U.S. patent application number 13/207398 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-12 for medical devices with galvanic particulates.
Invention is credited to Jennifer Hagyoung Kang Choi, Abla A. Creasey, Carrie H. Fang, James E. Hauschild, Ying Sun, Chunlin Yang.
Application Number | 20120089232 13/207398 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45925753 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120089232 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Choi; Jennifer Hagyoung Kang ;
et al. |
April 12, 2012 |
MEDICAL DEVICES WITH GALVANIC PARTICULATES
Abstract
Implantable medical devices having galvanic particulates are
disclosed. The particulates may be coated onto at least part of a
surface of the medical device. In addition, the galvanic
particulates may be contained in the material used to manufacture
the antimicrobial medical devices, or may be embedded into the
surface of the medical devices. The present invention also provides
novel coating methods and processing methods. The present invention
further provides a combination of galvanic particulates with an
aqueous gel, a method of making this combination, and a method of
treatment using this combination. The devices and compositions may
have advantageous characteristics and effects including
anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, tissue regeneration promoting,
and pain reduction or elimination.
Inventors: |
Choi; Jennifer Hagyoung Kang;
(Metuchen, NJ) ; Yang; Chunlin; (Belle Mead,
NJ) ; Sun; Ying; (Belle Mead, NJ) ; Fang;
Carrie H.; (Pittstown, NJ) ; Hauschild; James E.;
(Cranbury, NJ) ; Creasey; Abla A.; (Morristown,
NJ) |
Family ID: |
45925753 |
Appl. No.: |
13/207398 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
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Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12890881 |
Sep 27, 2010 |
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13207398 |
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12761601 |
Apr 16, 2010 |
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12890881 |
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12731848 |
Mar 25, 2010 |
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12761601 |
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61163928 |
Mar 27, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
623/18.11 ;
252/500; 252/514; 977/773 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 33/30 20130101;
A61L 26/0004 20130101; A61L 31/14 20130101; A61K 33/34 20130101;
A61K 33/38 20130101; A61L 26/0066 20130101; A61L 27/30 20130101;
A61L 27/50 20130101; A61L 2300/45 20130101; A61L 15/18 20130101;
A61L 27/306 20130101; A61L 2300/414 20130101; A61L 29/14 20130101;
A61L 2300/41 20130101; A61K 9/143 20130101; A61L 31/088 20130101;
A61K 33/06 20130101; A61L 27/24 20130101; A61L 2300/102 20130101;
A61L 2300/402 20130101; A61L 15/42 20130101; A61L 2300/104
20130101; A61L 2300/404 20130101; A61L 2300/622 20130101; A61L
27/54 20130101; A61L 29/106 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
623/18.11 ;
252/500; 252/514; 977/773 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/30 20060101
A61F002/30; H01B 1/20 20060101 H01B001/20; H01B 1/00 20060101
H01B001/00; H01B 1/02 20060101 H01B001/02 |
Claims
1. A composition comprising a galvanic particulate and an aqueous
gel.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the galvanic particulate
comprises a first conductive material and a second conductive
material, wherein both said first conductive material and said
second conductive material have surfaces which are at least
partially exposed, wherein the particle size of said particulate is
from about 10 nanometers to about 100 micrometers, wherein the
second conductive material comprises from about 0.01 percent to
about 10 percent, by weight, of the total weight of said
particulate, and wherein the difference of the standard potentials
of the first conductive material and the second conductive material
is at least about 0.2 V.
3. The composition of claim 2 wherein the first conductive material
is selected from the group consisting of zinc and magnesium, and
the second conductive material is selected from the group
consisting of copper and silver.
4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the aqueous gel comprises a
carboxylmethylcellulose.
5. The composition of claim 4 wherein the composition comprises
0.15 mg/ml to 2.5 mg/ml galvanic
particulate/carboxylmethylcellulose gel.
6. The composition of claim 1 wherein the aqueous gel comprises
hyaluronic acid.
7. The composition of claim 6 wherein the composition comprises
0.15 mg/ml to 1 mg/ml galvanic particulate/hyaluronic acid gel.
8. A method of treatment of osteoarthritis comprising the steps of
providing a composition comprising a galvanic particulate and an
aqueous gel, and delivering the composition into a joint.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the galvanic particulate
comprises a first conductive material and a second conductive
material, wherein both said first conductive material and said
second conductive material have surfaces which are at least
partially exposed, wherein the particle size of said particulate is
from about 10 nanometers to about 100 micrometers, wherein the
second conductive material comprises from about 0.01 percent to
about 10 percent, by weight, of the total weight of said
particulate, and wherein the difference of the standard potentials
of the first conductive material and the second conductive material
is at least about 0.2 V.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the first conductive material is
selected from the group consisting of zinc and magnesium, and the
second conductive material is selected from the group consisting of
copper and silver.
