U.S. patent application number 11/929531 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-13 for method of formation of shape-retentive aggregates of gel particles and their uses.
This patent application is currently assigned to ULURU Inc.. Invention is credited to Daniel G. Moro, Bill C. Ponder, Kevin F. Shannon, John V. St. John.
Application Number | 20080063716 11/929531 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36148658 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080063716 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moro; Daniel G. ; et
al. |
March 13, 2008 |
METHOD OF FORMATION OF SHAPE-RETENTIVE AGGREGATES OF GEL PARTICLES
AND THEIR USES
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method of forming
shape-retentive aggregates of gel particles in which the aggregates
are held together by non-covalent bond physical forces such as,
without limitation, hydrophobic-hydrophilic interactions and
hydrogen bonds. The method comprises introducing a suspension of
gel particles in a polar liquid at a selected concentration,
wherein the gel particles have an absolute zeta potential, into a
medium in which the absolute zeta potential of the gel particles is
decreased, resulting in the gel particles coalescing into the
claimed shape-retentive aggregate. This invention also relates to
uses of the method of formation of the shape-retentive aggregates
of gel particles.
Inventors: |
Moro; Daniel G.; (Dallas,
TX) ; St. John; John V.; (Grapevine, TX) ;
Shannon; Kevin F.; (Irving, TX) ; Ponder; Bill
C.; (Colleyville, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP
975 PAGE MILL ROAD
PALO ALTO
CA
94304
US
|
Assignee: |
ULURU Inc.
|
Family ID: |
36148658 |
Appl. No.: |
11/929531 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10960461 |
Oct 6, 2004 |
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11929531 |
Oct 30, 2007 |
|
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10289756 |
Nov 6, 2002 |
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10960461 |
Oct 6, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/484 ;
264/4.1; 514/789 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 2300/406 20130101;
A61P 9/00 20180101; A61K 9/5192 20130101; C08L 33/14 20130101; A61K
9/5138 20130101; A61L 27/52 20130101; A61L 27/58 20130101; A61L
2300/442 20130101; A61P 27/02 20180101; A61P 31/00 20180101; A61L
27/54 20130101; A61L 2300/252 20130101; C08L 2666/16 20130101; C08L
33/14 20130101; A61L 2300/414 20130101; A61L 2300/602 20130101;
C08L 2312/00 20130101; A61K 9/1635 20130101; C08L 71/00 20130101;
A61L 2300/416 20130101; A61K 9/0024 20130101; A61P 11/00 20180101;
A61P 35/00 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/484 ;
264/004.1; 514/789 |
International
Class: |
A61K 9/14 20060101
A61K009/14; A61K 47/00 20060101 A61K047/00 |
Claims
1. A method for forming a shape-retentive aggregate of gel
particles, comprising: providing a suspension system comprising a
plurality of gel particles dispersed in a polar liquid or a mixture
of two or more miscible liquids, at least one of which is polar,
wherein the gel particles have a first absolute zeta potential;
and, introducing the suspension system through an orifice at a
selected introduction rate into a receiving medium wherein the gel
particles acquire a second absolute zeta potential which is lower
(closer to zero) than the first absolute zeta potential whereupon
the gel particles coalesce into a shape-retentive aggregate held
together by non-covalent bond physical forces comprising
hydrophobic-hydrophilic interactions and hydrogen bonds.
2.-53. (canceled)
54. A method for preparing a shape-retentive hydrogel aggregate
composition comprising: (a) adding a monomer or two or more
different monomers selected from the group consisting of a
2-alkenoic acid, a hydroxy(2C-4C)alkyl 2-alkenoate, a
hydroxy(2C-4C)alkoxy(2C-4C)alkyl 2-alkenoate, a
(1C-4C)alkoxy(2C-4C)alkoxy(2C-4C)alkyl 2-alkenoate and a vicinyl
epoxy(1C-4C)alkyl 2-alkenoate to one or more liquid(s) having one
or more hydroxyl groups; (b) adding from 0.1 to 15 mole percent of
a cross-linking agent and from 0.01 to 10 mol percent of a
surfactant to the liquid(s); (c) polymerizing the monomers to form
a suspension in the liquid(s) of a plurality of hydrogel particles
comprising a plurality of polymeric strands, wherein the hydrogel
particles have an average diameter of less than 1,000 nanometers,
and from 10 to 90% of absorbed liquids(s); and (d) removing
non-absorbed liquids until the plurality of hydrogel particles
coalesce into a shape-retentive aggregate held together by
non-covalent inter-particle and particle-liquid physical forces,
thereby forming a shape-retentive hydrogel aggregate
composition.
55. A method for preparing a shape-retentive hydrogel aggregate
composition, comprising: (a) adding a monomer or two or more
different monomers selected from the group consisting of acrylic
acid, methacrylic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate,
2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate, diethyleneglycol monoacrylate,
diethyleneglycol monomethacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate,
2-hydroxypropyl methyacrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl acrylate,
3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, dipropylene glycol monoacrylate,
dipropylene glycol monomethacrylate, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl
methacrylate, glycidyl acrylate and glycidyl methacrylate, to one
or more liquid(s) having one or more hydroxyl groups; (b) adding
from 0.1 to 15 mole percent of a cross-linking agent and from 0.01
to 10 mol percent of a surfactant to the liquid(s); (c)
polymerizing the monomers to form a suspension in the liquid(s) of
a plurality of hydrogel particles comprising a plurality of
polymeric strands, wherein the plurality of hydrogel particles have
an average diameter of less than 1,000 nanometers, and from 10 to
90% of absorbed liquids(s); and (d) removing non-absorbed liquid(s)
until the hydrogel particles coalesce into a shape-retentive
aggregate held together by non-covalent inter-particle and
particle-liquid physical forces, thereby forming a shape-retentive
hydrogel aggregate composition.
56. The method of claim 55, wherein the one or more monomers are
selected from the group consisting of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate,
methyacrylic acid, 2-aminoethylmethacrylate,
trimethylaminoethyl-methacrylate, glycerol methacrylate,
2-methoxyethyl methacrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, and
hydroxypropyl methacrylate.
57. The method of claim 54 or 55, wherein the absorbed and
non-absorbed liquids are independently selected from the group
consisting of water, a (1C-10C) alcohol, a (2C-8C)polyol, a
(1C-4C)alkyl ether of a (2C-8C)polyol, a (1C-4C)acid ester of a
(2C-8C)polyol; a hydroxy-terminated polyethylene oxide, a
polyalkylene glycol and a hydroxy(2C-4C)alkyl ester of a mono, di-
or tricarboxylic acid.
58. The method of claim 54 or 55, wherein the absorbed and the
non-absorbed liquids are independently selected from the group
consisting of water, methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethylene
glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol
200-600, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol,
2,3-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2,5-hexanediol, ethylene glycol
monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, methylcellosolve
ether, ethylene glycol monoacetate, propylene glycol monomethyl
ether, glycerine, glycerol monoacetate, tri(2-hydroxyethyl)citrate,
di(hydroxypropyl)oxalate, glyceryl diacetate, and glyceryl
monobutyrate.
59. The method of claim 54 or 55, wherein the absorbed liquid is
water.
60. The method of claim 54 or 55, wherein the non-absorbed liquid
is water.
61. The method of claim 54 or 55, wherein the absorbed and the
non-absorbed liquid are water.
62. The method of claim 54 or 55, wherein the plurality of hydrogel
particles is of narrow polydispersity.
63. The method of claim 54 or 55, wherein the one or more
monomer(s) are uncharged, charged or a combination thereof.
64. The method of claim 54 or 55, wherein the plurality of hydrogel
particles comprises particles of two or more different sizes and/or
two or more different monomers.
65. The method of claim 54 or 55, wherein the cross-linking agent
is an .alpha.-hydroxy acid ester.
66. The method of claim 54 or 55, wherein the cross-linking agent
is selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol
diacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethylacrylate, 1,4-dihydrooxybutane
dimethacrylate, dethylene glycol dimethyacrylate, propylene glycol
dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol dimethacrylate, dipropylene
glycol dimethacrylate, diethylene gycol diacrylate, dipropylene
glycol diacrylate, divinyl benzene, divinyltoluene, diallyl
tartrate, diallyl malate, divinyl tartrate, triallyl melamine,
N,N'-methylene bisacryalamide, diallyl maleate, divinyl ether,
1,3-diallyl 2-(2-hydroxyethyl) citrate, vinyl allyl citrate, allyl
vinyl maleate, diallyl itaconate, di(2-hydroxyethyl) itaconate,
divinyl sulfone, hexahydro-1,3,5-triallyltriazine, triallyl
phosphite, diallyl benzenephosphonate, triallyl aconitate, divinyl
citraconate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate and diallyl
fumarate.
67. The method of claim 54 or 55, further comprising adding a
pharmaceutically active agent or a pharmaceutically acceptable
excipient to the one or more liquid(s) liquid of step (a).
68. The method of claim 54 or 55, further comprising adding a
pharmaceutically active agent or a pharmaceutically acceptable
excipient to the polymerized polymer suspension formed in step
(c).
69. The method of claim 54 or 55, wherein the at least one monomer
is hydroxyethyl methacryate or hydroxypropyl methacrylate.
70. The method of claim 54 or 55, wherein the polymer consists
essentially of a single monomer composition.
71. The method of claim 70, wherein the single monomer composition
is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-dihydroxypropyl
methacrylate, methacrylic acid, glycidyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl
methacrylate and hydroxypropyl methacrylate.
72. The method of claim 54 or 55, wherein the hydrogel particles of
step (c) have an average diameter of 20 to 1,000 nm.
73. A shape-retentive hydrogel composition formed by the method of
claims 54 or 55.
74. A shape retentive hydrogel aggregate composition of claim 73
further comprising a biological active agent.
75. A method for delivering a biologically active agent in vivo,
comprising administering an effective amount of the composition of
claim 74 to a subject.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/289,756, filed Nov. 6, 2002, which is
incorporated by reference, including all drawings, as if fully set
forth herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to the fields of organic chemistry,
physical chemistry, polymer chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry,
medicine and material science.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The discussion that follows is provided as background to aid
the reader in understanding the present invention and is not
intended, nor is it to be construed, as being prior art to the
invention.
[0004] A gel is a three-dimensional polymeric network that has
absorbed a liquid to form a stable, usually soft and pliable,
composition having a non-zero shear modulus. When the liquid
absorbed by a gel is water, the gel is called a hydrogel. Water may
comprise a significant weight percent of a hydrogel. This, plus the
fact that many hydrogel-forming polymers are biologically inert,
makes hydrogels particularly useful in a wide variety of biomedical
applications.
[0005] For example, hydrogels are widely used in soft contact lens.
They are also used as burn and wound dressings, with and without
incorporated drugs that can be released from the gel matrix to aid
in the healing process (e.g., see U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,063,685 and
4,272,518). Hydrogels have been used as coatings to improve the
wettability of the surfaces of medical devices such as blood
filters (U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,794). They have also found utility as
devices for the sustained release of biologically active
substances. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,515 discloses a method
of preparing a hydrophilic reservoir drug delivery device. The '515
patent discloses that drug release rates can be controlled by
changing the water content of the hydrogel subcutaneous implant,
which directly affects its permeability coefficient.
[0006] In all the above applications, the gel or hydrogel is in
bulk form, that is, it is an amorphous mass of material with no
discernable regular internal structure. Bulk hydrogels have slow
swelling rates due to the large internal volume relative to the
surface area through which water must be absorbed. Furthermore, a
substance dissolved or suspended in the absorbed water will diffuse
out of the gel at a rate that depends on the distance it must
travel to reach the surface of the gel. That is, molecules near the
surface of the hydrogel will escape quickly, whereas molecules
deeper within the matrix will take a much longer time to reach the
outer surface of the gel. This situation can be ameliorated to some
extent by using particulate gels. If each particle is sufficiently
small, substances dispersed in the particles will diffuse to the
surface and be released at approximately the same time.
[0007] Particulate gels can be formed by a number of procedures
such as direct or inverse emulsion polymerization (Landfester, et
al., Macromolecules, 2000, 33:2370) or they can be created from
bulk gels by drying the gel and then grinding the resulting xerogel
to particles of a desired size. The particles can then be
re-solvated to form particulate gels. Particles having sizes in the
micro (10.sup.-6 meters (m)) to nano (10.sup.-9 m) diameter range
can be produced by this means. Molecules of a substance occluded by
particles in these size ranges will all have about the same
distance to travel to reach the outer surface of the particle and
will exhibit near zero-order release kinetics. However, particulate
gels have their problems. For instance, it is difficult to control
the dissemination of the particles to, and localization at, a
selected target site. Furthermore, while bulk hydrogels can be
rendered shape-retentive, making them useful as biomaterials in a
variety of medical applications, currently available particulate
gels, cannot.
[0008] Co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/289,756
discloses a shape-retentive aggregate formed from hydrogel
particles, thus combining the shape-retentiveness of bulk hydrogels
with the substance release control of particulate gels. The '756
application discloses a method of forming the shape-retentive
aggregates comprising preparing a suspension of hydrogel particles
in water and concentrating the suspension until the particles
coalesce into a shape-retentive aggregate held together by
non-covalent bond physical forces including but not limited to
hydrophobic/hydrophilic interactions and hydrogen bonds.
[0009] It would be useful to have a method of forming
shape-retentive gel aggregates in situ, such that the shape of the
aggregate would be dictated by the shape of the locus of
application. This would be particularly useful where the locus
application is in vivo, e.g., biomedical applications such as joint
reconstruction, wound repair, drug delivery and cosmetic surgery.
The present invention provides such a method.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Thus, in one aspect the present invention relates to a
method for forming a shape-retentive aggregate of gel particles,
comprising: providing a suspension system comprising a plurality of
gel particles dispersed in a polar liquid or a mixture of two or
more miscible liquids, at least one of which is polar, wherein the
gel particles have a first absolute zeta potential; and,
introducing the suspension system through an orifice at a selected
introduction rate into a receiving medium wherein the gel particles
acquire a second absolute zeta potential which is lower (closer to
zero) than the first absolute zeta potential whereupon the gel
particles coalesce into a shape-retentive aggregate held together
by non-covalent bond physical forces comprising
hydrophobic-hydrophilic interactions and hydrogen bonds.
[0011] In an aspect of this invention, the gel particles are at a
concentration of from about 1 to about 500 mg wet weight/mL in the
suspension system.
[0012] In an aspect of this invention, the gel particles are at a
concentration of from about 25 to about 250 mg wet weight/mL in the
suspension system.
[0013] In an aspect of this invention the plurality of gel
particles is of one size, one or more chemical compositions and a
narrow polydispersivity.
[0014] In an aspect of this invention the plurality of gel
particles is of two or more different sizes, the composition of
each different size being the same as, or different than, the
composition of each of the other different sizes, all sizes being
of narrow polydispersivity.
[0015] In an aspect of this invention the plurality of gel
particles comprises one or more chemical compositions and broad
polydispersivity.
[0016] In an aspect of this invention the plurality of gel
particles are at a concentration in the suspension system that
results in cluster formation.
[0017] In an aspect of this invention the concentration of gel
particles in the suspension system is from about 300 mg wet
weight/mL to about 500 mg wet weight/mL.
[0018] In an aspect of this invention providing a suspension system
comprises:
[0019] providing a polymerization system comprising a monomer, or
two or more different monomers, wherein the monomer or at least one
of the two or more monomers comprise(s) one or more hydroxy and/or
one or more ether groups, in a polar liquid or mixture of polar
liquids, wherein the polar liquid or at least one of the two or
more polar liquids comprise(s) one or more hydroxy groups; adding
from 0.01 to 10 mol percent of a surfactant to the polymerization
system; and,
polymerizing the monomer(s) to form a plurality of gel particles,
each particle comprising a plurality of polymer strands.
[0020] In an aspect of this invention providing a suspension system
comprises mixing together preformed dry gel particles, the
liquid(s) and the surfactant.
[0021] In an aspect of this invention the orifice comprises a
hollow needle.
[0022] In an aspect of this invention the hollow needle is selected
from the group consisting of 10-gauge to 30 gauge needles.
[0023] In an aspect of this invention the hollow needle is selected
from the group consisting of 15-gauge to 27-gauge needles.
[0024] In an aspect of this invention the selected introduction
rate is from about 0.05 ml/minute to about 15 ml/minute.
[0025] In an aspect of this invention the selected introduction
rate is from about 0.25 ml/minute to about 10 ml/minute.
[0026] In an aspect of this invention the receiving medium is an in
vivo medium.
[0027] In an aspect of this invention the in vivo medium comprises
a bodily tissue.
[0028] In an aspect of this invention the bodily tissue is selected
from the group consisting of epithelium, connective, muscle and
nerve.
