developments and practical applications in Chemical Science. Original research papers, state-of-the-art reviews, and high quality technical notes are invited for publications.
This document is a cover letter and manuscript submission to the European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The manuscript examines how plasticizers impact the properties and drug release of polymer films loaded with poorly water-soluble drug nanoparticles. Specifically, it investigates the effect of plasticizer type and concentration on film mechanical properties and dissolution rate, while also evaluating the impact on drug particle stability and content uniformity. The results show that film mechanical properties can be adjusted with plasticizer alone with minimal effect on drug release or other properties.
This document summarizes evidence on different types of dialysis membranes. It finds:
1) High-flux membranes are recommended to remove molecules like beta-2 microglobulin and may provide survival benefits for some groups. Synthetic membranes are preferred over cellulosic due to better biocompatibility.
2) The HEMO and MPO studies found mortality benefits for high-flux membranes in some subgroups, like those on dialysis over 3.7 years or with low albumin. However, benefits are unclear overall.
3) High-flux membranes clear beta-2 microglobulin better and may reduce amyloid deposits, though amyloidosis is declining overall. Benefits of biocompatibility are uncertain.
This document discusses immobilization of biomolecules on biomaterial surfaces. It begins by explaining that biomaterials must have suitable bulk and surface properties to function in biological environments. Common approaches involve fabricating materials with adequate bulk properties, then modifying the surface to enhance biocompatibility. The document then discusses various biomolecules that can be immobilized on surfaces like proteins, peptides, polysaccharides and describes techniques for covalent and non-covalent immobilization. Specific examples of immobilizing collagen, RGD peptide, hyaluronic acid and other biomolecules on scaffolds are provided to support tissue engineering applications.
Royal jelly accelerates recovery from oral mucositisBee Healthy Farms
Great news for cancer patients who suffer from oral mucositis. However, individuals undergoing this type of intense therapy also need to consume large quantities of propolis to protect their weakened immune system.
This document discusses barriers to ocular drug delivery. It describes both static and dynamic biological barriers that prevent drugs from reaching targeted ocular tissues. The major static barriers are the cornea, conjunctiva, blood-aqueous barrier, and efflux pumps. The cornea is the most impermeable barrier due to tight junctions between epithelial cells. The conjunctiva is more permeable but presents barriers like tear production and drainage. Dynamic barriers include tear drainage through nasolacrimal ducts within minutes of instillation, reducing drug bioavailability in the eye. Overcoming these barriers is challenging but critical for effective ocular drug delivery.
This document provides an overview of nanogels including their classification, properties, synthesis methods, and applications. It discusses how nanogels are nanosized hydrogel particles formed by crosslinking hydrophilic polymers. They can be stimuli-responsive or non-responsive. Methods for synthesizing nanogels include photolithography, membrane emulsification, chemical crosslinking, and polymerization. Nanogels show potential for drug and gene delivery in applications such as cancer treatment, wound healing, and more due to their biocompatibility and ability to encapsulate and release therapeutic agents.
This document presents a formulation and evaluation of aceclofenac proniosome-loaded orabase for the management of dental pain. Key points include:
- Aceclofenac-loaded proniosomes were prepared using the coacervation phase separation method and characterized. Span 60-containing formulations showed the highest drug entrapment.
- Optimized proniosomal gels were incorporated into an orabase base to develop an aceclofenac-loaded proniosomal orabase.
- In vitro and ex vivo studies showed the proniosomal orabase provided prolonged drug release over 14 hours and higher permeation across buccal mucosa compared to a plain drug-loaded orabase.
1. Development and Analysis of Pluronic Gels For Scar Prevention
Kayla Hom, Dominic Patrizio, Dale Sugimoto
Chemical and Molecular Engineering Program, Stony Brook University
Abstract
After a lumbar laminectomy or microdiscectomy, cell proliferation from damaged muscle tissue in the area
surrounding the spinal column may result in epidural fibrosis and scar tissue adhesions, leading to intense pain and
adversely affecting quality of postoperative life. Epidural fibrosis may, however, be prevented by the insertion of a
material at the surgical site that physically blocks cell proliferation. Previous research has shown promising results
with gelatin gels and semipermeable membranes.
We suggest that Pluronic F127 gels could have greater relevance due to their injectability and
biodegradability. It is also a non-cell-adhesive, non-cytotoxic material that is liquid below physiological
temperatures and exhibits a cubic micellar gel structure above approximately 21˚C. Thus, Pluronic F127 gels could
be used for post-surgery application as a barrier for scar formation prevention. For this purpose, gel properties and
behavior were analyzed in conditions mimicking in vivo interactions.