11. The method of claim 8 wherein the aqueous gel comprises a
carboxylmethylcellulose.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the composition comprises 0.15
to 2.5 mg/ml galvanic particulate/carboxylmethylcellulose gel.
13. The method of claim 8 wherein the aqueous gel comprises
hyaluronic acid.
14. The composition of claim 13 wherein the composition comprises
0.15 mg/ml to 1 mg/ml galvanic particulate/hyaluronic acid gel.
15. The method of claim 8 wherein delivering the composition into a
joint consists of injecting the composition intra-articularly into
the joint.
16. A method preparing a composition comprising the steps of
providing a galvanic particulate, providing an aqueous gel, and
mixing the galvanic particulate with the aqueous gel.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the galvanic particulate
comprises a first conductive material and a second conductive
material, wherein both said first conductive material and said
second conductive material have surfaces which are at least
partially exposed, wherein the particle size of said particulate is
from about 10 nanometers to about 100 micrometers, wherein the
second conductive material comprises from about 0.01 percent to
about 10 percent, by weight, of the total weight of said
particulate, and wherein the difference of the standard potentials
of the first conductive material and the second conductive material
is at least about 0.2 V.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the first conductive material is
selected from the group consisting of zinc and magnesium, and the
second conductive material is selected from the group consisting of
copper and silver.
19. The method of claim 16 wherein the aqueous gel comprises a
carboxylmethylcellulose.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the composition comprises 0.15
mg/ml to 2.5 mg/ml galvanic particulate/carboxylmethylcellulose
gel.
21. The method of claim 16 wherein the aqueous gel comprises
hyaluronic acid.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the composition comprises 0.15
mg/ml to 1 mg/ml galvanic particulate/hyaluronic acid gel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of application
Ser. No. 12/761,601 filed on Apr. 16, 2010, which is a continuation
in part of nonprovisonal application Ser. No. 12/731,848 filed on
Mar. 25, 2010, which claims priority to the provisional application
Ser. No. 61/163,928, filed Mar. 27, 2009.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to antimicrobial medical devices,
more specifically antimicrobial devices containing or coated with
galvanic particulates.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Medical devices are typically sterilized prior to use. Most
medical devices are packaged in packaging which maintains the
sterility of the device until the package is opened by the health
care provider at the site where the health care services are being
administered or provided. Depending upon the environment in which
the devices are used, it is possible for the device to be
contaminated with microbes prior to use or during insertion, or
after insertion or implantation if the implantation site in the
patient is contaminated, for example as a result of trauma or
faulty or inadequate sterile procedures. Microbial contamination of
medical devices can result in serious infections in the patient
which are often not easily treatable for a variety of reasons,
including the formation of antibiotic resistant biofilms. The use
of antimicrobial coatings on medical devices may eliminate or
diminish the incidence of infections associated with the use or
implantation of medical devices. In addition to bacterial
contamination and tissue infection, many postsurgical complications
are caused by excess tissue inflammation, leading to pain and edema
at the surgical or implant site, scarring and tissue adhesion.
[0004] Using a galvanic couple as the power source in iontophoresis
patch devices is known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,147,297, 5,162,043, 5,298,017, 5,326,341, 5,405,317, 5,685,837,
6,584,349, 6,421,561, 6,653,014, and U.S. Patent Application US
2004/0138712. The galvanic couple is made from powders of
dissimilar metals, such as a zinc donor electrode and a silver
chloride counter electrode. Some of these galvanic couple powered
topical iontophoresis patch devices activate automatically when
body tissue and/or fluids form a complete circuit with the galvanic
system to generate the electricity. These devices are applied to
the human body in order to provide an intended benefit, such as
electrical stimulation, enhanced wound healing, or antimicrobial
treatment. Other types of topical systems powered by galvanic
couples in the form of particulates are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
7,476,221, 7,479,133, 7,477,939, 7,476,222, 7,477,940, and U.S.
Patent Applications US 2005/0148996 and US 2007/0060862, which
have, inter alia, disclosures directed toward topical treatments of
skin and mucosal tissues.