[0029] In an aspect of this invention the connective tissue is
selected from the group consisting of blood, bone and
cartilage.
[0030] In an aspect of this invention the monomer(s) are selected
from the group consisting of a 2-alkenoic acid, a
hydroxy(2C-4C)alkyl 2-alkenoate, a hydroxy(2C-4C)alkoxy(2C-4C)alkyl
2-alkenoate, a (1C-4C)alkoxy(2C-4C)alkoxy(2C-4C)alkyl 2-alkenoate
and a vicinyl epoxy(1C-4C)alkyl 2-alkenoate and a combination of
two or more thereof.
[0031] In an aspect of this invention the monomer(s) are selected
from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid,
2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate,
diethyleneglycol monoacrylate, diethyleneglycol monomethacrylate,
2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl methyacrylate,
3-hydroxypropyl acrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, dipropylene
glycol monoacrylate, dipropylene glycol monomethacrylate, gylcidyl
methacrylate, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylate, glycidyl acrylate
and glycidyl methacrylate and a combination of two or more
thereof.
[0032] In an aspect of this invention the monomer(s) are selected
from the group comprising 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate,
2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, and a
combination of two or more thereof.
[0033] In an aspect of this invention the liquid(s) are selected
from the group consisting of water, a (1C-10C) alcohol, a
(2C-8C)polyol, a (1C-4C)alkyl ether of a (2C-8C)polyol, a
(1C-4C)acid ester of a (2C-8C)polyol; a hydroxy-terminated
polyethylene oxide, a polyalkylene glycol and a hydroxy(2C-4C)alkyl
ester of a mono, di- or tricarboxylic acid.
[0034] In an aspect of this invention the liquid(s) are selected
from the group consisting of water, methanol, ethanol, isopropyl
alcohol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol,
polyethylene glycol 200-600, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,
1,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2,5-hexanediol,
ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether,
methylcellosolve ether, ethylene glycol monoacetate, propylene
glycol monomethyl ether, glycerine, glycerol monoacetate,
tri(2-hydroxyethyl)citrate, di(hydroxypropyl)oxalate, glycerine,
glyceryl monoacetate, glyceryl diacetate, glyceryl monobutyrate and
sorbitol.
[0035] In an aspect of this invention the liquid is water.
[0036] In an aspect of this invention, the method further comprises
adding from about 0.1 to about 15% mol percent of a cross-linking
agent to the polymerization system which results in cross-linking
of the polymer strands.
[0037] In an aspect of this invention the cross-linking agent is
selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol diacrylate,
ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 1,4-dihydroxybutane dimethacrylate,
diethylene glycol dimethacrylate, propylene glycol dimethacrylate,
diethylene glycol dimethacrylate, dipropylene glycol
dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate, dipropylene glycol
diacrylate, divinyl benzene, divinyltoluene, diallyl tartrate,
diallyl malate, divinyl tartrate, triallyl melamine, N,N'-methylene
bisacrylamide, diallyl maleate, divinyl ether, 1,3-diallyl
2-(2-hydroxyethyl) citrate, vinyl allyl citrate, allyl vinyl
maleate, diallyl itaconate, di(2-hydroxyethyl) itaconate, divinyl
sulfone, hexahydro-1,3,5-triallyltriazine, triallyl phosphite,
diallyl benzenephosphonate, triallyl aconitate, divinyl
citraconate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate and diallyl
fumarate.
[0038] In an aspect of this invention the cross-linking agent is
selected from the group consisting of .alpha.-hydroxy acid
esters.
[0039] In an aspect of this invention the cross-linked polymer
strands have an average molecular weight of from about 3,000 to
about 2,000,000.
[0040] In an aspect of this invention, the method further comprises
adding one or more working substance(s) to the polar liquid(s) of
the polymerization system prior to polymerization wherein, after
polymerization, a portion of the working substance(s)-containing
liquid is occluded by the gel particles to give working
substance-containing gel particles.
[0041] In an aspect of this invention the working
substance-containing gel particles occlude from about 0.1 to about
90 weight percent working substance-containing liquid.
[0042] In an aspect of this invention, the method further comprises
adding one or more working substance(s) to the suspension
system.
[0043] In an aspect of this invention, upon formation of the
shape-retentive aggregate, from about 0.1 to about 90 weight
percent of the working substance(s)-containing-liquid is entrapped
within the shape-retentive aggregate.
[0044] In an aspect of this invention, the method further
comprises: adding one or more first working substance(s) to the
polymerization system to give a first working substance-containing
liquid, wherein after polymerization, a portion of the first
working substance-containing liquid is occluded by the gel
particles;
[0045] adding one or more second working substance(s) to the
suspension system to give a second working substance-containing
liquid, wherein after formation of the shape-retentive aggregate, a
portion of the second working substance-containing liquid is
entrapped within the shape retentive aggregate: wherein the first
working substance(s) may be the same as or different than the
second working substance(s) and the liquid of the first working
substance-containing liquid may be the same as or different than
the liquid of the second working substance-containing liquid.
[0046] In an aspect of this invention from 0.1 to 90 weight percent
of the first working substance(s)-containing liquid(s) is occluded
by the plurality of hydrogel particles and from 0.1 to 90 weight
percent of the second working substance(s)-containing liquid(s) is
entrapped within the shape-retentive aggregate.
[0047] In an aspect of this invention the working substance(s)
comprise one or more biomedical agent(s), which may be the same or
different.
[0048] In an aspect of this invention one or more of the biomedical
agent(s) comprise(s) one or more pharmaceutical agent(s).
[0049] In an aspect of this invention the pharmaceutical agent(s)
further comprises/comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable
excipient(s).
[0050] In an aspect of this invention the pharmaceutical agent(s)
comprises/comprise a peptide or a protein.
[0051] In an aspect of this invention the pharmaceutical agent(s)
is/are useful for the treatment of cancer.
[0052] In an aspect of this invention the pharmaceutical agent(s)
is/are useful for the treatment of coronary artery disease.
[0053] In an aspect of this invention the pharmaceutical agent(s)
is/are useful for the treatment of respiratory diseases.
[0054] In an aspect of this invention the pharmaceutical agent(s)
is/are useful for the treatment of infectious diseases.
[0055] In an aspect of this invention the pharmaceutical agent(s)
is/are useful for the treatment of ocular disease.
[0056] In an aspect of this invention the pharmaceutical agent(s)
is/are growth factors.
[0057] In an aspect of this invention the biomedical agent(s)
comprises/comprise one or more tissue-growth scaffold
materials.
[0058] In an aspect of this invention the biomedical agent(s)
comprises/comprise cosmetic tissue enhancement substances.
[0059] In an aspect of this invention the size of the plurality of
gel particles is from about 10 to about 75,000 nanometers in
diameter.
[0060] In an aspect of this invention the size of the plurality of
gel particles is from about 10 to about 800 nanometers in
diameter.
[0061] In an aspect of this invention the gel particles are
degradable.
[0062] In an aspect of this invention the shape-retentive aggregate
is degradable.
[0063] In an aspect of this invention the gel particles are
degradable and the shape-retentive aggregate is degradable.
[0064] In an aspect of this invention the shape-retentive aggregate
is elastic.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Brief Description of the Tables
[0065] Table 1 shows the effect of reagent concentration on
particle size and polydispersity.
[0066] Table 2 shows the effect of introduction rate, orifice size
and particle concentration on aggregate formation.
[0067] Table 3 shows effect of particle size on aggregation using
suspensions of pHEMA particles ranging in size from 45.mu. to
150.mu..
[0068] Table 4 shows the effect of polymer type on the rate of
erosion of aggregates composed of hydrogel particles formed from
different ratios of HEMA to MAA.
[0069] Table 5 shows the effect of particle concentration on the
formation of particle clusters.
[0070] Table 6 shows the zeta potential on different size gel
particles.
[0071] Table 7 shows the effect of ionic strength on the zeta
potential and on the absorbed-water size of pHEMA hydrogel
particles.
[0072] Table 8 shows the effect of addition of acetone to an
aqueous dispersion of pHEMA particles on the size of the
particles.
[0073] Table 9 shows the effect of addition of ethanol to an
aqueous dispersion of pHEMA particles on the size of the
particles.
[0074] Table 10 shows the effect of particle concentration on zeta
potential and particle size in an aqueous dispersion of pHEMA
particles.
[0075] Table 11 shows the loading efficiency and burst release of
FITC-BSA and FITC-dextran from aggregates made from particle
dispersions of various particle size when the suspension system
comprises water alone and water plus 5% gelatin.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0076] FIG. 1 is a plot showing the relationship of particle
diameter in dispersion to the maximum wet weight concentration of
particles in suspension before the onset of aggregate
formation.
[0077] FIG. 2 is a photograph of a pHEMA particle aggregate formed
in vivo using the method of this invention.
[0078] FIGS. 3-9 show plots of first derivatives calculated from
the slope at various times of a curve generated by measuring water
loss at incremental times by gel particle aggregates as they
proceed from initial coalescence to their final shape-retentive
form. The first derivative provides the rate of water loss per unit
time at the points of measurement.
[0079] FIG. 3 shows the above plot for aggregates composed of
particles of different sizes injected into phosphate buffered
saline at room temperature.
[0080] FIG. 4 shows the above plot for aggregates composed of
particles of different sizes injected into phosphate buffered
saline at room temperature and 37.degree. C.
[0081] FIG. 5 shows the above plot for aggregates composed of
particles of different sizes injected into bovine serum at room
temperature.
[0082] FIG. 6 shows the above plot for aggregates composed of
particles injected into hypertonic saline and PBS at room
temperature.
[0083] FIG. 7 shows the above plot for aggregates composed of
particles injected into PBS at room temperature.
[0084] FIG. 8 shows the above plot for pHEMA aggregates with either
SDS or DSS surfactant at room temperature and 37.degree. C.
[0085] FIG. 9 is a plot showing the relationship between particle
cluster formation and wet weight of the polymer in suspension.
[0086] FIG. 10 is a plot showing the effect of ionic strength on
the zeta potential of SDS-stabilized pHEMA particles.
[0087] FIG. 11 is a plot showing the release of bromocresol green
dye from aggregates composed of narrow polydispersivity pHEMA
particles injected into PBS at room temperature.
[0088] FIG. 12 is a plot showing the release of bromocresol green
dye from aggregates composed of broad polydispersivity pHEMA
particles injected into PBS at room temperature.
[0089] FIG. 13 is a plot showing the release of 10 mg FITC-BSA (72
kDA) from a series of 500 mg aggregates made from pHEMA particles
of various diameters injected into PBS at room temperature.
[0090] FIG. 14 is a plot showing the release of 5 mg FITC-BSA (72
kDA) from a series of 500 mg aggregates made from pHEMA particles
of various diameters injected into PBS at room temperature.
[0091] FIG. 15 is a plot showing the release of 10 mg FITC-Dextran
(2000 kDa) from a series of 500 mg aggregates made from pHEMA
particles of various diameters injected into PBS at room
temperature.
[0092] FIG. 16 is a plot showing the release of 20 mg FITC-Dextran
(2000 kDa) from a series of 500 mg aggregates made from pHEMA
particles of various diameters injected into PBS at room
temperature.
[0093] FIG. 17 is a plot showing the release of FITC-BSA (72 kDa)
from aggregates produced from dispersions of SDS-stabilized
particles of various sizes injected in PBS at room temperature.
[0094] FIG. 18 is a plot showing the release of FITC-Dextran (2000
kDa) from aggregates produced from dispersions of SDS-stabilized
particles of various sizes injected in PBS at room temperature.
[0095] FIG. 19 is a plot showing the release of FITC-BSA (72 kDa)
from aggregates produced from dispersions of DSS-stabilized
particles of different sizes injected in PBS at room
temperature.
[0096] FIG. 20 is a plot showing the release of FITC-Dextran (2000
kDa) from aggregates produced from dispersions of DSS-stabilized
particles of different sizes injected in PBS at room
temperature.
[0097] FIG. 21 is a plot showing the release of FITC-BSA (72 kDa)
from aggregates produced from dispersions of SDS-stabilized pHEMA
particles of different sizes injected in PBS at room
temperature.
[0098] FIG. 22 is a plot showing the release of FITC-Dextran (2000
kDa) from aggregates produced from dispersions of SDS-stabilized
pHEMA particles of different sizes injected in PBS at room
temperature.
[0099] FIG. 23 is a plot showing the release of FITC-BSA (72 kDa)
from aggregates produced from dispersions of DSS-stabilized pHEMA
particles of different sizes injected in PBS at room
temperature.
[0100] FIG. 24 is a plot showing the release of FITC-Dextran (2000
kDa) from aggregates produced from dispersions of DSS-stabilized
pHEMA particles of different sizes injected in PBS at room
temperature.
[0101] FIG. 25 is a plot showing the release of FITC-BSA (72 kDa)
from aggregates produced from dispersions of SDS-stabilized pHEMA
particles of different sizes injected in PBS at room
temperature.
[0102] FIG. 26 is a plot showing the release of FITC-Dextran (2000
kDa) from aggregates produced from dispersions of SDS-stabilized
pHEMA particles of different sizes injected in PBS at room
temperature.
[0103] FIG. 27 is a plot showing the release of FITC-BSA (72 kDa)
from aggregates produced from dispersions of SDS-stabilized pHEMA
particles of different sizes containing 20 wt % polyethylene glycol
400 injected in PBS at room temperature.
[0104] FIG. 28 is a plot showing the release of FITC-Dextran (2000
kDa) from aggregates produced from dispersions of SDS-stabilized
pHEMA particles of different sizes containing 20 wt % polyethylene
glycol 400 injected in PBS at room temperature.
[0105] FIG. 29 is a plot showing the release of FITC-BSA (72 kDa)
from aggregates produced from dispersions of SDS-stabilized pHEMA
particles of different sizes containing 5 wt % gelatin injected in
PBS at room temperature.
[0106] FIG. 30 is a plot showing the release of FITC-Dextran (2000
kDa) from aggregates produced from dispersions of SDS-stabilized
pHEMA particles of different sizes and mixtures of sizes containing
5 wt % gelatin injected in PBS at room temperature.
[0107] FIG. 31 is a plot showing the release of FITC-BSA (72 kDa)
from degradable aggregates produced from dispersions of
SDS-stabilized particles of different sizes containing 5 wt %
(95:5) pHEMA/pMAA particles injected in PBS at room
temperature.
[0108] FIG. 32 is a plot showing the release of FITC-Dextran (2000
kDa) from degradable aggregates produced from dispersions of
SDS-stabilized Particles of different sizes and mixtures of sizes
containing 5 wt % (95:5) pHEMA/pMAA particles injected in PBS at
room temperature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions
[0109] As used herein, the term "gel" refers to a three-dimensional
polymeric structure that itself is insoluble in a particular liquid
but which is capable of absorbing and retaining large quantities of
the liquid to form a stable, often soft and pliable, but always to
one degree or another shape-retentive, structure. When the liquid
is water, the gel is referred to as a hydrogel. Unless expressly
stated otherwise, the term "gel" will be used throughout this
application to refer both to polymeric structures that have
absorbed a liquid other than water and to polymeric structures that
have absorbed water, it being readily apparent to those skilled in
the art from the context whether the polymeric structure is simply
a "gel" or a "hydrogel."
[0110] The term "polar liquid," as used herein has the meaning
generally understood by those skilled in the chemical art. In
brief, a polar liquid is one in which the electrons are unevenly
distributed among the atoms of its molecules and therefore create
an electrical dipole. To be polar a molecule must contain at least
one atom that is more electronegative than other atoms in the
molecule. Examples of polar liquids include, without limitation,
water, where the oxygen atom bears a partial negative charge and
the hydrogen atoms a partial positive charge, and alcohols, wherein
the O--H moiety is similarly polarized.
[0111] As used herein, "gel particle" refers to a microscopic or
sub-microscopic quantity of a gel in a discrete shape, usually, but
not necessarily, spherical or substantially so. As used herein, a
"gel particle" includes small clusters of individual particles held
together by non-covalent bond physical forces such as
hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding, wherein
the clusters do not adversely affect the stability of a gel
particle suspension (suspension system) containing them or the
performance of the suspension system in the methods of this
invention. Clusters result from changes in concentration of gel
particles in suspension. That is, at higher concentrations, it is
more likely individual particles will get close enough to one
another for non-covalent bond forces, which will eventually hold a
shape-retentive aggregate of this invention together, to cause them
to coalesce.
[0112] As used herein, a "suspension" refers to a uniformly
distributed, stable dispersion of a solid in a liquid in which the
solid is not soluble. A surfactant may be added to the liquid to
help stabilize the dispersion. As used herein, a "suspension
system" refers to a suspension wherein gel particles of this
invention are the dispersed solid. By "stable" is meant that the
solid remains uniformly dispersed for at least 24 hours, unless
subjected to disrupting external forces such as, without
limitation, centrifugation or filtration.