Rheological measurements of the elastic moduli of F127 gels prepared in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) at
37˚C showed that a concentration greater than approximately 17-wt% is critical for gelation. Furthermore, gels
containing additional entrained protein showed that the concentration of entrained protein is a critical factor for
determining gel integrity and elasticity.
Gel dissolution tests demonstrated that regardless of volume of the fluid added and time elapsed, lower
concentrations of F127 gels (20-25%) dissolved faster when in contact with PBS than 30% gels, which swelled up to
twice their original volume before deteriorating. The dissolution efficiency depends mostly on the volume to liquid
contact surface area of the gel. Rheological measurement conducted after s welling showed lower elastic moduli than
control measurements on untreated control gel.
Using data extrapolated from CT scans and a 3D spine model, we plan to create a system in which to
conduct a tangential flow test using a gel volume, fluid flow, and surface area comparable to conditions present in
the area of interest.
Keywords: pluronic, controlled release, post-discectomy syndrome, microdiscectomy, epidural scarring, spinal cord, responsive
polymers
Introduction
In a laminectomy, or decompression surgery, the back part of the vertebra that covers the spinal
canal, known as a lamina, is removed. This enlarges the spinal canal in order to relieve pressure on the
spinal cord. This pressure is often the result of bony growths, which may occur in the case of arthritis.
However, a complication may occur in which epidural scar tissue grows into the gap caused by
removal of the lamina, potentially adhering to spinal nerve roots. This causes severe pain, resulting in
what is known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, or FBSS.1
As the purpose of the surgery is to remove pain and relieve pressure, this is a major problem. It is
necessary, then, to find a way to mitigate or eliminate the growth of scar tissue adhesions within the
spinal column.
The simplest and most obvious solution to this problem is to fill the gap caused by a laminectomy
with a material that physically blocks cell proliferation. Research into this option has been carried out
using gelatin gels and semipermeable membranes.2
We decided to look at Pluronic F127 as a relevant alternative. Pluronic F127 has several
physiologically and structurally relevant properties, as it is non-cell-adhesive, non-cytotoxic, and gels at
body temperature above concentrations of approximately 18 wt% in solution. Pluronic F127 is a member
of a family of polymer materials known as poloxamers, with BASF-produced poloxamers known as a
Pluronics. These materials consist of A-B-A triblock copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide,
and are used as antifoaming agents, wetting agents, dispersants, thickeners, and emulsifiers.3
Pluronics
form micelles in solution above a Critical Micellar Concentration (CMC). As A-B-A triblock copolymers
2. in the form of PEO-PPO-PEO, pluronics isolate their hydrophobic PPO blocks from a polar solvent (e.g.
water, cell media, PBS, etc.) while exposing hydrophilic PEO blocks.
This means that Pluronic F127 will form a micellar gel in the body after injection, creating a
barrier to which cells cannot attach within an occupied space. Furthermore, because Pluronic F127 gels as
a result of weak interactions between extra-micellar PEO chains, the barrier it forms will be semi-
permanent, blocking cell proliferation for a sufficient amount of time, but dissolving more quickly than
other options. This could provide a significant advantage over traditional crosslinked hydrogels or
semipermeable membranes, which may remain in the body indefinitely.
In short, we see Pluronic F127 gels as a non-cell-adhesive, non-cytotoxic material that could be
loaded into the vertebral column post-surgery, forming a semi-permanent barrier in place of the lamina to
prevent epidural scarring and adhesions. If developed, such a gel would prevent epidural scarring by
blocking cell proliferation within the area without killing damaged tissues present at the surgical site.
As such, we have developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Pluronic F127 gel
formulation and have conducted tests on Pluronic F127 gels created using those SOPs. These tests include
measurement of the elastic modulus, G’, of gels in PBS, measurement of G’ with Bovine Serum Albumin
(BSA) added to the gel, gel dissolution, dissolution of a dye contained within the gel, and dissolution rate
of gels in a tangential flow system created based on conditions and spacing evident in a 3D printed model
based on the CT of a spine.
Literature
In order to determine a material for post-surgery scar tissue prevention and drug delivery, we
need a non-cell-adhesive, non-cytotoxic material. Given the properties indicated in the literature, we
believe that Pluronic F127 is a viable option for post-surgery scar tissue prevention in the spinal column.