[0005] The aforementioned galvanic treatment systems have been
recognized as being useful in topical therapeutic products for the
skin, nails, hair and mucosal conditions and diseases. There is a
need in this art for novel implantable medical devices that have
enhanced antimicrobial properties while retaining the biocompatible
nature and mechanical functionality of the device, and which may
have additional advantages such as anti-inflammatory and tissue
regenerative properties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Implantable medical devices having antimicrobial, properties
are disclosed. The medical devices contain galvanic particulates.
The galvanic particulates may be present on the surface of the
device, in the bulk of the device, or combinations thereof. Another
aspect of the present invention is a medical device coated on at
least one part of a surface with an antimicrobial coating that
contains galvanic particulates. Medical devices having galvanic
particulates are useful for preventing, reducing or eliminating
infection at the implant site. The devices may also have other
beneficial properties including anti-inflammatory and tissue
regenerative properties.
[0007] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of
manufacturing the above-described medical devices.
[0008] Still yet another aspect of the present invention is a
method of using the above-described devices in a surgical
procedure.
[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is a combination of
galvanic particulates with an aqueous gel. A further aspect of the
present invention is a method of manufacturing the combination of
galvanic particulates with an aqueous gel as well as a method of
treatment using said combination.
[0010] These and other aspects and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent from the following description
and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a SEM Image of polypropylene mesh coated with
Zn/Cu galvanic particulates using a hot attachment process.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a SEM Image of polypropylene mesh coated with
Zn/Cu galvanic particulates using a dip coating process.
[0013] FIG. 3 is Light microscopic image of polypropylene mesh
coated with Zn/Cu galvanic particulates using a microspray
process.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the Mean improvement in weight
bearing deficiency for galvanic particulates in a
carboxylmethylcellulose (CMC) gel carrier.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the Mean improvement in weight
bearing deficiency for galvanic particulates in a 1% CMC gel
carrier or an hyaluronic acid (HA) gel carrier.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the paw volume reduction after
treatment with galvanic particulates in a 1% CMC gel carrier or an
HA gel carrier.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the Mean improvement in weight
bearing deficiency for galvanic particulates in an HA gel
carrier.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the paw volume reduction after
treatment with galvanic particulates in an HA gel carrier.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] It is believed that one skilled in the art can, based upon
the description herein, utilize the present invention to its
fullest extent. The following specific embodiments are to be
construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the
remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.
[0020] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Also, all
publications, patent applications, patents, and other references
mentioned herein are incorporated by reference. Unless otherwise
indicated, a percentage refers to a percentage by weight (i.e., %
(W/W)).
[0021] As used herein, "product" means a medical device of the
present invention coated with a coating containing galvanic
particles or having galvanic particulates embedded or contained
therein.
[0022] As used herein, "pharmaceutically-acceptable" means that the
ingredients which the term describes are suitable for their
intended medical use without undue toxicity, incompatibility,
instability, irritation, allergic response, and the like.
[0023] As used herein, "safe and effective amount" means an amount
of the ingredient or the composition sufficient to provide the
desired benefit at a desired level, but low enough to avoid serious
side effects. The safe and effective amount of the ingredient or
composition will vary with conventional factors including the area
being treated, the age and individual characteristics of the
patient, the duration and nature of the treatment, the specific
ingredient or composition employed, the particular
pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier utilized, and like factors.
[0024] As used herein, the term "treating" or "treatment" means the
treatment (e.g., alleviation or elimination of symptoms and/or
cure) and/or prevention or inhibition of the conditions (e.g.,
infection, inflammation, pain, edema and/or other post-surgical and
post-procedural complications). The procedures include open surgery
and medical procedures (e.g., injection, inserting catheters) and
minimally invasive procedures. A minimally invasive procedure is
any procedure (surgical or otherwise) that is less invasive than
open surgery used for the same purpose. A minimally invasive
procedure typically involves the use of laparoscopic and
remote-control manipulation of instruments with indirect
observation of the surgical field through an endoscope similar
device, and are carried out through the skin or through a body
cavity or anatomical opening.
[0025] The terms particulate and particulates are used
interchangeably herein. The terms particles is used interchangeably
with the terms particulate and particulates.
[0026] In one embodiment, the invention, as described herein, is a
medical device comprising a galvanic particulate. The galvanic
particulate may be incorporated onto the surface of the device,
into the bulk of the medical device, and combinations thereof.
Methods of making such a medical device are also described.