[0113] As used herein, a "surfactant" has the meaning generally
understood by those skilled in the chemical art. That is, a
surfactant is a soluble compound, which may be anionic, cationic,
zwitterionic, amphoteric or neutral in charge, and which reduces
the surface tension of the liquid in which it is dissolved or that
reduces interfacial tension between two liquids or a liquid and a
solid.
[0114] As used herein, the term "shape-retentive aggregate" refers
to a structure composed of a large number of gel particles held
together by inter-particle and particle-liquid forces such as,
without limitation, hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions and
hydrogen bonding wherein the structure maintains indefinitely
whatever shape it may be cut, molded or, in a presently preferred
embodiment of this invention, conforms to upon in vivo injection,
unless the aggregate or the particles comprising it is/are
purposely constructed so as to be degradable.
[0115] As used herein, a "degradable" shape-retentive aggregate
refers to an aggregate that disintegrates into discrete gel
particles (or clusters of particles) upon contact with a selected
physical or chemical condition such as, without limitation,
temperature, abrasion, pH, ionic strength, electrical voltage
and/or current, acidity, basicity, solvent effects and the
like.
[0116] As used herein, a "degradable" gel particle refers to a gel
particle that disintegrates into discrete polymer strands or even
partial strands and that loses its spherical or other discrete
shape upon contact with a selected physical or chemical condition
such as, without limitation, temperature, abrasion, pH, ionic
strength, electrical voltage and/or current, acidity, basicity,
solvent effects and the like.
[0117] As used herein, the term "receiving medium" refers to any
medium into which a suspension system of this invention is
introduced and in which a shape-retentive aggregate of this
invention forms. For the purpose of this invention, the receiving
medium is one in which the absolute zeta potential of the
individual gel particles is reduced to a level that results in the
coalescence of the particles and eventually the formation of a
shape-retentive aggregate of this invention.
[0118] As used herein, the terms "elastomeric," "elasticity" and
"elastic," refer to a shape-retentive aggregate that can be
distorted by an external force to at least 150% of its original
dimension in any direction and when the force is removed,
immediately returns to its approximate original dimension.
[0119] As used herein, the term "monomer" has the meaning
understood by those skilled in the chemical art. That is, a monomer
is a small chemical compound that is capable of forming a
macromolecule of repeating units of itself, i.e., a polymer. Two or
more different monomers may react to form a polymer in which each
of the monomers is repeated numerous times, the polymer being
referred to as a copolymer to reflect the fact that it is made up
of more than one monomer.
[0120] As used herein, the term "size" when used to describe a gel
particle of this invention refers to the volume of an essentially
spherical particle as represented by its diameter, which of course
is directed related to its volume. When referring to a plurality of
gel particles, size relates to the average volume of the particles
in the plurality as represented by their average diameter.
[0121] As used herein, the term "polydispersivity" refers to the
range of sizes of the particles in a suspension system. "Narrow
polydispersivity" refers to a suspension system in which the size
of the individual particles, as represented by their diameters,
deviates 10% or less from the average diameter of the particles in
the system. If two or more pluralities of particles in a suspension
system are both stated to be of narrow polydispersivity, what is
meant is that there are two distinct sets of particles wherein the
particles of each set vary in diameter by no more than 10% from an
average diameter of the particles in that set and the two averages
are distinctly different. A non-limiting example of such a
suspension system would be one comprising a first set of particles
in which each particle has a diameter of 20 nm.+-.10% and a second
set of particles in which each particle has a diameter of 40
nm.+-.10%.
[0122] As used herein, the term "broad polydispersivity" refers to
a suspension system in which the size of the individual particles
of a set of particles deviates more than 10% from the average size
of the particles of the set.
[0123] As used herein, the term "plurality" simply refers to more
that one, i.e., two or more.
[0124] As used herein, "chemical composition" as it relates to a
gel particle of this invention refers to the chemical composition
of the monomers that are polymerized to provide the polymer strands
of the particle, to the chemical composition and ratios of
different monomers if two or more monomers are used to prepare the
polymer strands of the particles and/or to the chemical composition
and quantity of any cross-linking agent(s) that are used to
inter-connect the particle strands.
[0125] As used herein, a "particle strand" refers to a single
polymer molecule or, if the system in which the strand exists
contains a cross-linking agent, two or more inter-connected polymer
molecules. The average number of polymer strands that will be
cross-linked and the average number of cross-links between any two
polymer strands in a particular gel particle will depend on the
quantity of cross-linker in the system and on the concentration of
polymer strands.
[0126] As used herein, the "wet weight" refers to the weight of a
gel particle after it has absorbed the maximum amount of a liquid
it is capable of absorbing. When it is stated that a particle has
occluded from about 0.1 to about 99 weight percent of a
working-substance-containing liquid, what is meant is that the
working substance-containing liquid makes up from about 0.1 to
about 99% of the weight of the particle after occlusion of the
substance-containing liquid.
[0127] As used herein, a "working substance" refers to any
substance that is occluded by a gel particle or entrapped in a
shape-retentive aggregate of this invention. Examples of working
substances, without limitation, include biomedical agents;
biologically active substances such as pharmaceutical agents,
genes, proteins, growth factors, monoclonal antibodies, fragmented
antibodies, antigens, polypeptides, DNA, RNA and ribozymes;
agrichemical agents (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, plant
growth hormones, etc.); radiopaque substances; radioactive
substances, pigments; dyes; metals; semiconductors; dopants;
chemical intermediates; acids; and, bases.
[0128] As used herein, the phrase "pharmaceutical agent" refers to
both small molecule and to macromolecular compounds used as drugs.
Among the former are, without limitation, antibiotics,
chemotherapeutics (in particular platinum compounds and taxol and
its derivatives), analgesics, antidepressants, anti-allergenics,
anti-arryhthics, anti-inflammatory compounds, CNS stimulants,
sedatives, anti-cholinergics, anti-arteriosclerotics, and the like.
Macromolecular compounds include, without limitation, monoclonal
antibodies (mAbs), Fabs, proteins, peptides, cells, antigens,
nucleic acids, enzymes, growth factors and the like. A
pharmaceutical agent may be intended for topical or systemic
use.
[0129] As used herein, a "metal" refers to an element in the
Periodic Table of the Elements that is distinguished by its luster,
malleability, conductivity and ability to form positive ions. In
particular, a metal, for the purposes of this invention, refers to
a transition element, i.e., Groups IB, IIB, IIIB (including the
rare earth and actinide metals), IVB, VB, VIIB, VIIB and VIII of
the Period Table.
[0130] As used herein, the term "noble metal" refers to gold,
silver, platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and iridium.
[0131] As used herein, an "alloy" refers to a substance possessing
metallic properties and composed of two or more elements at least
one of which must be a metal. Examples of alloys include, but are
not limited to, bronze, brass and stainless steel.
[0132] As used herein, the term "oxidation state" refers to the
charge on a metallic ion, which charge is the result of the loss of
electrons by an atom of the element. The "zero oxidation state" or
"ground state" is the metal itself with its full complement of
electrons. An "oxidation state of one," i.e., usually written as
M.sup.+1, wherein M refers to the metal, connotes a single positive
charge equal to the charge on a proton and results from the loss of
one electron, an "oxidation state of two," or "M.sup.+2" connotes a
positive charge equal to that of two protons and results from the
loss of two electrons, and so on.
[0133] As used herein, a "semiconductor" refers to a crystalline
element or chemical compound having electrical resistivity values
intermediate between those of insulators and those of metals
(conductors); i.e., about 10.sup.-2 to 10.sup.9 ohm-cm.
Semiconductors will conduct electricity under some conditions but
not others. The best known semiconductor element is silicon. Other
examples of semiconductor elements include, but are not limited to,
antimony, arsenic, boron, carbon, gemanium, selenium, sulfur and
tellurium. Examples, without limitation, of semiconductor compounds
include gallium arsenide, indium antimonide and the oxides of most
metals.
[0134] As used herein "hydroxy" refers to an --OH group.
[0135] As used herein, "ether" refers to a chemical compound
containing at least one --C--O--C-- structural feature.
[0136] As used herein, the term "alkyl" refers to a straight or
branched chain saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon, i.e., a compound
consisting of carbon and hydrogen only. The size of an alkyl in
terms of how many carbon atoms it contains is indicated by the
formula (aC-bC)alkyl where a and b are integers. For example, a
(1C-4C)alkyl refers to a straight or branched chain alkyl
consisting of 1, 2, 3 or 4 carbon atoms. An alkyl group may be
substituted or unsubstituted.
[0137] As used herein, the phrase "voids between the hydrogel
particles" refers to the open space generated when essentially
spherical gel particles touch at their circumferences when forming
shape-retentive aggregates of this invention. The volume of the
voids can be approximated as 0.414 times the average radius of the
spheres.
[0138] As used herein, a "cross-linking agent" refers to a di-,
tri-, or tetra-functional chemical entity that is capable of
forming covalent bonds with functional groups on polymeric strands
resulting in a three-dimensional structure.
[0139] A "hydrogen bond" refers to the electronic attraction
between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a highly
electronegative atom and another electronegative atom having at
least one lone pair of electrons. The strength of a hydrogen bond,
about 23 kJ (kilojoules) mol.sup.-1, is between that of a covalent
bond, about 500 kJ mol.sup.-1, and a van der Waals attraction,
about 1.3 kJ mol.sup.-1. Hydrogen bonds have a marked effect on the
physical characteristics of a composition capable of forming them.
For example, ethanol has a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an
oxygen atom, which also has a pair of unshared (i.e., a "lone
pair") electrons and, therefore, ethanol is capable of hydrogen
bonding with itself. Ethanol has a boiling point of 78.degree. C.
In general, compounds of similar molecular weight are expected to
have similar boiling points. However, dimethyl ether, which has
exactly the same molecular weight as ethanol but which is not
capable of hydrogen bonding between molecules of itself, has a
boiling point of -24.degree. C., almost 100 degrees lower than
ethanol. Hydrogen bonding between the ethanol molecules has made
ethanol act as if it were substantially higher in molecular
weight.
[0140] As used herein, a "charged" gel particle refers to a
particle that has a localized positive or negative charge due to
ionic content of the monomers making up the polymer strands of the
particle and the environment in which these particles find
themselves. For example, without limitation, hydrogel particles
comprising acrylic acid as a co-monomer will, under basic
conditions, exist in a state in which some or all of the acid
groups are ionized, i.e., --COOH becomes --COO.sup.-. Another
example is the amino (--NH.sub.2) group, which, in an acidic
environment, will form an ammonium (--NH.sub.3.sup.+) ion.
[0141] As used herein, "zeta potential" as used herein had the
meaning generally understood by those skilled in the chemical art.
Briefly, when a charged particle is suspended in an electrolytic
solution, a layer of counter-ions (ions of charge opposite that of
the particle) forms at the surface of the particle. This layer of
particles is strongly adhered to the surface of the particle and is
referred to as the Stern layer. A second, diffuse layer of ions of
the same charge as the particle (and opposite the charge of the
counter-ions that form the Stern layer, often referred to as
co-ions) then forms around the strongly absorbed inner layer. The
attached counter-ions in the Stern layer and the charged atmosphere
in the diffuse layer are referred to as the "double layer," the
thickness of which depends on the type and concentration of ions in
solution. The double layer forms to neutralize the charge of the
particle. This causes an electrokinetic potential between the
surface of the particle and any point in the suspending liquid. The
voltage difference, which is on the order of millivolts (mV) is
referred to as the surface potential. The potential drops off
essentially linearly in the Stern layer and then exponentially in
the diffuse layer.
[0142] A charged particle will move with a fixed velocity in a
voltage field, a phenomenon that is called electrophoresis. Its
mobility is proportional to the electrical potential at the
boundary between the moving particle and the surrounding liquid.
Since the Stern layer is tightly bound to the particle and the
diffuse layer is not, the preceding boundary is usually defined as
being the boundary between the Stern layer and the diffuse layer,
often referred to as the slip plane. The electrical potential at
the junction of the Stern layer and the diffuse layer is related to
the mobility of the particle. While the potential at the slip plane
is an intermediate value, its ease of measurement by, without
limitation, electrophoresis and it direct relationship with
stability renders it an ideal characterizing feature of the
dispersed particles in suspension. It is this potential that is
called the zeta potential. The zeta potential can be positive or
negative depending on the initial charge on the particle. The term
"absolute zeta potential" refers to the zeta potential of a
particle absent the charge sign. That is, actual zeta potentials
of, for example, +20 mV and -20 mV would both have an absolute zeta
potential of 20.
[0143] Charged particles suspended in a liquid tend to remain
stably dispersed or to agglomerate depending primarily on the
balance between two opposing forces, electrostatic repulsion, which
favors a stable dispersion, and van der Waals attraction, which
favors particle coalescense or "flocculation" as it is sometimes
referred to when the particles initially come together. The zeta
potential of the dispersed particles is related to the strength of
the electrostatic repulsion so a large absolute zeta potential
favors a stable suspension. Thus, particles with an absolute zeta
potential equal to or greater than about 30 mV tend to form stable
dispersions, since at this level the electrostatic repulsion is
sufficient to keep the particles apart. On the other hand, when the
absolute value of the zeta potential is less than about 30, then
van der Walls forces are sufficiently strong to overcome
electrostatic repulsion and the particles tend to flocculate.
[0144] The zeta potential of a particle of a particular composition
in a particular solvent may be manipulated by modifying, without
limitation, the pH of the liquid, the temperature of the liquid,
the ionic strength of the liquid, the types of ions in solution in
the liquid, and the presence, and if present, the type and
concentration of surfactant(s) in the liquid.
[0145] As used herein, an "excipient" refers to an inert substance
added to a pharmaceutical composition to facilitate its
administration. Examples, without limitation, of excipients include
calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, various sugars and types of
starch, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, vegetable oils and
polyethylene glycols. A "pharmaceutically acceptable excipient"
refers to an excipient that does not cause significant irritation
to an organism and does not abrogate the biological activity and
properties of the administered compound.
[0146] As used herein, the phrase "useful in the treatment of"
means that the pharmaceutical agent is known to either directly or
indirectly inhibit, preferably destroy or deactivate, the causal
agent of the disease indicated or to at least ameliorate,
preferably eliminate, the symptoms of that disease. With regard to
cancer, the agent is known to at least increase the average
lifespan of affected individuals.
[0147] As used herein, the term "cancer" refers to malignant
neoplasms, which, in turn relate to a large group of diseases that
can arise in virtually any tissue composed of potentially dividing
cells. The basic characteristic of cancer is a transmissible
abnormality of cells that is manifested by reduced control over
growth and function leading to serious life-threatening effects on
the host through invasive growth and metastases.
[0148] As used herein, "coronary artery disease" refers to a
narrowing of the coronary arteries cause by atherosclerosis that,
when sufficiently severe, limits, or, in its most serious form
completely occludes, the flow of blood to the myocardium (heart
muscle).
[0149] As used herein, "respiratory disease" refers to a disease in
which the lungs do not work properly so that breathing is affected.
Examples of respiratory diseases include, without limitation,
asthma, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis and pneumonia. Examples of
pharmaceutical agents useful in the treatment of a respiratory
disease include, without limitation.
[0150] As used herein, "ocular disease" refers to a disease in
which the eyes do not function properly so that vision is affected.
Examples of ocular diseases include, without limitation, glaucoma,
macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts. Examples
of pharmaceutical agents useful in the treatment of ocular diseases
include, without limitation.
[0151] As used herein, an "infectious disease" refers to any
disease transmitted by a microorganism such as, without limitation,
a bacterium, a virus, a prion, a fungus, an amoeba or a protozoon.
In general, infectious diseases are communicable in nature and may
be transmitted from one individual to another and are capable of
producing serious illness in the other individual. Examples of
pharmaceutical agents useful in the treatment of infectious
diseases include, without limitation.
[0152] The shape-retentive aggregates of this invention may be
manipulated using the disclosures herein so as to be capable of
occluding and/or entrapping virtually any pharmaceutical agent
presently known, or that may become known, to those skilled in the
art as being effective in the treatment and/or prevention of any of
the above diseases and all such pharmaceutical agents are within
the scope of this invention.
[0153] As used herein, the term "about" means .+-.15% of the value
modified with the term.
[0154] As used herein, the term "ex vivo" refers to any process or
procedure being performed outside of a living organism, for
instance, without limitation, in a Petri dish, in soil, in surface
water, in a liquid organic medium and the like.
[0155] As used herein, the term "in vivo" refers to any process or
procedure performed within a living organism, which may be a plant
or an animal, in particular, in a human being.