Pluronic F127, also known as Poloxamer 407, is an FDA-approved material currently used in a
variety of personal care products and pharmaceuticals, including cosmetics, contact lens cleaning
solutions, and mouthwash.4
Research involving Pluronic F127 has explored several novel applications,
many of which involve injection and drug delivery.
In Evaluation of the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/pluronic F127 for injection laryngoplasty in
rabbits, Lee et.al. tested the biocompatibility of PLGA/Pluronic F127 solutions in the vocal fold through
injection in rabbits. Results showed that not only did every rabbit survive the injection, but also none
showed an inflammatory response to the PLGA/Pluronic F127 solution.5
For our purposes, this serves to
highlight the safety and viability of Pluronic F127 gels as an injectable material.
In The effect of physiologically relevant additives on the rheological properties of concentrated
Pluronic copolymer gels, Jiang et. al. tested the effect of various additives on the elastic (G’) and viscous
(G’’) moduli of Pluronic F127 gels. Their work shows that the presence of salts may affect the elastic and
viscous moduli of the gels.6
This is a potential problem, as it suggests that introduction of the gels into the
body could effectively decrease their integrity by exposing them to certain salts. However, since we are
conducting our tests in media, we expect that differences in gel elasticity and integrity between our gels
and the final gels will be minimal.
3. Figure 1. Two examples of salts, NaCl and CaCl2, and how their concentration affects the elastic modulus of pluronic.[4]
In Gels of Pluronic F127 and nonionic surfactants from rheological characterization to
controlled drug permeation, Antunes et.al. added vesicles to the pluronic as a transdermal drug delivery
vehicle and tested the rheological effects by using a rheometer to measure the elastic and viscous moduli.7
They observed that, at lower temperatures, the mixture behaved as a Newtonian fluid, characteristic of a
micellar gel, and transitioned to a cubic phase at higher temperatures, where viscosity and shear rate
appeared to have an inverse relationship. They also stated that thermal gelation was weak but observable
at 15%, becoming more clearly visible at 18%. Antunes et. al, also concluded that the presence of
amphiphiles in the polymer network enhances network strength, possibly due to the polymer–vesicle
hydrophobic association. Hydrophobic association between hydrophobic segments of the polymer and
vesicles caused the rheological response of the mixed polymer–surfactant system to be more solid-like
than polymer alone systems. They concluded that this effect could be related to an increase of density of
active links present in the polymer network.
4. Figure 2. Comparison of the different moduli of each sample made. [5]
As Antunes et. al. suggested that polymer-vesicle systems increased the storage modulus and the
density of active links in the system, vesicles, or other additives with similar interactions, are a potential
means to increase the integrity of our gels, and may slow degradation in the body.
Since the gel will be placed within the vertebral column, sterility of the gel is vital. In Evaluation
of the Effect of a Gamma Irradiated DBM-Pluronic F127 Composite on Bone Regeneration in Wistar
Rat, Kayal et. al. sterilized Pluronic mixtures through gamma irradiation. However, since gamma
irradiation caused the modulus of the gel to change slightly and Cobalt-60 is unavailable to us, this
method of sterilization has limited relevance.8
In Controlled Release of High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid from Molecularly Imprinted
Hydrogel Contact Lenses Ali and Bern performed tests to aid in development of hydrogel-based contact
lenses made from high weight hyaluronic acid.9
standing liquid swelling tests were among what they
performed. They chose this kind of test due to the environment contact lenses experience; continuous
contact with liquid for several hours at a time.
Our gel is also going to be surrounded by bodily fluids for its entire lifetime, so performing tests
similar to that which Ali and Bern carried out can help determine how well our gel will function in the
vertebral column. Our desired environment also has potential for flow, so not only standing liquid tests,
but flow tests could be performed as well.
In Prevention of Epidural Scarring After Microdiscectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Comparing Gel and Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Membrane Gerd et. al. ran clinical trials on two
5. different methods of post-discectomy scar prevention. The two materials were ADCON-L Gel (ALG)
Preclude Spinal Membrane (PSM).2
They had a trial size of 31 subjects, where after discectomy, one of
the two implants were placed into the patient. 18 received PSM and the remaining 13 received ALG. All
patients had follow up MRIs done 3-6 months after surgery. Through surveys and the results from MRIs
Gerd et. al. found that both of the methods for prevention provided the same amount of scar prevention,
and most patients experienced less pain, than if no implant was used. This shows that any material that
can block cell proliferation will succeed in lowering pain and scar formation. So if pluronic can handle
the conditions and environment experienced in the vertebral column, then it should be successful in
blocking cell proliferation, due to its non-cell-adhesive properties.