[0027] The galvanic particulates useful in the present invention
include a first conductive material and a second conductive
material, wherein both the first conductive material and the second
conductive material are at least partially exposed on the surface
of the particulate. In one embodiment, the particulate includes the
first conductive material and the surface of the particulate is
partially coated with the second conductive material.
[0028] In one embodiment, the galvanic particulates are produced by
a coating method wherein the weight percentage of the second
conductive material is from about 0.001% to about 20%, by weight,
of the total weight of the particulate, such as from about 0.01% to
about 10%, by weight, of the total weight of the particulate. In
one embodiment, the coating thickness of the second conductive
material may vary from single atom up to hundreds of microns. In
yet another embodiment, the surface of the galvanic particulate
comprises from about 0.001 wt. % to about 99.99 wt. % such as from
about 0.1 wt. % to about 99.9 wt. % percent of the second
conductive material.
[0029] In one embodiment, the galvanic particulates are produced by
a non-coating method (e.g., by sintering, printing or mechanical
processing the first and the second conductive materials together
to form the galvanic particulate) wherein the second conductive
material comprises from about 0.1% to about 99.9%, by weight, of
the total weight of the particulate, and other ranges for example
from about 10% to about 90%, of the total weight of the
particulate.
[0030] In one embodiment, the galvanic particulates are fine enough
that they can be suspended in the compositions during storage. In a
further embodiment, they are in flattened and/or elongated shapes.
The advantages of flattened and elongated shapes of the galvanic
particulates include a lower apparent density and, therefore, a
better floating/suspending capability, as well as better coverage
over biological tissue, leading to a wider and/or deeper range of
the galvanic current passing through the biological tissue (e.g.,
the skin or mucosa membrane). In one embodiment, the longest
dimension of the galvanic particulates is at least twice (e.g., at
least five times) the shortest dimension of such particulates. In
another embodiment, the shape of the galvanic particulate is a thin
flake, with its thickness (Z-axis) significantly smaller than its
other two dimensions (X and Y dimensions), for example, with its
thickness from about 0.5 to 1.5 micrometers and its other two
dimensions ranging from about 5 micrometers to about 100
micrometers.
[0031] The galvanic particulates may be of any shape, including but
not limited to, spherical or non-spherical particles or elongated
or flattened shapes (e.g., cylindrical, fibers or flakes). In one
embodiment, the average particle size of the galvanic particulates
is from about 10 nanometers to about 500 micrometers, such as from
about 100 nanometers to about 100 micrometers. What is meant by the
particle size is the maximum dimension in at least one direction.
Optionally, the galvanic particulates may be sieved to obtain the
desired particle size range. Sieving galvanic particulates may be
advantageous in providing a narrow size distribution of particles
or to remove fines or agglomerates, which may be particularly
useful in injectable formulations described below.
[0032] Examples of combinations of first conductive
materials/second conductive materials are elemental metals that
include (with a "/" sign representing an oxidized but essentially
non-soluble form of the metal), but are not limited to,
zinc-copper, zinc-copper/copper halide, zinc-copper/copper oxide,
magnesium-copper, magnesium-copper/copper halide, zinc-silver,
zinc-silver/silver oxide, zinc-silver/silver halide,
zinc-silver/silver chloride, zinc-silver/silver bromide,
zinc-silver/silver iodide, zinc-silver/silver fluoride, zinc-gold,
zinc-carbon, magnesium-gold, magnesium-silver,
magnesium-silver/silver oxide, magnesium-silver/silver halide,
magnesium-silver/silver chloride, magnesium-silver/silver bromide,
magnesium-silver/silver iodide, magnesium-silver/silver fluoride,
magnesium-carbon, aluminum-copper, aluminum-gold, aluminum-silver,
aluminum-silver/silver oxide, aluminum-silver/silver halide,
aluminum-silver/silver chloride, aluminum-silver/silver bromide,
aluminum-silver/silver iodide, aluminum-silver/silver fluoride,
aluminum-carbon, copper-silver/silver halide, copper-silver/silver
chloride, copper-silver/silver bromide, copper-silver/silver
iodide, copper-silver/silver fluoride, iron-copper,
iron-copper/copper oxide, copper-carbon iron-copper/copper halide,
iron-silver, iron-silver/silver oxide, iron-silver/silver halide,
iron-silver/silver chloride, iron-silver/silver bromide,
iron-silver/silver iodide, iron-silver/silver fluoride, iron-gold,
iron-conductive carbon, zinc-conductive carbon, copper-conductive
carbon, magnesium-conductive carbon, and aluminum-carbon.