[0156] As used herein, the term "hydrophilic/hydrophobic
interactions" refers to the inter- or intra-molecular association
of chemical entities through physical forces, whereby hydrophilic
compounds or hydrophilic regions of compounds tend to associate
with other hydrophilic compounds or hydrophilic regions of
compounds, and hydrophobic compounds or hydrophobic regions of
compounds tend to associate with other hydrophobic compounds or
hydrophobic regions of compounds.
[0157] As used herein, an "orifice" has the meaning generally
understood by those skilled in the arts, that is, an opening, in
particular with respect to this invention, an opening through which
a suspension system of this invention may be passed to control its
rate of introduction into another medium.
[0158] As used herein, the term "gauge" has the generally
understood meaning of those skilled in the medical arts; that is,
it refers to the outside diameter of a hollow needle wherein the
outside diameter is directly related to the diameter of the lumen
of the needle. The higher the gauge, i.e., the larger the number,
e.g. "38 gauge," the smaller the outside diameter of the needle
and, therefore, the smaller the lumen.
[0159] As used herein, the term "occlude" has the meaning generally
understood by those skilled in the chemical art, that is, to absorb
and retain a substance for a period of time. With regard to this
invention, substances may be absorbed by and retained in, i.e.
occluded by, gel particles of this invention during their
formation.
[0160] As used herein, the term "entrapped" refers to the retention
for a period of time of a substance in the voids between the gel
particles comprising shape-retentive aggregates of this
invention.
[0161] As used herein, the term "average molecular weight" refers
to the weight of individual polymer strands or cross-linked polymer
strands of this invention. For the purpose of this invention,
average molecular weight is determined by gel permeation
chromatography with laser light scattering detection.
[0162] As used herein, "growth factors" refer to certain
polypeptides that, when bound by growth factor receptors on the
surface of cells, stimulate the cells to grow in size and to
divide. Growth factor receptors are specific to each growth factor
so that only cells that express the exact receptor for a particular
growth factor will be stimulated by that growth factor. Examples of
growth factors include, without limitation, vascular endothelial
growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), fibroblast
growth factor (FGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), hepatocyte
growth factor (HGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF).
[0163] As used herein, "tissue scaffold" refers to a highly porous,
artificial, three-dimensional extra-cellular matrix that is used in
vivo as a framework to which cells can attach and grow to
regenerate tissues lost through injury or disease.
[0164] As used herein, "cosmetic tissue enhancement" refers to any
bodily feature reconstruction or enhancement such as, without
limitation, breast reconstruction or enhancement, lip enhancement,
wrinkle removal, facial tissue reconstruction, etc.
Discussion
[0165] The shape-retentive aggregates of this invention are formed
by preparing a suspension system comprising discrete gel particles
dispersed in a liquid or mixture of miscible liquids wherein the
particles have an absolute zeta potential and then introducing the
suspension system into a receiving medium in which the absolute
zeta potential of the particles is reduced to the point that the
dispersion of particles in the suspension is destabilized and the
particles agglomerate into an aggregate of particles. To achieve
the reduction in zeta potential to the point where aggregation
occurs, the receiving medium may be at a different ionic strength
or a different pH than the suspension system and/or it may dilute
the effect of a surfactant added to the suspension system to help
stabilize the suspension. While the change in zeta potential
results in the initial coalescence of the gel particles of this
invention, it is their unique physical and chemical characteristics
causes them to be held together in a shape-retentive aggregate.
That is, the particles of this invention, once coalesced, are held
together by strong inter-particle and particle-liquid interactions
such as, without limitation, hydrophobic-hydrophilic interactions
and hydrogen bonding, the latter by virtue of the face that the at
least one of the monomers that is used to create the polymer
strands that make up the gel particle of this invention must
comprise one or more hydroxy groups and/or one or more ether groups
and at least one of the liquid(s) used in the suspension system
must comprise at least one hydroxy group.
[0166] The chemical composition of the polymers making up the
individual gel particles can be manipulated such that the resulting
aggregates are stable and do not readily degrade under a wide range
of environmental or physiological conditions. On the other hand,
the chemical composition of the particles or the chemical
environment of the aggregates can be such that the particles or the
aggregates or both, will degrade under selected conditions in a
predictable and controllable fashion. For example, without
limitation, by selecting the appropriate gel particle composition,
aggregates that decompose at certain temperatures, pHs, ionic
strengths, electric currents and the like, can be constructed. Or
additives can be entrapped in the aggregate matrix as it is being
formed such that the resulting aggregates will degrade as the
additive(s) change(s) structure, composition and/or reactivity upon
exposure to variety of environmental and/or physiological
conditions.
[0167] The gel particles are prepared in a polymerization system
that consists of one or more monomers selected generally from those
monomers that, on polymerization, provide a polymer that is capable
of hydrogen bonding. General classes of monomers that have this
capability include, without limitation, hydroxyalkyl 2-alkenoates
such as the hydroxy(2C-4C)alkyl methacrylates and the
hydroxy(2C-4C)alkyl acrylates; the
hydroxy((2C-4C)alkoxy(2C-4C)alkyl) alkenoates such as
2-hydroxyethoxyethyl acrylate and methacrylate; the
(1C-4C)alkoxy(1C-4C)alkyl methacrylates, e.g., ethoxyethyl
methacrylate; the 2-alkenoic acids, such as acrylic and methacrylic
acid; the (1C-4C)alkoxy(2C-4C)alkoxy(2C-4C)alkyl) alkenoates such
as ethoxyethoxyethyl acrylate and methacrylate; the
N-vinylpyrrolidones such as the N-mono- and di-(1C-4C)alkyl
vinylpyrrolidones; the 2-alkenamides such as the N-(1C-4C)
alkyl-2-alkenamides and N,N-di(1C-4C)alkyl-2-alkenamides, for
example, the N-(1C-4C)alkylacrylamides, the
N-(1C-4C)alkylmethacrylamides, the N,N-di(1C-4C)alkylacrylamides
and the N,N-di(1C-4C)alkylmethacrylamides; the dialkylaminoalkyl
2-alkenoates, e.g., diethylaminoethyl acrylate and methacrylate;
the vinylpyridines; the vicinal-epoxyalkyl 2-alkenoates such as the
vicinal epoxy(1C-4C)alkyl)methacrylates and the vicinal
epoxy(1C-4C)alkyl acrylates, and combinations thereof.
[0168] Presently preferred monomers include 2-hydroxyethyl
acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, diethylene glycol
monoacrylate, diethylene glycol monomethacrylate, 2-hydropropyl
acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, 3-hydroxypropyl acrylate,
3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, dipropylene glycol monomethacrylate,
dipropylene glycol monoacrylate, glycidyl methacrylate,
2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylate, N,N-dimethylaminoethyl
methacrylate N,N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate, and mixtures thereof.
A presently particularly preferred monomer is 2-hydroxyethyl
methacrylate (HEMA).
[0169] Co-monomers that are not capable of hydrogen bonding may be
added to the polymerization system to modify the physical and
chemical characteristics of the resulting gel particles. Examples
of co-monomers that may be used in conjunction with the above
monomers are, without limitation, acrylamide,
N-methylmethacrylamide, N,N-dimethacrylamide,
methylvinylpyrrolidone, N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate
N,N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate, acrylic acid and methacrylic
acid.
[0170] In addition, non-polymerizing additives such as, without
limitation, alkyl alkanoates as exemplified by methyl butyrate,
butyl acetate, etc. may be added to the polymerization reaction to
further modify the physical and chemical characteristics of the
resulting gel particles.
[0171] A cross-linking agent also may be added to the
polymerization system to strengthen the three-dimensional structure
of the resulting gel particles. The cross-linking agent can be
non-degradable, such as, without limitation, ethylene glycol
diacrylate or dimethacrylate, 1,4-butylene dimethacrylate,
diethylene glycol dimethacrylate, propylene glycol dimethacrylate,
diethylene glycol dimethacrylate, dipropylene glycol
dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate, dipropylene glycol
diacrylate, divinyl benzene, divinyltoluene, triallyl melamine,
N,N'-methylene bisacrylamide, diallyl maleate, divinyl ether,
diallyl monoethylene glycol citrate, vinyl allyl citrate, allyl
vinyl maleate, divinyl sulfone, hexahydro-1,3,5-triallyltriazine,
triallyl phosphite, diallyl benzene phosphonate, a polyester of
maleic anhydride with triethylene glycol, diallyl aconitrate,
divinyl citraconate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate and diallyl
fumarate. Other non-degradable cross-linking agents will become
apparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosures
herein and are within the scope of this invention.
[0172] On the other hand, a cross-linking agent may be selected
that will decompose under selected conditions thus providing a
means of preparing degradable gel particles; that is, as the
cross-linker degrades, the stability of the polymer strands making
up the gel matrix is compromised to the point that the particles
simply fall apart. Examples of degradable cross-linking agents
include, without limitation, diallyl tartrate, allyl pyruvate,
allyl maleate, divinyl tartrate, diallyl itaconate and the ethylene
glycol diester of itaconic acid.
[0173] Presently preferred degradable cross-linking agents are
provided in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/338,404,
which is incorporated by reference, including any drawings, as if
fully set forth herein. These cross-linkers are monomers or
oligomers comprised of a molecule having at least two carboxyl
groups and at least two cross-linking functional groups. Between at
least one of the cross-linking functional groups and one of the
carboxyl groups is a biodegradable poly(hydroxyalkyl acid ester)
sequence of 1-6 repetitions.
[0174] In another embodiment of this invention, rather than
preparing the gel particles of this invention ab initio, that is,
by polymerizing monomer(s) under appropriate conditions,
shape-retentive aggregates may be prepared from bulk polymers. The
bulk polymers may be commercial polymers or they may be prepared by
conventional polymerization techniques such as, without limitation,
solution, suspension and aqueous polymerization. In the latter
case, the polymer may then be treated to remove residual monomer
and any other undesirable materials before being dried. The
prepared or commercial dry, brittle bulk polymer is then broken up
by grinding, micro-pulverizing and the like and the fragments are
sieved using techniques known in the art to separate particles of
different size. Particles in a desired size range are stirred in a
selected liquid or combination of liquids, with or without an added
surfactant, until they have absorbed as much of the liquid as they
can, that is, they have reached their wet weight. The particles are
then ready for introduction into a receiving medium to form a
shape-retentive aggregate of this invention.
[0175] The presently preferred liquid for use in both the
polymerization system and the suspension system of this invention
is water, in which case, the particles are hydrogel particles.
[0176] Certain organic liquids may also be used in the methods of
this invention. In general, it is preferred that they have boiling
points above about 60.degree. C., preferable above about
200.degree. C. The use of these liquids results in the formation of
intricate, tough aggregates. Organic liquids that are particularly
useful in forming the aggregates of this invention are
water-miscible oxyalkylene polymers, e.g., the polyalkylene
glycols, especially those characterized by a plurality of
oxyethylene (--OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2--) units in the molecule and a
boiling point above about 200.degree. C.
[0177] Presently preferred organic liquids that may be used in the
methods of this invention are biologically inert, non-toxic, polar,
water-miscible organic liquids such as, without limitation,
ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,
butanediol-1,3, butanediol-1,4,
hexanediol-2,5,2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol,
heptanediol-2,4,2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, diethylene glycol,
triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycols, and the higher
polyethylene glycols and other water-soluble oxyalkylene
homopolymers and copolymers having a molecular weight up to about
2000, preferably up to about 1600. For example, without limitation,
hydroxy-terminated polymers of ethylene oxide having average
molecular weights of 200-1000, water-soluble
oxyethyleneoxypropylene polyol (especially glycol) polymers having
molecular weights up to about 1500, preferably up to about 1000,
propylene glycol monoethyl ether, monoacetin, glycerine,
tri(hydroxyethyl) citrate, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether,
ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, di(hydroxypropyl) oxalate,
hydroxypropyl acetate, glyceryl triacetate, glyceryl tributyrate,
liquid sorbitol ethylene oxide adducts, liquid glycerine ethylene
oxide adducts, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene
glycol monoethyl ether, and ethylene glycol diacetate, may be
used.
[0178] In an embodiment of this invention, hydrogel particles,
having nominal sizes in the 10.sup.-9 meters to the 10.sup.-6 m
range are produced by redox, free radical or photo-initiated
polymerization in water containing a surfactant. In this manner,
particles of relatively narrow polydispersivity can be produced.
If, for particular application, such as, without limitation,
release of a biologically active substance over a long period of
time is desired, particles of broad polydiversivity may be
formed.
[0179] If, on the other hand, the goal is sequential release of a
drug or burst release at different times rather than continuous
release, two or more groups of particles of different sizes but
narrow polydispersivity within each size may be used. For example,
without limitation, gel particles of different sizes but narrow
polydispersivity may be formed using the techniques described
herein in separate polymerization systems that contain a particular
biologically active substance. The substance-containing particles
may then be combined in a single suspension system. Due to the
difference in size of the particles, the biologically active
substance will be burst-released as different times. Using the same
technique but adding a first biologically active substance to one
of the polymerization systems and a different biologically active
substance to the second polymerization system will result in a
suspension system that contains particles that will release their
particular active substance at different times, i.e., sequential
release.
[0180] Prior to introducing a suspension system into a receiving
medium, it may be desirable to treat the suspension system to
remove unreacted monomer(s), surfactant and non-occluded
biologically active substance from the liquid of the suspension
system and/or to remove unreacted monomer(s) and surfactant from
the water absorbed by the particles. Techniques such as, without
limitation, dialysis, extraction or tangential flow filtration may
be used to clean up the particles and the suspension system. The
suspension system may then be concentrated, if required, prior to
aggregate formation. It is presently preferred that the
concentration of particles is a suspension system ready for
introduction into a receiving system be in the range of about 1 to
about 500 mg/mL, more preferably from about 25 to 150 mg/mL. Rather
than removing surfactant from the suspension system, it may be
desirable to exchange it for a more pharmaceutically acceptable one
that the one used during polymerization and initial suspension
system formation.
[0181] The suspension of purified particles containing the
biologically active substance(s) is then introduced into a medium
in which the absolute zeta potential of the particles is reduced
with the result that the particles coalesce to form a
shape-retentive aggregate of this invention, the shape of the
aggregate conforming to the shape of the location, where the medium
into which the suspension system is introduced, is found.
[0182] In general, for in vivo applications such as drug delivery,
the location into which the suspension system is introduced will be
a bodily tissue which comprises a bodily fluid, for example without
limitation, plasma, extracellular, extravascular, dentinal,
interstitial, intraocular, transcellular and synovial fluid, blood,
serum, and the like. While it is possible to measure the zeta
potential of particles intended for a particular application in a
representative sample of bodily fluid from the site of that
application to be certain that the particles will agglomerate into
a shape-retentive aggregate, such should in general not be
necessary. That is, suspension systems of this invention will
generally be prepared so as to be stable under selected storage
conditions but when subjected to physiological conditions of
ionicity, pH and the like, will undergo a reduction in zeta
potential and subsequent coalescence and aggregation.
[0183] Numerous factors will affect the chemical and physical
characteristics of the aggregates of this invention. One is the
molecular weight of the polymer used to form the individual
hydrogel particles. It has been found that hydrogel particles
consisting of low molecular weight polymers will generally not form
stable, strong aggregates. Thus, higher molecular weight polymers
are presently preferred. While the use of cross-linking agents can
ameliorate some of the problems associated with low molecular
weight polymers, too much cross-linking agent may be detrimental.
If the hydrogel particles contain a large amount of cross-linking
agent and/or if the cross-linking agent is highly hydrophobic, the
resulting polymeric network may not permit optimal absorption of
liquid resulting in less desirable aggregates. It is presently
preferred that the polymers that comprise the gel particles of this
invention have molecular weights in the range of about 3,000 to
about 2,000,000 Da. This may be accomplished by selecting an
appropriate commercial polymer, by using a polymerization system
that gives polymers of in the desired molecular weight range or by
including a cross-linker in the polymerization system to join
together short polymer strands to reach the desired molecular
weight range.
[0184] Particle size will also affect the characteristics of
aggregates. It has been determined that smaller gel particles will
generally absorb liquid more easily and will give a more resilient
matrix. Gel particles having sizes, again as characterized by their
average diameters, in the range of about 10 to about 75,000 nm,
more preferably from about 10 to about 800 nm, are presently
preferred.
[0185] If a cross-linking agent is used, its chemical composition
and the amount used, i.e., the resulting cross-linking density,
will affect the characteristics of the particles as previously
discussed and thereupon will affect the characteristics of the
aggregates formed. The amount of cross-linking agent used in
preparing gel particles of this invention is preferably in the
range of about 0.001 to about 10, preferably about 0.1 to about 2
mol percent of monomer.