Hypothesis
In order to determine a material for post-surgery scar tissue prevention and drug delivery, we
need a non-cell-adhesive, non-cytotoxic material.
Given the properties indicated in the literature, we believe that Pluronic F127 is a viable option
for post-surgery scar tissue prevention in the spinal column.
In order to test this, tested the degradability and integrity of the gel under realistic conditions
based on stress,flow, and the exposed surface area of the gel. We plan to use a system designed to
simulate the conditions in the vertebral column based on a 3D printed model.
Materials and Methods
The FDA considers safety precautions and procedures of paramount importance when dealing
with the human body. In our case, the FDA’s CFR title 21 is relevant, as our Pluronic F127 gel was
considered as an implantable medical device. Therefore, good laboratory practice (GLP) was maintained
throughout the development of the gel samples, so that any experimental results are repeatable, and a
good manufacturing practice (GMP) process can be created based on our procedures. This means that our
SOPs needed to be in accordance with GMP/GLP requirements, with a focus on sterilization, cleanliness,
and safety. As such, all tests and formulations were performed in an organized fashion, and in compliance
with regulations.
Overview
Initially, the solvent chosen for the pluronic was cell media, but due to its protein content, an
alternative avenue was required, as any protein present in pluronic changes the physical properties, and
would introduce more variables. Thus phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was used to dissolve the pluronic.
It is non-toxic to cells, and it lacks any of the proteins cell media has that could potentially change the
gel’s properties. Red food dye was added to the pluronic (diluted to 1:8000, dye:PBS), as the pluronic
used has too low of an optical density to be detected by the spectrophotometer.
In accordance to SOPs developed, several batches of pluronic gel were produced with varying
weight percents and solvents. Initially the focus was on 20-, and 25-wt% pluronic gels, but eventually
included 30% as well as we found it to handle swelling/dissolution better. The effect of bovine serum
albumin as an additive was also tested, added at 5%, eventually discovering that solubility of BSA in gel
appeared to be lower than 5%.
Formulation
Gels were prepared by adding Pluronic to solvent and stirring overnight in a 4℃ cold room, and
stored in syringes. As Pluronic F127 solutions gel above 37℃, gels were stored in liquid form in syringes
and converted to gel by increasing the temperature (usually via incubation) after transferring gels to the
requisite container for the test to be performed. Solutions were sterilized by microfiltration prior to
gelation.
6. Spectroscopy
Spectroscopic tests used a Beckman DU 530 UV-Vis Spectrometer to measure the solubility and
release of BSA in Pluronic gels. We conducted a Bradford Assay at 595 nm wavelength using BioRad
Protein Assay to measure BSA content in gels over time. We also determined total BSA content in gels
by lowering temperature, causing gels become a sol, and measuring the amount present, in both 20- and
25- wt% gels.
Rheology
Rheological tests used a Malvern Instruments Gemini HR Nano Rotational Rheometer equipped
with peltier plates to measure the elastic (G’) and shear (G’’) moduli of 2 mL gel samples by varying
shear at constant amplitude. All samples were tested at a constant frequency of 1 Hz, as this would be
similar to conditions in a physiological environment. The gels were tested at 20-, 25-, and 30- Pluronic
wt%, in both PBS and media, and the effect of BSA was tested as an additive in 20-, and 25- Pluronic
wt% gels in media.
Dissolution/Swelling
To test how the gel’s physical properties are affected by the amount of liquid it absorbs, we
performed simple standing tests. Several 20-, 25-, and 30- wt% pluronic samples were made, where each
sample was 1.5 ml of the gel plated on a cell culture plate, and recorded the weight of the gel after
incubating at body temperature for 5 minutes. To ensure that the gel would maintain liquid form before
plating, syringes and pipette tips were kept cold until used. Then either 0.5 mL, 1.0 mL, 1.5 mL PBS were
added to the samples, directly on top of the gel, then incubated the samples for either 30, 60 or 90
minutes. Some samples were also left overnight. The PBS was kept in the incubator until used, to prevent
liquifying the gel due to its thermal properties.
