1 research outputs found
A study on partially biodegradable microparticles as carriers of active glycolipids
This paper describes a study on the preparation and characterisation of partially biodegradable microparticles
of poly(e-caprolactone)/poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PCL/PEMA) as carriers of synthetic glycolipids
with antimitotic activity against brain tumour cells. Microparticles prepared by suspension polymerisation
of methacrylate in the presence of already polymerised PCL showed a predominantly spherical but
complex morphology, with segregation of PCL micro/nano-domains towards the surface. Small diameter
discs were prepared by compression moulding of blends of microparticles and the active principle under
mild conditions. The in vitro behaviour of the discs and release of the glycolipid were studied in different
simulated fluid models. Ingress of fluids increased with increasing hydrophobicity of the medium.
Release of the glycolipid was sustained in all fluids, the most prolonged profile being in human synovial
fluid and phosphate-buffered saline modified with 20 vol.% dioxane. Slow disintegration of the discs and
partial degradation of the microparticles was evident in accelerated studies. The antimitotic activity of
glycolipid released from the discs was proved against a human glioblastoma line. This activity, along with
selectivity against human fibroblasts, could be controlled by the amount of drug charged in the disc.This research was supported by the Comisión Interministerial
de Ciencia y Tecnología (MAT2007-63355), NoE EXPERTISSUES
(UE Contract No. 500283-2), CSIC (PIF 200580F0061-62-63) and a
Predoctoral Fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Education (AP2005-0246). M. Fernández was supported by the
Ramón y Cajal programme (MEC-Spain).Peer reviewe