[0186] The molecular weight and chemical composition of the
suspension liquids used will also affect the resulting aggregates
since some liquid is occluded by the particles and some is
entrapped in the aggregate. For instance, as noted previously,
water is the presently preferred liquid both for the polymerization
system and the suspension system. If 5% glycerin or 20%
polyethylene glycol is added to the water, the rate of release of
occluded or entrapped FITC-BSA and FITC-Dex is substantially
altered as shown in the Examples, below.
[0187] The concentration of gel particles in the suspension system
will affect the characteristics of the resulting aggregate,
primarily due to the fact that at higher concentrations the gel
particles tend to coalesce into particle clusters that then
coagulate into shape retentive aggregates. As noted above, the
presently preferred concentration of gel particles in the
suspension medium is from about 1 to about 500, more preferably 25
to 150 mg/mL.
[0188] The chemical composition and amount of surfactant used will
affect the physical and chemical characteristics of aggregates of
this invention. For example, FIG. 8 shows the effect of surfactant
choice on the rate of aggregation, which in turn will affect the
incorporation of working substances in to the aggregates and the
subsequent magnitude of burst release of the incorporated
substance(s).
[0189] The orifice size and rate of introduction through it of the
suspension system into a receiving system will also affect the
physical characteristics of the resulting aggregate. In general,
using a slow introduction rate and a large aperture will result in
the immediate formation of a dense, pliable aggregate with little
associated flocculation. A presently preferred means of
introduction of a suspension system into a receiving medium is to
use a hollow needle of from 10 to 30 gauge, preferably from 15 to
27 gauge, as the aperture and to introduce the suspension system
into the receiving medium at a rate of from about 0.05 to about 15
ml/min, more preferably at present from about 0.25 to about 10
ml/min.
[0190] The various parameters discussed above are, of course,
inter-dependent. For example, without limitation, the physical
characteristics of an aggregate are directly proportional to the
concentration of hydrogel particles in suspension at a given
introduction speed and aperture size. Hydrogel particles at a
higher concentration produce a denser, immediate aggregate upon
introduction into an aggregation medium as compared to a lower
concentration of hydrogel particles in suspension which produce a
more diffuse aggregate with associated flocculation. However, too
high a concentration can be counterproductive since the particles
may no longer be uniformly suspended. Also, maintaining the
concentration and size of hydrogel particles in the suspension
system, the rate of introduction speed and the aperture size
constant, the type and amount of surfactant used affects the
aggregation time and quality of the resulting aggregate.
[0191] In a presently preferred embodiment of this invention,
hydrogel particles are produced by polymerizing non-ionic monomers
in water containing a surfactant. The suspension of hydrogel
particles is treated to remove unreacted monomer and other
impurities. Aggregates are then formed by injecting the suspension
into a receiving medium of higher ionic strength, e.g. PBS, serum
or other bodily fluid, such that the absolute zeta potential of the
particles is lowered and the particles self-assemble into a compact
elastic, shape-retentive aggregate. If the medium is in vivo, that
is, if it is a bodily tissue, then the shape-retentive aggregate
assumes and retains the shape of the region of the body into which
it is injected. If the receiving medium is ex vivo, it may be,
without limitation, be further pressure-shaped, extruded, or molded
into a desired shape, which it will retain so long as the aggregate
is maintained in the hydrated state.
[0192] In another embodiment of the present invention, monomers
having various degrees of ionic character are co-polymerized with
non-ionic monomers to form hydrogel particles that are subsequently
coalesced into aggregates as above. These aggregates will degrade
under appropriate environmental conditions, desirable
characteristic for certain applications such as in vivo drug
release systems that degrade and clear through the kidneys. That
is, the ionic character of the individual hydrogel particles will
render them susceptible to degradation depending on the pH,
temperature, ionic strength, electric current, etc. of their
immediate environment. Breakdown of the individual particles leads
to disintegration, or at least loss of structural integrity of the
aggregate.
[0193] Breakdown of the individual gel particles and thereby
breakdown of the aggregate may also be accomplished by using
degradable cross-linking agents in the formation of the gel
particles. The resulting aggregate will dissemble under
environmental conditions that cause degradation of the
cross-linker. Cross-linking agents can be prepared that will
degrade under selected conditions of, without limitation, pH,
temperature, ionic strength, electric current, electromagnetic
radiation, radiation and in bodily fluids.
[0194] The aggregates of this invention have many uses including,
without limitation, delivery of a biologically active substance or
substances to a predetermined location. The application may be
agricultural, such as, without limitation, the delivery of a
fungicide, insecticide or herbicide to a commercial crop; e.g.
corn, cotton, soy beans, wheat, etc. Or, the target may be the
growth medium, e.g., the soil, in which the crop is growing and may
involve the delivery of nutrients and the like. The target may be
environmental contaminants in soil, which contaminants may be
controllably degraded using aggregates of this invention. The
target may be veterinary, involving delivery of medicaments to
animals such as reptiles, mammals and birds. In particular, the
target may be a human involving the controlled, directed delivery
of pharmaceutical agents to the patient.
[0195] In an embodiment of this invention, the biologically active
agent is dissolved or suspended in an aqueous suspension of
hydrated hydrogel particles, which is then introduced into a
receiving medium of higher ionic strength to reduce the zeta
potential and create an aggregate. While a water-soluble substance
is presently preferred to ensure homogeneity of the bulk liquid
before injection, such is not necessarily the case. Adjuvants such
as surfactants can be added to render a suspension of a limited
solubility biologically active substance relatively homogeneous. As
the suspension is introduced into the receiving medium and the
aggregate forms, the biologically active substance is entrapped in
the liquid that fills the voids between the particles of the
aggregate.
[0196] If produced ex vivo, the resulting resilient,
shape-retentive aggregate can be washed to remove any biologically
active substance loosely adhered to its surface. The aggregate can
then be further shaped for an intended use, if desired. For
example, without limitation, if the contemplated use is treatment
of an infection, the aggregate could be shaped to fit directly into
a wound and to release an antibiotic therein. Likewise, if the use
is delivery of a chemotherapeutic, such as, without limitation,
paclitaxel or cisplatin, to a target organ in a cancer patient, the
aggregate could be shaped to facilitate implantation at the
afflicted site.
[0197] If the aggregate is produced in vivo, a certain amount of
biologically active substance will be entrapped, depending upon the
type and size of the biologically active substance and the rate of
aggregate formation. The rate of aggregate formation is a function
of the particle size and concentration in the suspension system,
the absolute zeta potential of the particles in the suspension
system and after introduction into the receiving medium, the type
and amount of surfactant or combination of surfactants used, the
receiving medium, the temperature of the receiving system, the rate
of introduction of the suspension system into the receiving medium
and the aperture size of the device through which the suspension
system is introduced into the receiving medium.
[0198] If the in vivo application is delivery of a pharmaceutical
agent to a human or animal patient, the presently preferred method
of introduction of the suspension system into the receiving medium,
that is, a bodily tissue comprising a bodily fluid, is injection
using a hypodermic needle. The size of the aperture in the needle
may vary and is related to the rate of injection. Presently
preferred hypodermic needle sizes are from 10 to 30 gauge, more
preferably, 15 to 27 gauge and the rate of injection is from about
0.05 to about 15 milliliters (mL)/minute (min.), more preferably
about 0.25 to about 10 ml/min.
[0199] The above procedure will result in the formation of a
shape-retentive aggregate at the site of injection, the
shape-retentive aggregate entrapping the pharmaceutical agent as it
is formed and then releasing it over time depending on the
properties of the aggregate and active compound.
[0200] Another embodiment of this invention involves dissolving or
suspending the biologically active agent in the polymerization
system prior to polymerization. As the polymerization reaction
proceeds and hydrogel particles form, liquid containing the
biologically active substance is occluded by the forming particles.
Un-occluded biologically active agent is then removed when the
particles are treated to remove excess monomer and surfactant. The
suspension of biologically active substance-containing particles
may then be introduced either ex vivo or in vivo, in the latter
case introduction preferably being by injection, into a receiving
medium whereupon the particles coalesce into a shape-retentive
aggregate.
[0201] A combination of the above approaches is an embodiment of
this invention. That is, rather than removing the biologically
active substance with the excess monomer and surfactant before
introduction into the receiving medium, the biologically active
agent can be left in the suspension liquid or reintroduced into the
suspension system once monomer and surfactant have been removed, so
that, upon introduction into the receiving medium, additional
active agent will be entrapped in the voids between the particles
forming the shape-retentive aggregate.
[0202] It is also an embodiment of this invention to remove
non-occluded biologically active agent from the suspension system
along with the excess monomer and with the surfactant and then add
an entirely different biologically active substance to the
suspension medium prior to aggregate formation so as to entrap the
latter during aggregate formation. The substance entrapped in the
voids in the aggregate will normally be released at a very
different rate from the substance occluded by the particles. In
this manner, a broad range of delivery rates can be achieved.
Diversity in delivery profile can also be achieved by varying the
chemical composition of the individual hydrogel particles of the
aggregate.
[0203] If no degradation-inducing chemical modification is
incorporated into the individual gel particles and no
environmentally activated adjuvant is entrapped in the aggregate,
the aggregate formed will be essentially impervious to normal
environmental conditions. This type of aggregate will generally
display release rates similar to monolithic matrix devices, that
is, an initial burst of agent followed by an exponential drop off
with time. However, if the gel particles are designed such that
they degrade under the environmental conditions encountered at the
delivery site and if the biologically active agent will be released
from the aggregate only upon disintegration of the particles,
extremely fine control of delivery rate is possible. Active agent
release only upon disintegration of the gel particles can be
achieved by using particles of a size that will result in an
aggregate having pores too small for the entrapped active agent to
traverse when the aggregate is intact. Similarly, individual
particles can be formed such that active substance occluded by them
cannot escape unless the particles disintegrate.
[0204] In addition to the above, other water soluble substances may
be added to a hydrogel particle suspension of this invention to
alter the aggregation and disintegration rate of the
shape-retentive aggregate formed on introduction into a receiving
medium and, therefore, the amount and subsequent release rate of
the active agent can be further controlled. Particles comprising
cationic and/or anionic charges can be mixed with non-ionic
hydrogel particles to provide controlled disintegration of the
aggregates under a variety of conditions including the ionic
character of the environs or the existence of an external electric
charge. The inclusion of charged species may also increase
aggregation efficiency due to electrostatic charge interaction.
[0205] Using one or more of the above procedures, zero-order, or at
least pseudo-zero order, release rates should be attainable for a
wide range of biologically active agents.
[0206] The type and amount of an agent that can be occluded by a
gel particle or entrapped in a shape-retentive aggregate of this
invention depends upon a variety of factors. First and foremost,
the agent cannot interfere, due to its size, surface charges,
polarity, steric interactions, etc., with the formation of discrete
gel particles or the coalescence of the gel particles into a
shape-retentive aggregate after introduction into a receiving
medium, either of which would defeat the purpose of this invention.
Once it is determined that the foregoing is not a problem, the size
of the hydrogel particles most directly affects the quantity of
substance that can be incorporated. The size of the particles
themselves will dictate the maximum amount of agent that can be
occluded while the polydispersivity of the particles in the
suspension solution will affect aggregate pore size. Relatively
small agents, such as individual antibiotic molecules, may be
entrapped in aggregates formed from small gel particles while
substantially larger agents such as monoclonal antibodies,
proteins, peptides and other macromolecules will require aggregates
made from much larger particles.
[0207] Using the methods herein, precise control of delivery
kinetics can be achieved. That is, gel particles of differing sizes
and chemical compositions can be loaded with a particular agent
and, depending on the degradation characteristics of the various
particles, the agent can be released over virtually any desired
timeframe. In addition, some of the substance might be occluded in
the gel particles and some might be entrapped in the voids between
particles of the shape-retentive aggregate to provide even more
delivery flexibility.
[0208] Using the above methods, different agents, even normally
incompatible agents, can be loaded into gel particles of this
invention and sequentially or simultaneously released. Sequential
release will prevent incompatible agents from encountering one
another. Simultaneous release permits delivery of two or more non-
or minimally bioactive agents that, when combined, form a potent
drug. In this manner, the formation of the active species can be
postponed until an aggregate containing the precursors has been
formed at the site of intended drug activity thereby minimizing
side effects.
[0209] In another aspect of this invention, gel particles of two or
more different sizes and narrow polydispersivity with regard to
each different are used at a suspension system concentration in the
vicinity of 400 mg wet weight/ml to form shape-retentive aggregates
of this invention. The trapping efficiency of substances and their
subsequent release rate are substantially different than those of
aggregates formed using single size narrow polydispersivity
particles. Without being held to any particular theory, it is
believed that, upon concentration of a gel particle dispersion to
from about 300 to about 500 mg wet weight/ml, preferably from about
400 to about 500 mg wet weight/mL, the particles tend to come close
enough to one another for forces favoring coalescence to overcome
the forces favoring dispersion. Clusters of particles form in a
secondary structure that is still a relatively stable suspension.
When a first suspension system comprising a secondary structure of
clusters of particles of a first size is mixed with another
secondary structure suspension system formed from different size
particles and the mixture is introduced into a receiving medium, an
intricate and complex shape-retentive aggregate is formed. The
shape-retentive aggregate so formed appears to be capable of
trapping substances more efficiently than aggregates prepared from
single size gel particles. Without being held to any particular
theory, it is believed that this may be due to the possibility
that, during aggregation in the presence of a substance to be
entrapped, the voids between the particles comprising the aggregate
are more efficiently filled by mixed polydispersivity particles
preventing premature leakage. The examples which follow demonstrate
that, for a specific agent of a given size, the size and ratio of
sizes of particles comprising an aggregate dramatically affect a
forming aggregate's efficiency in trapping an agent and its
subsequent release rate. Using this approach, the release rate of a
particular substance might be tailored to approach pseudo-zero
order kinetics using appropriate particle sizes and ratio of
sizes.
[0210] Thus, the present invention provides an extremely versatile
substance delivery platform, in particular with regard to
biologically active agent delivery and most particularly with
regard to pharmaceutical agent delivery. A pharmaceutical agent or
combination of agents may be delivered continuously over an
extended time period, in bursts at specific time intervals,
simultaneously after a predetermined delay time so that two or more
agents can interact synergistically only after placement of the
aggregate containing them at a desired target site, or sequentially
so that one agent can act at a target site before the next agent is
released or so that two or more agents can synergistically
interact.
[0211] Another embodiment of this invention is the application of
the shape-retentive aggregates of this invention in orthopedic
applications such as tissue scaffolding. The macroporous structure
of the shape-retentive aggregates of this invention provides a
composition that should permit substantial ingrowth, a property not
found in typical microporous bulk hydrogels. In addition, the
aggregates of this invention exhibit physical properties, such as
elastic, shear and bulk moduli, that are significantly improved
over those of conventional bulk hydrogels and that, in some cases,
approach the properties of articular cartilage. The ability to mold
and layer the aggregates of this invention might be used to
optimize the release of growth factor at specific locations within
a tissue scaffold. Possible orthopedic applications of the methods
of this invention include, without limitation, cartilage and bone
repair, meniscus repair/replacement, artificial spinal discs,
artificial tendons and ligaments, and bone defect filler.
[0212] The shape retentive property of the aggregates of this
invention and their ability to be formed in and retain water
suggest numerous other in vivo uses. For example, a medicated or
unmedicated aggregate could be molded into a soft contact lens. A
soft, pliable, biocompatible drug delivery device to treat serious
eye diseases could be formed by injecting a suspension system of
hydrogel particles in which an ocular pharmaceutical agent has been
occluded behind the eye. Wound dressings or skin donor site
dressings, with or without incorporated antibiotics or other drugs,
could be fabricated ex vivo or produced in vivo directly by
injection into or onto a wound using the shape-retentive aggregates
and methods of this invention. A shape retentive aggregate could be
formed in a periodontal pocket by injection of a suspension system
of hydrogel particles in which a bone growth factor is either
occluded by the particles or entrapped in the forming aggregate.
The aggregate might also have within it occluded or entrapped
antibiotic for control of infection by sustained delivery of the
antibiotic while bone regeneration is being stimulated through the
controlled release of the bone growth factor. As an added benefit,
the soft, biocompatible shape-retentive aggregate would provide
comfort at the site due to its inherent softness and
conformability. An aggregate could be formed into an in-dwelling
medicated or non-medicated catheter or stent.
[0213] Other applications of shape-retentive aggregates prepared by
the methods of this invention include using a mixture of particles,
some of which will degrade over a predetermined time interval, in
applications that require a change in material morphology with
time. Also, aggregates composed of a mixture of gel particles with
other types of particles, such as metals, semiconductors,
non-gel-forming polymers, ceramics, sugars, starches, celluloses
and the like can also be produced following the methods of this
invention.
[0214] The aggregates of this invention produced by the methods
hereof might be used as carriers for a host of materials other than
biomedical agents. For example, without limitation, metals could be
occluded in the gel particles, entrapped by the aggregate or both.