Once all the samples were completed, any excess liquid left on top of the gel was removed and
rheological tests were performed to characterize how the gel swells and its dissolution as a function of
liquid-to-gel ratio over different durations of time. Spectroscopic tests were performed on the liquid
removed to determine the optical density of the dye released by the gel. This was done as a means to see
how much of the gel was lost to the PBS
After completion of the PBS tests, more samples of 30-wt% pluronic were made, and 0.5 mL, 1.0
mL or 1.5 mL cell media were added. The cell media was used to see the effect that liquid closer in
composition to the spinal area would have on the gel. 30% was chosen exclusively for this test as it had
the most promising data from the previous standing tests.
Results and Discussion
Food Dye Concentrations
7. Figure 3.Concentration of food dye retained in the 20-wt% and 30-wt% F127 samples after 90 minutes
Figure 3 shows that the 20-wt% F127 gels with the least amount of PBS added retained the
greatest amount of food dye for the longest duration, which was consistent across all the samples. In
general, 20-wt% F127 gels retained a higher concentration of food dye than the 30-wt% F127 gels.
Dissolution and swelling
After adding PBS to the F127 samples and heating them, they were organized by the time
elapsed, and then by the volume of PBS added. Measurements and calculations were made based on the
initial weight of the gel, the weight of the gel and the different volumes of PBS, and the final weight after
heating the mixture at 37 ºC. These were calculated as percentages of the initial pluronic gel remaining,
or of the initial pluronic gel that swelled due to the addition of PBS.
Figure 4.Percentage of the 20-wt%, 25-wt%, and 30wt-% Pluronic F127 gels that dissolved or swelled, following the addition of
8. PBS and heating at 37 ºC for 60 and 90 minutes.
Table 1. A summary of the percentage of the 20-wt%, 25-wt%, and 30-wt% Pluronic F127 gels that dissolved or swelled,
following the addition of PBS and heating at 37 ºC for 60 minutes and 90 minutes.
% Pluronic + mL PBS 60 minutes 90 minutes
20-wt% + 0.5 mL PBS 48.66% ± 18.05% 61.29% ± 15.15%
20-wt% + 1.0 mL PBS 12.20% ± 0.82% 39.06% ± 7.97%
20-wt% + 1.5 mL PBS 20.57% ± 13.23% 70.08% ± 44.88%
25-wt% + 0.5 mL PBS 118.16% ± 8.16% 108.55% ± 17.04%
25-wt% + 1.0 mL PBS 95.35% ± 10.07% 105.15% ± 10.06%
25-wt% + 1.5 mL PBS 76.40% ± 13.02% 67.11% ± 21.39%
30-wt% + 0.5 mL PBS 102.55% ± 23.84% 105.89% ± 4.78%
30-wt% + 1.0 mL PBS 122.53% ± 4.35% 114.01% ± 17.27%
30-wt% + 1.5 mL PBS 115.79% ± 1.60% 120.64% ± 7.85%
Figure 4 and Table 1 indicate that the 20-wt% F127 gels will always dissolve when PBS is added,
regardless of the time elapsed and volume. The 25-wt% F127 gels swell, but once 1.5 mL of PBS are
added it begins to degrade after the first hour. The 30-wt% F127 gels swell, regardless of the volume of
PBS added and the time elapsed.
Figure 5.The percentage of the 30-wt% Pluronic F127 gels that dissolved or swelled overnight, following the addition of PBS or
cell media.
The addition of cell media was done to stimulate an environment more realistic to that found near
the spine, in terms of protein interactions with the gel. The gels placed in this environment swelled faster,
9. but degraded quicker, as well.
Swelling is an interesting characteristic that was not an intended goal, so further investigation of
this property was required. As a result, the strength of the gels needed to be compared. Rheology had
been performed on 20-wt% and 25-wt% F127 samples as preliminary data. The 30-wt% F127 gels were
tested for their rheological properties.
Rheology
Figure 6.The rheogram for a 30-wt% sample with 0.5 mL PBS, showing both the viscous and elastic moduli.
Figure 6 shows a rheological plot. The elastic modulus, G’, shows the gel’s ability to withstand
deformation as a function of shear stress. Once the viscous modulus, G’’, is greater than the elastic
modulus, it indicates that this is the shear rate at which the gel transitions from its micellar gel state to a
liquid state. All samples were tested at a constant frequency of 1 Hz. Rheograms for severalsamples
were analyzed, with the results summarized in Figures 7-10.