[0033] The first conductive material or second conductive material
may also be alloys, particularly the first conductive material.
Non-limiting examples of the alloys include alloys of zinc, iron,
aluminum, magnesium, copper and manganese as the first conductive
material and alloys of silver, copper, stainless steel and gold as
second conductive material.
[0034] In one embodiment, the particulate, made of the first
conductive material, is partially coated with several conductive
materials, such as with a second and third conductive material. In
a further embodiment, the particulate comprises at least 95 percent
by weight of the first conductive material, the second conductive
material, and the third conductive material. In one embodiment, the
first conductive material is zinc, the second conductive material
is copper, and the third conductive material is silver. Standard
electrode potential is potential of an electrode composed of a
substance in its standard state, in equilibrium with ions in their
standard states compared to a hydrogen electrode. In one
embodiment, the difference of the standard electrode potentials (or
simply, standard potential) of the first conductive material and
the second conductive material is at least about 0.1 volts, such as
at least 0.2 volts. In one embodiment, the materials that make up
the galvanic couple have a standard potential difference equal to
or less than about 3 volts. For example, for a galvanic couple
comprised of metallic zinc and copper, the standard potential of
zinc is -0.763V (Zn/Zn2.sup.+), and the standard potential of
copper is +0.337 (Cu/Cu2.sup.+), the difference of the standard
potential is therefore 1.100V for the zinc-copper galvanic couple.
Similarly, for the magnesium-copper galvanic couple, standard
potential of magnesium (Mg/Mg2.sup.+) is -2.363V, and the
difference of the standard potential is therefore 2.700V.
Additional examples of standard potential values of some materials
suitable for galvanic couples are: Ag/Ag.sup.+: +0.799V,
Ag/AgCl/Cl.sup.-: 0.222V, and Pt/H.sub.2/H.sup.+: 0.000V. Pt may
also be replaced by carbon or another conductive material. In
general, the voltage between the conductive materials will be
sufficient to effectively provide a desired therapeutic effect.
[0035] In one embodiment, the conductive electrodes are combined
(e.g., the second conductive electrode is deposited to the first
conductive electrode) by conventional chemical, electrochemical,
physical or mechanical process (such as electroless deposition,
electric plating, vacuum vapor deposition, arc spray, sintering,
compacting, pressing, extrusion, printing, and granulation)
conductive metal ink (e.g., with polymeric binders), and other
known metal coating and powder processing methods commonly used in
powder metallurgy, electronics and medical device manufacturing
processes. In another embodiment, all of the conductive electrodes
are manufactured by conventional chemical reduction processes
(e.g., electroless deposition), sequentially or simultaneously, in
the presence of reducing agent(s). Examples of reducing agents
include phosphorous-containing reducing agents (e.g., a
hypophosphite as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,167,416 and
5,304,403), boron-containing reducing agents, and aldehyde- or
ketone-containing reducing agents such as sodium tetrahydroborate
(NaBH4) (e.g., as described in US Patent Publication No.
20050175649).
[0036] In one embodiment, the second conductive electrode is
deposited or coated onto the first conductive electrode by physical
deposition, such as spray coating, plasma coating, conductive ink
coating, screen printing, dip coating, metals bonding, bombarding
particulates under high pressure-high temperature, fluid bed
processing, or vacuum deposition.
[0037] In one embodiment, the coating method is based on a
displacement chemical reaction, namely, contacting a particulate of
the first conductive material (e.g., metallic zinc particle) with a
solution containing a dissolved salt of the second conductive
material (e.g. copper acetate, copper lactate, copper gluconate, or
silver nitrate). In a further embodiment, the method includes
flowing the solution over the particulate of the first conductive
material (e.g., zinc powder) or through the packed powder of the
first conductive material. In one embodiment, the salt solution is
an aqueous solution. In another embodiment, the solution contains
an organic solvent, such as an alcohol, a glycol, glycerin or other
commonly used solvents in pharmaceutical production to regulate the
deposition rate of the second conductive material onto the surfaces
of the first particulates, therefore controlling the activity of
the galvanic particulates produced.