The metals would confer varying degrees of conductivity on the
aggregates that should have numerous uses. The metals may also be
incorporated as ions, that is, metals in oxidation states other
than zero. These ions would also confer degrees of conductivity on
the aggregates. The gel particles or aggregates of this invention
might be infused with semiconductor metals or compounds.
Semi-conducting shape-retentive aggregates or even aggregates
consisting of some semi-conducting gel particles and some
conducting particles should find use as MEMS
(MicroElectro-Mechanical System) and NEMS (NanoElectroMechanical
System) devices. Occlusion and/or entrapment of magnetic materials
such as magnetic polymers or magnetic metal particles could afford
a three-dimensional computer memory device. An aggregate containing
occluded and/or entrapped metallic materials or metallic ions could
be used as a proton exchange membrane for use in a fuel cell.
Occlusion of polynucleotide segments in the particles of an
aggregate might provide three-dimensional array analytical tools
for use in the biotechnology industry. These and may other uses for
the shape-retentive aggregates of this invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosures
herein. Such uses are within the scope of this invention.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Hydrogel Particle Preparation using Tween 80 Surfactant
[0215] A stock solution of Tween 80 in Milli-Q H.sub.2O was
prepared by dissolving 27 g of Tween (80) with 100 g of Milli-Q
H.sub.2O. A stock solution of potassium persulfate was prepared by
dissolving 2 g in 30 mL of Milli-Q H.sub.2O. A 1 L media bottle was
equipped with a stir bar and charged with 1.74 g HEMA containing
3.6 mg ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 1.07 g of the Tween 80 stock
solution, 571 mL of N.sub.2 purged Milli-Q H.sub.2O, and 0.952 mL
of the potassium persulfate stock solution. The solution was
stirred until all of the solids dissolved. The bottle was covered
with foil and immersed in a 65.degree. C. bath for 16 hours. The
resulting suspension of hydrogel particles had a milky-white to
opaque blue opalescence and the particles were found to have an
average diameter of 466 nm by dynamic light scattering. The
suspension was concentrated and purified by tangential flow
filtration and was found to be stable against flocculation at a wet
weight concentration approaching 70 mg/mL.
Example 2
Hydrogel Particle Preparation Using Dioctyl Sodium Succinate
Surfactant
[0216] A 500 mL media bottle equipped with a stir bar was charged
with 4.25 g HEMA monomer containing 8.8 mg ethylene glycol
dimethacrylate, 290.18 mg dioctyl sodium succinate (DSS), 135 mg
potassium persulfate, and 500 mL of N.sub.2-purged Milli-Q
H.sub.2O. The bottle was capped and the solution was stirred for 3
hrs at room temperature. The bottle was transferred to a 50.degree.
C. water bath and incubated for 12 hrs. The resulting suspension of
hydrogel particles had an opalescent blue color. The particles were
analyzed by dynamic light scattering and found to have an average
diameter of 241 nm. The suspension of particles contained 25 mg of
hydrated polymer per mL of solution. The suspension was
concentrated and purified using tangential flow filtration and was
found to be stable against flocculation at a wet weight
concentration approaching 150 mg/mL.
Example 3
Hydrogel Particle Preparation Using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
Surfactant
[0217] A 100 mL media bottle equipped with a stir bar was charged
with 4.25 g HEMA monomer containing 8.8 mg ethylene glycol
dimethacrylate, 267.91 mg sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 135 mg
potassium persulfate, and 500 mL of N.sub.2-purged Milli-Q
H.sub.2O. The bottle was capped and the solution was stirred for 3
hrs at room temperature. The bottle was transferred to a 50.degree.
C. water bath and incubated for 12 hrs. The resulting suspension of
hydrogel particles had an opalescent blue color. The particles were
analyzed by dynamic light scattering and found to have an average
diameter of 110 nm. The suspension of particles contained 78 mg of
hydrated polymer per mL of solution. The suspension was
concentrated and purified using tangential flow filtration and was
found to be stable against flocculation at a wet weight
concentration approaching 200 mg/mL.
Example 4
Variation in Particle Size with Changes in Monomer
Concentration
[0218] Changes in the concentration of reagents in solution affect
particle size and polydispersity. For particles synthesized
according to the procedure in Example 2, particle size and
polydispersity was varied by changing the solution volume during
polymerization as shown in Table 1: TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 HEMA DSS
Solution Particle Size Polydispersity Mass (g) Mass (g) Volume (mL)
(nm) (PDI) 4.25 0.29 100 204.1 0.185 4.25 0.29 250 108.6 0.154 4.25
0.29 500 96.4 0.030 4.25 0.29 1000 68.3 0.005
[0219] The above trends show that for a given ratio of HEMA monomer
to DSS surfactant during particle synthesis, the particle size and
polydispersity both decrease as the solution volume is
increased.
Example 5
Exchange of Surfactant and Concentration
[0220] A suspension of discrete particles with an average diameter
of 110 nm containing a wet weight of 33 mg/mL and a SDS
concentration of 0.535 mg/ml was subjected to tangential flow
filtration using a Millipore Pellicon.RTM. Biomax tangential flow
filtration membrane with a 300,000 Daltons cutoff. The filtration
was performed at constant volume using a 5% (w/v) Tween 80 solution
in Milli-Q H.sub.2O as the make-up. A total of 6.times.500 mL
permeate volumes were collected during the filtration to exchange
the SDS surfactant for the Tween 80. The suspension of particles
had an average diameter of 318 nm after surfactant exchange, and
over a 6 month period showed minimum evidence of sedimentation and
aggregation. Particles were concentrated using tangential flow
filtration by removing a specific volume of permeate while
retaining the particles.
Example 6
Determination of Maximum Concentration of Particles Affording
Stable Dispersions as a Function of Particle Size
[0221] Two series of particles were formed: 1) SDS stabilized
particles formed according to Example 3 with 100, 265, and 500 nm
diameters respectively, and 2) DSS stabilized particles formed
according to Example 2 with 125, 300, 475, and 550 nm diameters
respectively. The starting hydrated polymer mass of each sample was
determined by weighing a sample after centrifugation. 6 mL of each
dispersion was placed into 15 mL graduated centrifuge tubes. Using
an analytical evaporator, a stream of Argon gas was passed over the
surface of the dispersions in each centrifuge tube while
temperature was maintained at 37.degree. C. using a water bath. The
samples were inspected for the onset of aggregation of the
dispersed particles as their concentrations increased. The change
in volume of the sample at the onset of aggregation was recorded
and a new concentration was calculated. The effect of particle size
on the concentration in which each dispersion began to aggregate
for particles of different sizes using SDS and DSS surfactants is
graphically represented in FIG. 1.
Example 7
The Effect of Injection Rate, Needle Gauge and Particle
Concentration on Aggregate Formation
[0222] Portions of a stock dispersion of gel particles, synthesized
according to Examples 1-3 and concentrated according to Example 3
to a wet weight concentration of 109 mg/mL, were loaded into 20
separate 3 mL disposable syringes. An even number of syringes was
equipped with 27, 26, 23 and 18 gauge needles. One milliliter from
each syringe was injected into 10 mL of phosphate buffered saline.
Flow rates from 0.1 mL/min to 2 mL/min were controlled by a Harvard
Apparatus (Model # 4400) syringe pump. Qualitative observations
were made after each injection and the resulting aggregates were
classified into four types as shown in Table 2. Several dilutions
of the stock dispersion above were prepared with reduced
concentrations and studied using the same procedure. TABLE-US-00002
TABLE 2 Needle Flow Rate (mL/min) Gauge 0.1 0.25 0.5 1 2 Dispersion
Concentration: 109 mg/mL 27 a a a b c 26 a a a b b 23 a a a a a 18
a a a a a Dispersion Concentration: 76 mg/mL 27 a c c c d 26 a b b
c d 23 a a b b c 18 a a a a b Dispersion Concentration: 55 mg/mL 27
b c c c d 26 a b c c d 23 a a b c d 18 a a a a b Dispersion
Concentration 33 mg/mL 27 d d d d d 26 d d d d d 23 d d d d d 18 d
d d d d a. Immediate formation of dense, pliable material b.
Immediate formation of dense, pliable material with moderate
associated flocculation. c. Flocculation with subsequent formation
of dense, pliable material in <15 min. d. Flocculation with
subsequent formation of dense, pliable material in >15 min.
Example 8
Aggregation Types Using Larger Particles
[0223] Bulk, dry pHEMA was ground and sieved into three different
particle size ranges: less than 45 .mu.m, larger than 45 .mu.m but
smaller than 75 .mu.m and larger than 75 .mu.m but smaller than 150
.mu.m. Suspensions for each particle type were prepared using
MilliQ water containing 0.015 wt % DSS as the suspending medium.
Each suspension was prepared so that the wet weight of particles
was 150 mg/mL. One milliliter of each suspension was injected into
15 mL of PBS using 3 mL disposable syringes equipped with 18 gauge
needles. Flow rate of each injection was approximately 1 mL/min.
Qualitative observations were made of each injection, and the
aggregates were classified into different types as shown in Table
3. TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Particle Size Range Aggregation Type Less
than 45 .mu.m a Between 45 .mu.m and 75 .mu.m b Between 75 .mu.m
and 150 .mu.m d a Immediate formation of dense, pliable material b.
Immediate formation of dense, pliable material with moderate
associated flocculation. c. Flocculation with subsequent formation
of dense, pliable material in <15 min. d. Flocculation with
subsequent formation of dense, pliable material in >15 min.
Example 9
Formation of Shape-Retentive Aggregate In Vivo
[0224] Hydrogel particles were suspended in a solution of isotonic
glucose. The suspension contained 110 mg/mL of hydrated polymer.
One suspension (A) contained pure pHEMA particles. The second
suspension (B) contained a mixture of 50:50 pHEMA:(95:5 pHEMA:MAA)
by weight. Injections that contained 100 mg of hydrated polymer
were made subcutaneously above the dorsal fascia of mice. Animals
were sacrificed at 24 hrs and 7 days. The implants were excised and
observed. Both implants were present beneath the site of injection
1 and 7 days post implantation. Both implants formed circular disks
of elastic hydrogel material and showed little evidence of local
irritation. The implant weights were slightly higher than the
centrifuged hydrated weight of polymer; this higher weight likely
due to the infiltration of tissue into the body of the aggregate.
The implant containing a mixture of pHEMA and 95:5 pHEMA:MAA
particles was more opaque than the pure pHEMA implant and showed
extensive tissue infiltration after 7 days. FIG. 2 shows an
aggregate formed in this manner in vivo. Implants formed in vivo
using pHEMA particles dispersed in solutions of Tween 80 surfactant
and dioctyl sodium sulfate (DSS) surfactant showed no evidence of
irritation or erosion over 14 days.
Example 10
Loss of Absorbed Water Weight During Aggregation for Different
Particle Sizes
[0225] Injection of particles into a solution in which the
particles have a lower swelling rate, such as a solution of higher
ionic strength, forms a hydrogel particle aggregate. The rate of
aggregate formation can be quantified by determining the loss of
water mass for the aggregate over time after injection. For a given
surfactant at a given concentration, pHEMA particles dispersed in
water at a given concentration show different rates of aggregate
formation when injected into phosphate buffered saline at
physiological pH and ionic strength at room temperature. In a
typical experiment, 2 mL of a dispersion of hydrogel particles 680
nm in diameter in an aqueous solution of 0.5 wt. % Tween 80
surfactant with a centrifuged wet polymer weight of 37 mg/mL
determined by centrifugation was injected into 100 mL of PBS. The
resulting aggregate was allowed to form undisturbed for 10-15
minutes and was subsequently filtered through a screen, weighed,
and returned to the PBS solution. The mass was reported as a
percentage of the centrifuged wet polymer mass that shows the
amount of water both within and between the particles comprising
the aggregate as it collapses. FIG. 3 shows a plot of the rate of
aggregation over time from the initial injection to the point at
which the aggregate has reached a steady state mass. The plot shows
that larger particles exhibit a more rapid initial change in the
rate of aggregation, however, both sizes reach an equilibrium
hydration content between 150 and 200 minutes. Larger particles
with the same surface charge as smaller particles have a different
Gaussian charge to surface area ratio, which imparts less stability
even though the overall charge is identical. Because the particles
are slightly less stable even with identical zeta potential, they
reach the steady state aggregate state faster than corresponding
smaller particles. This shows that variation in the particle size
with uniform surfactant and particle concentration results in
different rates of aggregate formation.
Example 11
Loss of Absorbed Water Weight During Aggregation at Different
Temperatures
[0226] Temperature has an effect on the rate of aggregate formation
for a given suspension. In a typical experiment, 2 mL of a
dispersion of hydrogel particles 735 nm in diameter in an aqueous
solution of 0.5 wt. % Tween 80 surfactant with a wet polymer weight
of 37 mg/mL as determined by centrifugation was injected into 100
mL of PBS at 37.degree. C. The resulting aggregate was allowed to
form undisturbed for 10-15 minutes and was subsequently filtered
through a screen, weighed, and returned to the PBS solution. The
mass was reported as a percentage of the centrifuged wet polymer
mass that shows the amount of water both within and between the
particles comprising the aggregate as it collapses. A comparison of
the rates of aggregate mass loss over time for particle dispersions
injected into PBS at 250 and 37.degree. C. shows that the rate of
aggregate formation is faster at a higher temperature. FIG. 4 shows
the rate of aggregation over time from the initial injection to the
point at which the aggregate has reached an equilibrium weight in
PBS at two different temperatures. The data indicates that for a
given particle size, the rate of aggregate formation indicated by
the weight loss over time is faster initially at higher
temperatures.
Example 12
Loss of Absorbed Water Weight During Aggregation in Serum
[0227] Particle aggregates were formed in bovine serum. In a
typical experiment 2 mL of a dispersion of hydrogel particles in an
aqueous solution of 0.5 wt. % Tween 80 surfactant with a wet
polymer weight of 37 mg/mL as determined by centrifugation was
injected into 100 mL of bovine serum at 25.degree. C. The resulting
aggregate was allowed to form undisturbed for 10-15 minutes and was
subsequently filtered through a screen, weighed, and returned to
the PBS solution. The mass was reported as a percentage of the
centrifuged wet polymer mass which shows the amount of liquid both
within and between the particles comprising the aggregate as it
collapses. FIG. 5 shows the rate of aggregation over time from
after the initial injection to the point at which the aggregate has
reached a steady state mass in serum. Again, larger particles with
the same surface charge as smaller particles have a different
Gaussian charge to surface area which imparts less stability though
the overall charge is identical. Because the particles are slightly
less stable even with identical zeta potential, they reach the
steady state aggregate state faster than corresponding smaller
particles.
Example 13
Loss of Absorbed Water Weight During Aggregation in Hypertonic
Saline
[0228] Particle aggregates were formed in a solution of hypertonic
saline. In a typical experiment, 2 mL of a dispersion of hydrogel
particles 680 nm in diameter in an aqueous solution of 0.5 wt. %
Tween 80 surfactant with a wet polymer weight of 37 mg/mL as
determined by centrifugation was injected into 100 mL of saturated
sodium chloride solution. The resulting aggregate formed
immediately at the surface of the solution, and returned to the PBS
solution. The mass was reported as a percentage of the centrifuged
wet polymer mass that shows the amount of water both within and
between the particles comprising the aggregate as it collapses.
FIG. 6 shows a plot of the rate of aggregation over time from the
initial injection to the point at which the aggregate has reached a
steady state mass. The plot shows that larger particles show a more
rapid initial change in the rate of aggregation, however, both
aggregates composed of various particle sizes reached a steady
state between 150 and 200 minutes. This shows that changing the
ionic strength of a solution has an effect on the rate of
aggregation and that the change in zeta potential can be shown in
solutions of varying ionic strength.
Example 14
Loss of Absorbed Water Weight During Aggregation of Hydrogel
Particles of Different Chemical Composition
[0229] The polymer composition of hydrogel particles has an effect
on the rate of aggregate formation in a given solution. In a
typical experiment, 2 mL of a dispersion of hydrogel particles with
a wet polymer weight of 37 mg/mL as determined by centrifugation
which had a composition of either poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate)
or poly(2-hydroxypropylmethacrylate) with average diameters of 480
or 465 nm respectively was injected into 100 mL of phosphate
buffered saline at room temperature. The resulting aggregate was
allowed to form undisturbed for 2 minutes for the p(HPMA) particles
or 10-15 minutes for the p(HEMA) particles and was subsequently
filtered through a screen, weighed, and returned to the PBS
solution. The mass was reported as a percentage of the centrifuged
wet polymer weight that shows the amount of water both within and
between the particles comprising the aggregate as it collapses. A
comparison of the rates of aggregate mass loss over time for
particle dispersions injected into PBS at 25.degree. C. shows that
the rate of aggregate formation is faster for pHPMA particles of a
given size. This means that even with identical surfactant and
surface charge, putting particles of different chemical composition
into a different ionic strength will result in different rates of
aggregation which again is an indirect determination of the
stability of the zeta potential. FIG. 7 shows the rate of
aggregation over time from the initial injection to the point at
which the aggregate has reached a steady state mass in PBS at two
different temperatures. The data indicates that for a given
particle size, the rate of aggregate formation indicated by the
water weight loss over time is faster initially for pHPMA than for
pHEMA.