10. Figure 7.Plateau elastic moduli of previous samples of different F127 concentrated gels, with varying concentrations to
determine formation of micelles.
Figure 8.. Plateau elastic moduli of samples of 20%- and 25%-F127 concentrated gels, with varying additives and
concentrations
Figures 7 and 8 were preliminary data obtained. Figure 7 confirms that the critical micelle
concentration occurs at F127 concentrations greater than 17-wt%. It also shows that adding the food dye
did not have a significant effect on the elastic modulus of the 30-wt% F127 gels.
Figure 8 demonstrates that gels prepared in PBS were much stronger in terms of the elastic
modulus, than those prepared with entrained BSA. Thus, the addition of protein weakens the gel’s
integrity. As a result, in further experimental procedures,it was decided to make the 30-wt% F127
samples in PBS and not in BSA so as to prevent a quick dissolution of the gel.
11. Figure 9. The intersection at which the elastic and viscous moduli crossover for samples of different F127 wt% concentrated
gels, with varying additives.
*
Figure 10. Plateau elastic moduli of samples of 30-wt% F127 with varying volumes of PBS added, and plateau elastic
moduli of samples of 30-wt% F127 with varying volumes of cell media added. Samples were all incubated for 22 hours.
Figures 9 and 10 indicate that the gels that swell have a lower elastic modulus than those that
dissolve quicker. Figure 9 compares the gels in terms of the point at which they transition between their
elastic and viscous states in terms of the shear stress. Figure 10 shows the samples’ abilities to withstand
deformation after different additives were used after being incubated 22 hours, compared to control gels
in which no additives were added.
The 20-wt% F127 gels demonstrate the highest elastic moduli, while the 30-wt% F127 gels
12. displayed the lowest. The 30-wt% F127 samples with PBS added tended to have a greater ability to
withstand shearing stress, as well demonstrated a higher elastic modulus than those with cell media. It
was therefore concluded that a gel that swells would not be able to withstand as much deformation as a
gel that deteriorates faster.
Conclusions
By testing F127 gels over a range of concentrations, it was confirmed that in order to obtain a
micellar network, a concentration of 18-wt% or greater was needed for gelation at body temperature.
With the introduction of protein to the gels, there was an effect on the integrity and elasticity. Regardless
of the volume of PBS added, lower concentrations of F127 gels (20-25%) dissolved faster than 30% gels,
which always swelled in volume before deteriorating. Otherwise, adding PBS to F127 gels will always
result in a degree dissolution, independent of volume and of time elapsed. It was surmised that the
efficiency of dissolution depended on the volume to liquid contact surface area of the gel.
In order to stimulate a protein environment similar to that found in the area of interest, samples
were placed in cell media. These gels swelled quicker than those placed in PBS, but also degraded faster.
Rheology performed on these gels indicated that the gels that swelled demonstrated lower elastic
moduli than measurements on untreated control gels. The addition of food dye as a visual tracker did not
have a large effect on the elastic modulus of the 30-wt% gels, but adding PBS only resulted in much
higher elastic moduli when compared to adding BSA. With respect to adding PBS, adding cell media
lowered the shear stress at which 30-wt% gels would transition between their gel and liquid states. The
control samples without the addition of PBS had a higher shear stress limitation, as well as elastic
modulus. It was therefore concluded that a gel that swells prior to deterioration would not be able to
withstand as much deformation as a gel that deteriorates faster.
Using data extrapolated from CT scans and a 3D spine model, we plan to design a system in
which to conduct a tangential flow test while comparing gel volume, fluid flow, and surface area similar
to conditions present in the surgical site.
Acknowledgements
This work was made possible through support from Stony Brook University’s Department of
Materials Science and Engineering, the program of Chemical and Molecular Engineering, and the
Department of Pharmacological Sciences. We would like to thank the graduate students and mentors for
our research group, especially Adriana Pinkas-Sarafova (Chemical and Molecular Engineering Program)
and Clement Marmorat (Department of Materials Science and Engineering), for their guidance and the
opportunity to work in their labs, and Yuval Shmueli (Department of Materials Science and Engineering)
for providing us with the 3D scans and models with which we were able to mimic the conditions found in
the spine. Additional thanks to Michael Caponegro (Department of Pharmacological Sciences) and Stella
Tszyrka (Department of Pharmacological Sciences). We appreciate the rest of the Chemical and
Molecular Engineering program for their support over the last four years.
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