[0038] In another embodiment, the galvanic particulates of the
present invention may also be coated with other materials to
protect the galvanic materials from degradation during storage
(e.g., oxidation degradation from oxygen and moisture), or to
modulate the electrochemical reactions and to control the electric
current generate when in use. The exemplary coating materials over
the galvanic material(s) are inorganic or organic polymers, natural
or synthetic polymers, biodegradable or bioabsorbable polymers,
silica, ceramic, various metal oxides (e.g., oxide of zinc,
aluminum, magnesium, or titanium) and other inorganic salts of low
solubility (e.g., zinc phosphate). The coating methods are known in
the art of metallic powder processing and metal pigment
productions, such as those described by U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,936,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,526, U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,812; U.S. Patent
Publication Nos. 20060042509A1 and 20070172438.
[0039] In one embodiment, the galvanic particulates are stored in a
dry, nitrogen environment. The galvanic particulates are activated
by moisture to provide a galvanic battery. It is preferred that
they be kept in a moisture free environment to prevent premature
activation of the particles. In another embodiment, the galvanic
particulates are stored in a nonconductive vehicle, such as an
anhydrous solvent or a solvent mixture, which includes, but is not
limited to, polyethylene glycol (PEG), glycerin, and propylene
glycol.
[0040] In one embodiment, the galvanic particulates are
incorporated into or onto medical devices and implants. Suitable
medical devices that may contain or be coated with the galvanic
particles include, but are not limited to, wound closure staples,
sutures, suture anchors, surgical needles, hypodermic needles,
catheters, wound tape, wound dressing, hemostats, stents, vascular
grafts, vascular patches, catheters, surgical meshes, bone
implants, joint implants, prosthetic implants, bone grafts, dental
implants, breast implants, tissue augmentation implants, plastic
reconstruction implants, implantable drug delivery pumps,
diagnostic implants and tissue engineering scaffolds and other
conventional medical devices and equivalents thereof. The medical
devices may be prepared or made from conventional biocompatible
absorbable or resorbable polymers, nonabsorbable polymers, metals,
glasses or ceramics and equivalents thereof.
[0041] Suitable nonabsorbable polymers include, but are not limited
to acrylics, polyamide-imide (PAI), polyarcryletherketones (PEEK),
polycarbonate, polyethylenes (PE), polybutylene terephthalates
(PBT) and polyethylene (PET), terephthalates, polypropylene,
polyamide (PA), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and polyvinylidene
fluoride,-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF/HFP), polymethylmetacrylate
(PMMA) and combinations thereof and equivalents.
[0042] Suitable absorbable polymers may be synthetic or natural
polymers. Suitable biocompatible, bioabsorbable polymers include
polymers selected from the group consisting of aliphatic
polyesters, poly (amino acids), copoly (ether-esters),
polyalkylenes oxalates, polyamides, tyrosine derived
polycarbonates, poly (iminocarbonates), polyorthoesters,
polyoxaesters, polyamidoesters, polyoxaesters containing amine
groups, poly (anhydrides), polyphosphazenes, and combinations
thereof. For the purpose of this invention aliphatic polyesters
include, but are not limited to, homopolymers and copolymers of
lactide (which includes lactic acid, D-, L- and meso lactide),
glycolide (including glycolic acid), epsilon-caprolactone,
p-dioxanone (1,4-dioxan-2-one), trimethylene carbonate
(1,3-dioxan-2-one), alkyl derivatives of trimethylene carbonate,
and polymer blends thereof. Natural polymers include collagen,
elastin, hyaluronic acid, laminin, and gelatin, keratin,
chondroitin sulfate and decellularized tissue.
[0043] Suitable metals are those biocompatible metals used
conventionally in medical devices including, but not limited to
titanium, titanium alloys, tantalum, tantalum alloys, stainless
steel, and cobalt-chromium alloys (e.g., cobalt-chromium-molybdenum
alloy) and the like. These metals are conventionally used in
sutures, surgical needles, orthopedic implants, wound staples,
vascular staples, heart valves, plastic surgery implants, other
implantable devices and the like.
[0044] Suitable absorbable or biocompatible glasses or ceramics
include, but are not limited to phosphates such as hydroxyapatite,
substituted apatites, tetracalcium phosphate, alpha- and
beta-tricalcium phosphate, octacalcium phosphate, brushite,
monetite, metaphosphates, pyrophosphates, phosphate glasses,
carbonates, sulfates and oxides of calcium and magnesium, and
combinations thereof.
[0045] In the practice of the present invention, galvanic
particulates may be combined with medical devices by various
methods including coating the galvanic particulate on at least part
of a surface of the medical device, incorporating the galvanic
particulate into the medical device, and combinations thereof.