Example 15
Loss of Absorbed Water Weight During Aggregation of Hydrogel
Particles with Different Surfactants
[0230] The surfactant used to stabilize hydrogel particles has an
effect on the rate of aggregate formation in a given solution. In a
typical experiment, 2 mL of a dispersion of pHEMA particles with a
wet polymer weight of 37 mg/mL as determined by centrifugation with
average diameters of 175 nm and stabilized with either 0.5 w/v % of
SDS or DSS surfactants was injected into 25 mL of PBS at room
temperature or 37.degree. C. The resulting aggregate was allowed to
form undisturbed for 2 minutes for the 10-15 minutes and was
subsequently filtered through a screen, weighed, and returned to
the PBS solution. The mass was reported as a percentage of the
centrifuged wet polymer weight that shows the amount of water both
within and between the particles comprising the aggregate as it
collapses. A comparison of the rates of aggregate mass loss over
time for particle dispersions injected into PBS at 25.degree. C.
shows that the rate of aggregate formation is faster for
DSS-stabilized particles. FIG. 8 shows the rate of aggregation over
time from after the initial injection to the point at which the
aggregate has reached a steady state mass in PBS at two different
temperatures. The data indicates that for a given particle size,
the rate of aggregate formation indicated by the water weight loss
over time is faster initially for DSS stabilized particles than for
those stabilized by SDS.
Example 16
Formation of Particle Aggregates that Undergo Erosion or Partial
Erosion
[0231] Injection of particles composed of copolymers of HEMA and
methacrylic acid (MAA) in a solution of physiological pH and ionic
strength results in either the formation of an aggregate that
slowly erodes or does not form at all. In a typical experiment, 2
mL of a suspension of 95:5 pHEMA:MAA particles 155 nm in diameter
containing 110 mg/mL of hydrated polymer was injected into
phosphate buffered saline. The aggregate showed an initial loss of
water weight similar to aggregates in Example 12. Following the
initial aggregation, the aggregate gradually erodes as the
methacrylic acid part of the particle copolymer is ionized. Table 4
shows the time for erosion after the initial aggregation for
particles with different amounts of MM in the HEMA:MAA copolymer.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 HEMA:MAA Ratio Time to erosion after initial
aggregation 100:0 Indefinite 99:1 Indefinite 98:2 Over one month
97:3 21 days 95:5 10-12 days 90:10 2-3 days 80:20 No aggregate
formed 70:30 No aggregate formed
Example 17
Particle Clustering
[0232] At wet weight concentrations greater than 50 mg/mL, discrete
pHEMA particles have a propensity to agglomerate into larger but
still dispersible clusters. The clustering process has been
documented by sampling aliquots of the dispersion during TFF
purification and monitoring the particle size and polydispersity
while concentrating a 2 L dispersion of 53 nm (PDI 0.098) pHEMA
particles having a wet weight concentration of 36.2 mg/mL down to a
volume of 235 mL and a final wet weight concentration of 424 mg/mL.
The results are presented in Table 5: TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Ave.
Range In Peak or Particle Particle Peak Conc. Size Sizes (mg/mL)
(nm) (nm) PDI 36.2 24-122 53 0.098 39.2 14-122 53 0.112 42.5 33-106
54 0.085 45.2 28-122 54 0.106 48.2 18-164 55 0.110 51.7 33-142 57
0.053 55.6 24-122 57 0.078 60.3 18-164 57 0.103 65.8 28-142 57
0.098 72.3 28-122 59 0.092 80.4 16-122 60 0.098 90.4 21-190 61
0.060 103 38-122 64 0.066 121 38-190 67 0.103 145 28-164 80 0.098
181 33-190 100 0.104 241 33-220 100 0.102 <424 28-220 99 0.111
424 91-955 154, 563 0.307
[0233] The above trend demonstrates that the average pHEMA particle
peak size increases after the polymer wet weight concentration
exceeded 50 mg/mL. Also observed was an increase in the viscosity
of the dispersion (approaching that of a true sol without
aggregating to a solid mass). Changes in the peak shape or
distribution of particle sizes about the average peak value as well
as changes in the peak modality and base line widths of the
distributions about the peak average were also observed. The change
from discrete pHEMA particles to the pHEMA cluster distributions is
shown FIG. 9.
Example 18
Changing the Zeta Potential by Removing Surfactant Induces Particle
Aggregation
[0234] A particle dispersion was prepared as described in Example 3
to give particles 60 nm in diameter. 100 mL of the dispersion was
subjected to tangential flow filtration to remove SDS surfactant.
The filtration was performed at constant volume using Milli-Q
H.sub.2O as the make-up. Zeta potential determination and size
analysis were performed on the sample after 100 mL, 150 mL and 200
mL of permeate were collected. As surfactant was removed, the
magnitude of zeta potential of the particles decreased causing
clustering of the particles. This is shown in Table 6. After 250 mL
of permeate was collected, aggregation of the particles occurred
within the sample. TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Zeta Potential (mV)
Particle Size (nm) -28.94 60 -24.32 65.58 -24.21 70.33 -20.81
138.2
Example 19
Effect of Changing Ionic Strength (Salt Concentration) of the
Dispersing Medium on the Size of SDS-Stablized pHEMA Particles
[0235] pHEMA particles with diameters of about 92 nm were prepared
using the surfactant SDS as described in Example 1. The wet weight
concentration of the dispersion was approximately 30 mg/mL. Five
drops (105 uL) of pHEMA particle dispersions were placed in 3 mL of
MilliQ water and in 3 ml of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 mM NaCl salt
solutions. The sizes and zeta potentials of the suspended particles
were determined using a Malvern Instrument, Nano ZS Zetasizer. The
results indicated that as the ionic strength of the suspending
medium increases, the zeta potential of the particles decreases
with a concomitant decrease in particle size. When the salt
concentration is below 2 mM NaCl, the particles are still
relatively stable as the absolute surface charge is still
significant and the particles tend to repel each other. However, as
the ionic strength increases, the absolute surface charge begins to
decrease and the particles tend to form clusters to reduce the
surface area exposed to the suspending liquid and will continue to
cluster until they flocculate into larger agglomerates of particles
and finally settle into a solid aggregate.
Example 20
Effect of Changing Ionic Strength of the Dispersing Medium on the
Size of Individual SDS-Stablized pHEMA Particles
[0236] pHEMA particles (with diameters of ca. 60, 92, 250 nm) were
prepared using the surfactant SDS as previously described. The wet
weight concentration of each dispersion was about 30 mg/mL. Five
drops (105 uL) of 92 and 250 nm, pHEMA particle dispersions were
placed in each of 3 mL of 2 mM NaCl solutions. The size and zeta
potential of the suspended particles were determined. After these
measurements, the media were diluted with 1 volume equivalent of
MilliQ water to decrease the salt content by 50% in such a manner
that a serial dilution was carried to give readings for zeta
potential and size in 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 mM NaCl solutions. The
results are shown in Table 7 below. TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Effect
of ionic strength on particle size Particle NaCl Size Zeta Conc
Diameter Potential (mM) (nm) (mV) 2.0 250.94 -26.468 1.0 251.20
-36.153 0.5 254.40 -42.177 0.3 255.43 -44.588 0.1 262.07 -47.173
2.0 96.38 -21.840 1.0 98.37 -25.993 0.5 98.74 -29.030 0.3 99.59
-29.667 0.1 99.68 -30.553 1.0 59.54 -22.913 0.5 59.94 -25.287 0.3
60.56 -29.253 0.1 60.66 -32.013
[0237] Table 7 shows that, for each pHEMA particle size (ca. 250,
100, and 60 nm, respectively), as the salt content is decreased
(i.e., the ionic strength of the suspending medium is decreased),
the corresponding particle diameters increased. As the ionic
strength of the suspending medium is decreased, the absolute value
of the zeta potential on the particles increases. The results are
also shown in FIG. 10.
Example 21
Particle Size Change with Dilution of Dispersion Medium Using a
Miscible Co-Dispersant
[0238] Discrete pHEMA particles in a stable aqueous dispersion can
undergo changes in size and can aggregate when the aqueous solution
is diluted with a non-aqueous, miscible co-dispersion medium. In a
typical example, a dispersion of pHEMA particles with a wet weight
concentration of 63 mg/mL and a diameter of 68 nm is diluted using
acetone. The ratio of Milli-Q to acetone in the final solution was
varied from 100% to 5%. The particle size initially decreased with
the addition of the co-dispersion medium but later increased as
aggregation occurred, and multiple particle size peaks formed. The
results are shown in Table 8. TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Dispersion
Average medium Ratio Particle Milli-Q/Acetone Diameter(s) (v/v)
(nm) 100/0 68 95:5 59 90:10 52 80:20 120 70:30 68, 160 50:50 54,
230, 439 30:70 48, 225, 430 20:80 480, aggregate 90:10 Aggregate
95:5 Aggregate
[0239] A similar experiment was performed on the same series of
particles using ethanol as a co-dispersant. Ethanol is a solvent
which provides some solubility for pHEMA. The results of the
co-dispersion experiment are shown in Table 9. TABLE-US-00009 TABLE
9 Dispersion medium Ratio Average Milli-Q/Ethanol Particle Diameter
(v/v) (nm) 100/0 68 95:5 72 90:10 76 80:20 78 70:30 74 50:50 78
30:70 74 20:80 76 90:10 74 95:5 78
[0240] The above results demonstrate that the nature of a
co-dispersion medium can affect the stability of a particle
dispersion and the onset of aggregation, again by changing the
magnitude of the zeta potential on the particles.
Example 22
Formation of a Gelatinous Aggregate by Introduction of a
Hydrophobic Solvent into a Particle Dispersion
[0241] A stable aqueous dispersion of discrete particles exhibits
unique properties when a non-miscible solvent is mixed with the
dispersion medium. In a typical example, a dispersion of pHEMA
particles with a wet weight concentration of 63 mg/mL and a
diameter of 68 nm is combined with an equivalent volume of hexane.
The clear hexane layer showed no evidence of mixing with the
opalescent particle dispersion over 5 days at room temperature.
Vigorous mixing of the solution resulted in the formation of a
gelatinous mass suspended above the aqueous particle dispersion.
Separation of the aqueous solution from the hydrophobic layer from
the aqueous particle dispersion with subsequent vacuum evaporation
of the hexane resulted in the formation of a stable particle
aggregate.
Example 23
Dilution of pHEMA Particle Dispersion
[0242] Discrete pHEMA particles in a stable aqueous dispersion
undergo very limited changes in size and zeta potential when
diluted with the dispersion medium, and do not aggregate. In a
typical example, a dispersion of pHEMA particles with a wet weight
concentration of 63 mg/mL and a diameter of 68 nm was diluted with
Milli-Q H.sub.2O in a serial dilution. The effects of the dilution
on particle size and zeta potential are shown in Table 10.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Particle Average Concentration Particle
Diameter Zeta Potential (mg/mL) (nm) (mV) 63 68 -28 31.5 69 -30
15.8 73 -31 7.9 71 -30 3.9 74 -29 2.0 75 Not detectable
[0243] At very low particle concentrations (<2 mg/mL), the zeta
potential of the particles was below the limits of detection for
the instrument.
Example 24
Entrapment and Release of a Small Molecule from Particle
Aggregates
[0244] Injection of a dispersion of particles with a small molecule
dissolved in the suspension medium forms an aggregate that traps
some of the small molecule. In a typical experiment, 1 mg of
bromocresol green dye was dissolved into 2 mL of a suspension of
Tween 80 stabilized pHEMA particles (725 nm in diameter) with a
hydrated polymer mass of 36 mg/mL. The dispersed particles and dye
were injected into a solution of phosphate buffered saline. After
10 minutes of aggregation, the solution was shaken at 10 cycles per
second to insure adequate mixing. 2 mL samples of supernatant were
taken and characterized by UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy. FIG.
11 shows the percent of bromocresol green released in the solution
over time from aggregates formed of discrete particles. FIG. 12
shows the percent of bromocresol green released in the solution
over time from 50:50 mixtures by mass of two different particle
sizes. In both cases, most of the small molecule is released within
the first 3-5 hours, however, the burst effect is smaller in the
mixed aggregate system.
Example 25
Co-Dispersant Acceleration of Aggregate Formation
[0245] 50 mg of poly(ethylene glycol) (Mw=400 g/mol) as a
co-dispersant was added to 1 mL of a 115 mg/mL, 300 nm HEMA
particle dispersion. The dispersion was mixed thoroughly and placed
into a 1 mL syringe. The dispersion was injected into 15 mL of PBS
at a rate of about 4 mL per minute using a 27 gauge needle. The
injected material collapsed quickly into an aggregate with very
little flocculation.
[0246] When 1 mL of a 115 mg/mL, 300 nm HEMA particle dispersion
without added poly(ethylene glycol) added was injected into 15 mL
of PBS at a rate of about 4 mL per minute with a 27 gauge needle,
flocculation occurred. However, an aggregate formed after about 30
minutes. Both aggregates were allowed to stand in PBS for 24 hours.
The aggregate formed from the PEG co-dispersant system appeared
denser and mechanically robust that the aggregate formed without
the co-dispersant.
Example 26
Loading Efficiency and Release of FITC Labeled BSA and FITC Labeled
Dextran from pHEMA Particle Aggregates Composed of Different
Particle Sizes and Amounts of Labeled Compound
[0247] pHEMA particles having diameters of 475, 300, 200 and 175 nm
were used to produce pHEMA particle aggregates. The effect on
loading and release of two different sized macromolecules; i.e.,
FITC-BSA (72 kDa) and FITC-Dextran (2000 kDa) was assessed as a
function of particle size. Using a Harvard Model 4400 Syringe Pump,
a 10 mL syringe, 16 gauge needle an infusion rate of 2 mL/min, 2
sets of 8-500 mg pHEMA particle aggregates standards containing 10,
7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0.5 and 0 mg of FITC-BSA (Standard Set 1) and 20,
15, 10, 6, 4, 2, 1 and 0 mg FITC-Dex (Standard Set 2) were
prepared. Five milliliters of a 475 nm pHEMA particle dispersion
were mixed with a pre-weighed aliquot of the FITC-labeled
macromolecule and the dispersion was injected into PBS at room
temperature. Upon injection into PBS, the discrete particle
dispersions aggregated and entrapped the macromolecule. The
supernatant was removed and the FITC label provided a gradient of
yellow hues for each of the aggregates containing the two
macromolecules at varying concentrations, allowing one to contrast
the observed hue exhibited by the standard to that of a sample
prepared in an identical manner.
[0248] Five-hundred milligram sample aggregates were prepared by
injecting a 5 mL aliquot (100 mg/mL) of each of the above particle
dispersions containing either 5 or 10 mg of FITC-BSA or 10 or 20 mg
of FITC-Dex in PBS at 37.4.degree. C. The loading and release
profiles of the macromolecules were determined by comparing the
observed hue at a given time to that of the standard set of
aggregates. These results are shown in FIGS. 13-26.
[0249] Loading for both macromolecules was very efficient (i.e.,
>95%). At 10 mg FITC-BSA (roughly 2 wt % of the aggregate), a
large burst release (nearly 40%) was observed within the first 5
hours particularly in the aggregates composed of the smaller
particles. This was not observed to the same extent at lower
loading (5 mg FITC-BSA). The aggregates constructed with the two
smaller particle sizes (200 and 175 nm) showed a near zero order
release for the first twenty hours.
[0250] Thus, larger macromolecules diffuse out of the aggregates at
slower rates as shown in the release profiles for the two
macromolecules. Also, the release profiles from aggregates prepared
using increasing amounts of smaller particles show slower release
than from aggregates formed from larger particles.
Example 27
Release of Macromolecules from pHEMA Particle Aggregates Composed
of 175 and 475 nm Particles Made Using SDS
[0251] A detailed study was performed to follow the release of
macromolecules from pHEMA particle aggregates as a function of
macromolecule size. pHEMA particles (with diameters of 475 nm and
175 nm) were prepared using the surfactant SDS as previously
described. Using a Harvard Model 4400 Syringe Pump, a 10 mL
syringe, 22-gauge needle, an infusion rate of 1 mL/min, 500 mg
pHEMA particle aggregates containing either 10 mg FITC-BSA or 10 mg
FITC-Dex were prepared. Five milliliters of 100 mg/mL (475 nm or
175 nm) pHEMA particle dispersion were mixed with a pre-weighed
aliquot of the FITC-labled macromolecule and the dispersion was
injected into PBS at room temperature. The rate of release of the
FITC labeled macromolecules was determined using UV-Vis analysis
(FITC-BSA .lamda..sub.max 486 nm, FITC-Dex .lamda..sub.max 492 nm);
FITC concentrations were determined relative to standard Beers Law
calibration curves for FITC-BSA and FITC-Dex. The results are shown
in FIGS. 18 and 19.