Incorporating the galvanic particulate into the medical device
allows for a sustained activity of the particles which are exposed
over time as in the case of absorbable polymers. The galvanic
particles are activated by moisture; therefore all processing of
the particles should be carried out under dry or substantially dry
conditions.
[0046] Galvanic particulate may be coated on the surface of the
medical device by directly attaching the particles to the device or
by using a polymeric binder, including conventional biocompatible
polymeric binders. The particles may also be directly attached to
the device by heating the particles. The particles may be attached
to the surface of a medical device prepared from polymers or
devices having a polymer coating as a binder by heating the
particles to a temperature sufficient to melt the surface of the
medical device, followed by impacting the particle with the device
surface, which temporarily melts or softens the surface and then
cools allowing the particle to be placed on or embedded in or
otherwise adhered to the surface of the device. The heated
particles may be applied by conventional coating methods such as
electrostatic spraying, fluidized bed coating, and the like.
Alternatively, a polymeric film can be coated on the surface of a
device, and this film is then heated and the particulate is applied
to the softened film as described above.
[0047] Alternatively a polymer binder coating may be used to apply
or attach the particles to the medical devices. The galvanic
particles may be combined with a solution containing the polymer
binder. Suitable polymer binders include those used to prepare
medical devices listed above. Suitable solvents include
1,4-dioxane, ethyl acetate and the like. One of skill in the art
can determine the appropriate solvent based upon the polymer
composition. The polymer binder is dissolved in a suitable solvent
in the concentration of about 1 weight % to about 15 weight %. The
galvanic particles may be present in the polymer binder solution in
the amount of about 7.5 weight % to about 10 weight %. The coatings
containing the galvanic particles in the polymer binder solution
may be used to coat the medical devices, typically all or part of
outer surfaces although inner surfaces may be coated as well, by
conventional methods such as microspray coating, electrostatic
spraying, electrostatic spinning, dip coating, fluidized bed
coating and the like.
[0048] The amount of galvanic particles on the coated surface of a
medical device will be sufficient to effectively elicit
antimicrobial and/or anti-inflammatory and/or anti-adhesion actions
in a safe and efficacious manner. In one embodiment, the galvanic
particles may be present on the surface of the device in the amount
of about 0.001 mg/in.sup.2 to about 20 mg/in.sup.2. In another
embodiment the galvanic particles may be present on the surface of
the device in the amount of about 0.1 mg/in.sup.2 to 10
mg/in.sup.2.
[0049] Galvanic particulate may also be incorporated into the
medical device by conventional methods such as compounding, solvent
casting, lyophilization, electrostatic spinning, extrusion, and the
like.
[0050] The particles may be compounded into a composite with molten
polymers in a static mixer or continuous extruder. The composite of
the particles and polymer can be further processed into devices
using methods including extrusion, injection molding, compression
molding, and other melting processes. Suitable polymers include
those used to prepare medical devices listed above. In one
embodiment, the particulate loading in the composite may be about
0.001 weight % to about 80% by weight. In another embodiment, the
particulate loading in the composite may be about 0.01 weight % to
about 20 weight %. One of skill in the art can determine suitable
processing conditions for the desired polymer composition.
[0051] Alternatively, a polymer solution may be used to incorporate
the galvanic particulates into the medical devices by methods such
as solvent casting, lyophilization, electrostatic spinning and the
like. The galvanic particles may be combined with a polymer
solution. Suitable polymers include those used to prepare medical
devices listed above. Suitable solvents include 1,4-dioxane, ethyl
acetate and the like. One of skill in the art can determine the
appropriate solvent based upon the polymer composition. The polymer
is dissolved in a suitable solvent in the concentration of about 1
weight % to about 15 weight %. The galvanic particles may be
present in the polymer solution in the amount of about 7.5 weight %
to about 10 weight %. Such galvanic particulate/polymer solutions
may be used in conventional processes including solvent casting to
provide films, lyophilization to provide foam medical devices, and
electrostatic spinning to prepare fibers, tubes, mats and the
like.
[0052] Galvanic particulates may also be combined with an aqueous
composition, such as aqueous gel or emulsion. The particulates may
be mixed with an aqueous gel at the point of use. The galvanic
particles may be present in the aqueous gel in the amount of about
0.0001 weight % to about 10 weight %, and preferably about 0.001
weight % to about 1 weight %. In another embodiment, a mixture of
galvanic particulates and suitable polymers in a dry form may be
hydrated at the point of use. The suitable polymers include, but
are not limited to carboxylmethylcellulose (CMC), hyaluronic acid
(HA), PEG, alginate, chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, dextran
sulfate, and polymer blend and their salts thereof. Suitable
aqueous solvents are water, physiological saline,
phosphate-buffered saline, and the like.