[0252] FITC-BSA shows a 30% and a 40% burst release from the
aggregates composed of 475 and 175 nm pHEMA particles. After the
initial burst release, both aggregates composed of the 475 nm and
175 nm particles exhibit a slow release of the macromolecule after
approximately 50% of the FITC-BSA has been released.
[0253] The larger of the two macromolecules shows a much smaller
burst release. It was also found that aggregates composed of
smaller particles are more effective at entrapment and prolonged
release than those made from larger particles. The burst release
from the 175 nm aggregate was <25% after 5 hours, while the
aggregate constructed with 475 nm particles showed a burst release
of 35% of the loaded FITC-Dex over the same time period. This shows
a correlation between particle sizes used in the construction of
the aggregate relative to the size of macromolecule that is
subsequently released.
Example 28
Release of Macromolecules from pHEMA Particle Aggregates Composed
of 265 and 500 nm Particles Made Using DSS
[0254] pHEMA particles (with diameters of 500 nm and 265 nm) were
prepared using the surfactant DSS as previously described. Using a
Harvard Model 4400 Syringe Pump, a 10 mL syringe, 22-gauge needle,
an infusion rate of 1 mL/min, 500 mg pHEMA particle aggregates
containing either 10 mg FITC-BSA or 10 mg FITC-Dex were prepared.
Five milliliters of 100 mg/mL (500 nm or 265 nm) pHEMA particle
dispersion were mixed with a pre-weighed aliquot of the FITC-labled
macromolecule and the dispersion was injected into PBS at room
temperature. The rates of release of the FITC labeled
macromolecules were determined using UV-Vis analysis and
concentrations were determined as above. The results are shown in
FIGS. 19 and 20. The larger macromolecule was released at a slower
rate and the aggregate produced using 265 nm particles shows a
pseudo zero order release with a slightly larger burst than that
observed for the aggregate composed of 175 nm particles, previously
described. The FITC-BSA shows a burst of nearly 40% from either
system within the first 5 hours. This would indicate that this
particular macromolecule is very sensitive to the size of the
particles used in the aggregate and therefore a much smaller
particle diameter may be required.
Example 29
Release of Macromolecules from pHEMA Particle Aggregates Composed
of a Mixture of 175 and 475 nm Particles Made Using SDS
[0255] pHEMA particle aggregates were prepared from mixtures of 475
nm and 175 nm pHEMA particles. The particles were prepared using
the surfactant SDS as previously described. Using a Harvard Model
4400 Syringe Pump, a 10 mL syringe, 22-gauge needle, an infusion
rate of 1 mL/min, 500 mg of pHEMA particle aggregates with
compositions of 20/80, 40/60 and 60/40: 475 nm and 175 nm pHEMA
particles (respectively) containing either 10 mg FITC-BSA or 10 mg
FITC-Dex were prepared. Five milliliters of the 100 mg/mL pHEMA
particle dispersion mixture were combined with a pre-weighed
aliquot of the FITC-labled macromolecule and the dispersion was
injected into PBS at room temperature. The rates of release and
concentrations of the FITC labeled macromolecules were determined
as above. The results are shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.
[0256] The FITC-Dex shows differences in release profiles relative
to the three mixtures of particles utilized in making the hydrogel
aggregates. The relative release rates for this macromolecule is in
descending order, 60/40>40/60>20/80. The rate of release of
FITC-Dex from the aggregate composed of a 20/80 mixture of pHEMA
particles is slower than that observed for the pHEMA particle
aggregates produced using one size of particles as shown in FIGS.
23 and 25. Each of the aggregates produced using mixtures of
particles shown in FIG. 22 exhibit a slower release profile for
FITC-Dex than the smaller FITC-BSA. FIG. 21 shows a large burst
release for FITC-BSA regardless of the mixture of particles used in
making the aggregates and there is little difference in the release
profile between the three mixtures used, indicating that the size
of the particles used in making the aggregates were too large for
this particular macromolecule.
Example 30
Release of Macromolecules from pHEMA Particle Aggregates Composed
of a Mixture of 265 and 500 nm Particles Made Using DSS
[0257] pHEMA particle aggregates were prepared from mixtures of 500
nm and 265 nm pHEMA particles. The particles were prepared using
the surfactant DSS as previously described. Using a Harvard Model
4400 Syringe Pump, a 10 mL syringe, 22-gauge needle, an infusion
rate of 1 mL/min, 500 mg pHEMA particle aggregates with
compositions of 20/80, 40/60 and 60/40 500 nm and 265 nm pHEMA
particles containing either 10 mg FITC-BSA or 10 mg FITC-Dex were
prepared. Five milliliters of a 100 mg/mL (500 nm or 265 nm) pHEMA
particle dispersion mixture were combined with a pre-weighed
aliquot of the FITC-labeled macromolecule and the dispersion was
injected into PBS at room temperature. The rates of release and
concentrations for the FITC labeled macromolecules were determined
as above. The results are shown in FIGS. 23 and 24.
[0258] The release profiles for FITC-BSA show little difference
from one aggregate to another. All three mixtures used in the
aggregate gave a 40% burst release of FITC-BSA within the first 5
to 6 hours and then slowing to pseudo zero order release from 20
through 60 hours. Again, FITC-Dex was released at a slower rate
than FITC-BSA.
Example 31
Release of Macromolecules from pHEMA Particle Aggregates Composed
of a Mixture of 170 nm and 75 nm pHEMA Particles Made Using SDS
[0259] pHEMA particle aggregates were prepared from mixtures of 170
nm and 75 nm pHEMA particles. The particles were prepared using the
surfactant SDS as previously described. Using a Harvard Model 4400
Syringe Pump, a 10 mL syringe, 22-gauge needle, an infusion rate of
0.5 mL/min, 500 mg pHEMA particle aggregates with compositions of
20/80, 40/60 and 60/40: 170 nm and 75 nm pHEMA particles containing
either 10 mg FITC-BSA or 10 mg FITC-Dex were prepared. Six and
eight tenths milliliters of 74 mg/mL (170 nm or 75 nm) pHEMA
particle dispersion mixtures were combined with a pre-weighed
aliquot of the FITC-labeled macromolecule and the dispersion was
injected into PBS at room temperature. The rate of release of the
FITC labeled macromolecules was determined using UV-Vis analysis
and concentrations were determined as above. The results are shown
in FIGS. 27 and 28.
[0260] The FITC-BSA shows differences in release profiles relative
to the three mixtures of particles used to make the aggregates. The
relative release rates for this macromolecule is in descending
order, 20/80>40/60>60/40. The rate of release of FITC-BSA
from the aggregate composed of a 60/40 mixture of 170 nm and 75 nm
pHEMA particles is slower than that observed for the pHEMA particle
aggregates produced using one size of particles as shown in FIG. 14
(i.e., 175 nm particles). Further, the burst release over the first
six hours was less and the release profile was slower from the
aggregates composed of a mixture of 170 nm and 75 nm particles than
the burst release and the release profiles from the aggregates
produced using a mixture of 475 and 175 nm particles and a mixture
of the 500 and 265 nm particles shown in FIGS. 19 and 20,
respectively. Similarly, the FITC-Dex exhibits a lower burst
release (Table 11) and slower release profile from the aggregates
composed of a mixture of the relative small sized particles
compared to the aggregates produced using mixtures of larger
particles. However, the release rates follow a different trend with
respect to the weight ratio compositions of the relative sizes used
in preparing the injected dispersions than that previously (Example
29).
Example 32
Release of Macromolecules from pHEMA Particles Aggregates
containing Polyethylene Glycol 400
[0261] pHEMA particle aggregates were prepared with 20 wt %
polyethylene glycol 400 in the particle dispersions prior to
injection. The particles were prepared using the surfactant SDS as
previously described. Using a Harvard Model 4400 Syringe Pump, a 10
mL syringe, 16-gauge needle, an injection rate of 0.5 mL/min, 500
mg pHEMA particle aggregates composed of 20/80, 40/60 and 60/40 170
nm and 75 nm pHEMA particles containing either 10 mg FITC-BSA or 10
mg FITC-Dex and 100 mg of polyethylene glycol 400 were prepared.
Six and eight tenths milliliters of 74 mg/mL (170 nm or 75 nm)
pHEMA particle dispersion mixtures were combined with a pre-weighed
aliquot of FITC-labeled macromolecule and polyethylene glycol 400
and the dispersion was injected into PBS at room temperature. The
release rates of FITC labeled macromolecules were determined using
UV-VIS analysis and concentrations were determined as above. The
results are shown in FIGS. 27 and 28.
[0262] The aggregates containing the polyethylene glycol showed a
much smaller burst release of FITC-BSA and FITC Dex (<12%) in
the first six hours compared to the other aggregates containing a
water-soluble adjuvant shown in the following example. The FITC-Dex
was released at a slower rate than the FITC-BSA. However, very
little differences in the release rates for both FITC-BSA and
FITC-Dex were observed for each set of aggregates composed of
different ratios of two particle sizes.
Example 33
Release of Macromolecules from pHEMA Particle Aggregates Composed
of 5% Gelatin and 175 and 475 nm Particles Made Using SDS
[0263] pHEMA particle aggregates were prepared using 5 wt % gelatin
in the suspension system. The particles were prepared using the
surfactant SDS as previously described. Five milliliters of a 100
mg/mL (475 nm or 175 nm) pHEMA particle dispersion mixture and 25
mg (5 wt % gelatin) were combined with a pre-weighed aliquot of the
FITC-labeled macromolecule and the dispersion was injected into PBS
at room temperature at a fixed rate. The rates of release and
concentrations of the FITC labeled macromolecules were determined
as above. The results are shown in FIGS. 30 and 31.
[0264] The aggregate containing the water-soluble gelatin provided
a large burst release of FITC-BSA (>45%) in the first five
hours. The FITC-Dex was released at a slower rate than the
FITC-BSA, however, the rate of release of FITC-Dex was much faster
than that observed with aggregates that did not contain a
water-soluble additive.
Example 34
Release of Macromolecules from Partially Erodible Aggregates
Composed of 175 and 475 nm Particles Made Using SDS
[0265] Aggregates composed of a mixture of 95% pHEMA and 5%
pHEMA/pMAA particles were produced. MAA ionizes at physiological pH
and the charged particles repel each other and dislodge from the
aggregate over time. The rate of partial erosion is a function of
the number of ionizing groups present in the aggregate. During
partial erosion, the aggregate becomes more porous and the rate of
release of an entrapped macromolecule is affected. The particles
were prepared using the surfactant SDS as previously described.
Five milliliters of a 100 mg/mL pHEMA particle dispersion mixture
were combined with a pre-weighed aliquot of the FITC-labeled
macromolecule and the dispersion was injected into PBS at room
temperature at a fixed rate. The rates of release and
concentrations for the FITC labeled macromolecules were determined
as above. The results are shown in FIGS. 32 and 33.
[0266] Both FITC-BSA and FITC-Dex exhibit faster release profiles
from the partially erodible aggregates than from non-erodible
aggregates. Again, FITC-Dex is released at a slower rate because of
its size. All the release profiles for both FITC-BSA and FITC-Dex
show pseudo zero order release kinetics.
Example 35
Loading Efficiency and Burst Release from Macromolecules
Incorporated into Particle Aggregates as a Function of Aggregate
Composition
[0267] Changes in the composition of particle dispersions effect
how macromolecules are subsequently released from the subsequently
formed aggregates. The rate of macromolecules release from the
particle aggregates was found to be dependent on the size of the
macromolecule, the size of the particles prior to the formation of
the aggregates, particle sizes used in making the aggregates, the
presence of additives which change the porosity of the aggregate,
the surfactant present in the dispersion prior to injection as it
effects the rate at which the aggregate forms, and whether the
aggregate is erodible. Each of the above parameters and any
combination of them will have a significant impact on the release
of these materials. Table 11 summarizes the results for the
previous examples. TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Comparisons of loading
efficiency and burst release of macromolecules from pHEMA particle
aggregates described in previous examples % Loading .sup.(1)% %
Loading .sup.(2)% Composition of Release of Release of the 500 mg
the 10 mg of FITC-BSA the 10 mg FITC-Dex particle FITC-BSA Within
the FITC-Dex Within the aggregate (72 kDa) First 6 (h) (2000 kDa)
First 6 (h) .sup.(3)475 nm 98% 35% 97% 35% pHEMA .sup.(3)175 nm 97%
40% 98% 23% pHEMA .sup.(4)500 nm 96% 40% 89% 26% pHEMA .sup.(4)265
nm 97% 40% 98% 32% pHEMA .sup.(3)20/80 Mix 97% 35% 99% 13% 475:175
nm pHEMA .sup.(3)40/60 Mix 97% 40% 96% 29% 475:175 nm pHEMA
.sup.(3)60/40 Mix 96% 41% 97% 35% 475:175 nm pHEMA .sup.(4)20/80
Mix 98% 42% 91% 19% 500:265 nm pHEMA .sup.(4)40/60 Mix 98% 43% 98%
28% 500:265 nm pHEMA .sup.(4)60/40 Mix 98% 43% 93% 22% 500:265 nm
pHEMA .sup.(3)20/80 Mix 97% 14% 96% 10% 170:75 nm pHEMA
.sup.(3)40/60 Mix 97% 16% 96% 8% 170:75 nm pHEMA .sup.(3)60/40 Mix
96% 13% 91% 5% 170:75 nm pHEMA .sup.(3)20/80 Mix 98% 13% 97% 10%
170:75 nm pHEMA, 20% PEG.sub.400 .sup.(3)40/60 Mix 97% 12% 94% 6%
170:75 nm pHEMA, 20% PEG.sub.400 .sup.(3)60/40 Mix 98% 13% 96% 6%
170:75 nm pHEMA 20% PEG.sub.400 .sup.(3)475 nm 96% 32% N/A N/A
pHEMA 5 wt % Gelatin .sup.(3)175 nm 92% 41% 88% 33% pHEMA & 5
wt % Gelatin .sup.(3)60/40 Mix N/A N/A 92% 26% 475:175 nm pHEMA
& 5 wt % Gelatin .sup.(3)95% 175 nm 98% 36% 97% 20% pHEMA: 5%
(95:5) 100 nm pHEMA pMAA .sup.(3)95% 475 nm 95% 29% 99% 25% pHEMA:
5% (95:5) 100 nm pHEMA pMAA .sup.(3)95% 60/40 91% 43% 96% 33%
475:175 nm pHEMA: 5% (95:5) 100 nm pHEMA pMAA .sup.(1)This data
represent the normalized release of FITC-BSA (release of loaded
FITC-BSA) from the aggregate to the supernantant (PBS) at 25
Celsius. .sup.(2)This data represents the normalized release of
FITC-Dex (release of loaded FITC-Dex) from the aggregate to the
supernatant (PBS) at 25 Celsius. .sup.(3)The pHEMA particles were
synthesized using SDS as the surfactant. .sup.(4)The pHEMA
particles were synthesized using DSS as the surfactant.
[0268] Table 11 shows a comparison of the relative loading
efficiencies observed with the various pHEMA particle aggregates as
well as the initial burst release observed within the first 6
hours. In general, larger macromolecules show a correlation between
its size and release profiles for the given systems relative to
particle sizes used in the study. FITC-BSA was found to be released
at faster rates from aggregates prepared using various particle
sizes used and this would indicate that for smaller molecular
weight compounds, smaller particles should be used to achieve long
term release profiles.
CONCLUSION
[0269] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, while specific
embodiments and examples have been described, various modifications
and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this
invention.
[0270] For example, it will be appreciated that this invention
relates to methods of formation of shape-retentive aggregates and
to uses of the aggregates so formed. The methods involve complex
interactions of a wide range of factors that may affect the
chemical and physical characteristics of the shape-retentive
aggregate formed. In addition to those factors expressly discussed
herein, other such factors may become apparent to those skilled in
the art based on the disclosures herein. The application of such
additional factors of variations in the factors and of combinations
of factors are all within the scope of the invention.
[0271] Similarly, the methods of this invention will have a vast
range of applications. While a number of such applications have
been described above, other applications will become apparent to
those skilled in the art based on the disclosures herein. All such
applications that involve the methods of this invention to form a
shape-retentive gel aggregate are within the scope of this
invention.
[0272] Other embodiments are contained within the claims that
follow.
* * * * *