[0053] In one aspect, formulations or compositions are disclosed
for treating a joint condition comprising a formulation. The
formulation or composition can be in liquid form. The liquid
formulation can also be stable at room temperature. Moreover, the
liquid formulation can include a solution of hyaluronic acid (HA).
The HA formulation can be a high molecular weight HA. The molecular
weight can be, for example, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100,
1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200,
2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900, 3000, 3100, 3200, 3300,
3400, 3500, 3600, 3700, 3800, 3900, 4000, 4100, 4200, 4300, 4400,
4500, 4600, 4700, 4800, 4900, 5000, 5100, 5200, 5300, 5400, 5500,
5600, 5700, 5800, 5900, 6000 kDa or more, or any range derivable
therein. In exemplary embodiments, the HA has a molecular weight in
the range of about 1 MDa to 6 MDa. In another exemplary embodiment,
the HA has a molecular weight greater than 1 MDa.
[0054] Moreover, the HA formulation can be present at particular
concentrations. In one embodiment, the HA is present at a
concentration of at least about 7 mg/ml. In another exemplary
embodiment, the HA has a concentration of at least about 5 mg/ml,
and more preferably at least about 7 mg/ml, and more preferably at
least about 10 mg/ml, and more preferably at least about 15 mg/ml,
and in some embodiments the concentration can be at least about 25
mg/ml. In another embodiment, the HA can have a concentration in
the range of about 15 mg/ml to about 25 mg/ml.
[0055] In another aspect, the formulation or composition includes
at least one additional component. The additional component added
to the formulation or composition can be, for example, amino acids,
amino sugars, sugar alcohols, proteins, saccharides,
di-saccharides, oligo-saccharides, poly-saccharides, nucleic acids,
buffers, surfactants, lipids, liposomes, other excipients, and
mixtures thereof. Other useful components can include steroids,
anti-inflammatory agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents,
analgesics, cells, antibiotics, antimicrobial agents,
anti-inflammatory agents, growth factors, growth factor fragments,
small-molecule wound healing stimulants, hormones, cytokines,
peptides, antibodies, enzymes, isolated cells, platelets,
immunosuppressants, nucleic acids, cell types, viruses, virus
particles, essential nutrients, minerals, metals, or vitamins, and
combinations thereof. Additionally, the formulation or composition
can include a diluent, such as water, saline, or a buffer.
[0056] Hyaluronic acid (HA) can have various formulations and can
be provided at various concentrations and molecular weights. The
terms "hyaluronic acid," "hyaluronan," "hyaluronate," and "HA" are
used interchangeably herein to refer to hyaluronic acids or salts
of hyaluronic acid, such as the sodium, potassium, magnesium, and
calcium salts, among others. These terms are also intended to
include not only pure hyaluronic acid solutions, but hyaluronic
acid with other trace elements or in various compositions with
other elements. The terms "hyaluronic acid," "hyaluronan," and "HA"
encompass chemical or polymeric or cross-linked derivatives of HA.
Examples of chemical modifications which may be made to HA include
any reaction of an agent with the four reactive groups of HA,
namely the acetamido, carboxyl, hydroxyl, and the reducing end. The
HA used in the present application is intended to include natural
formulations (isolated from animal tissue) or synthetic
formulations (derived from bacterial fermentation) or combinations
thereof. The HA can be provided in liquid form or solid
formulations that is reconstituted with a diluents to achieve an
appropriate concentration.
[0057] The methods of treatment can include directly injecting the
compositions into the target area, such as a joint. Injections can
be performed as often as daily, weekly, several times a week, bi
monthly, several times a month, monthly, or as often as needed as
to provide relief of symptoms. For intra-articular use, from about
1 to about 30 mg/ml of HA per joint, depending on the size of the
joint and severity of the condition, can be injected. The frequency
of subsequent injections into a given joint are spaced to the time
of recurrence of symptoms in the joint. Illustratively, dosage
levels in humans of the composition can be: knee, about 1 to about
30 mg/ml per joint injection; shoulder, about 1 to about 30 mg/ml
of HA per joint injection; metacorpal or proximal intraphalangeal,
about 1 mg/ml to about 30 mg/ml of HA per joint injection; and
elbow, about 1 to about 30 mg/ml per joint injection. The total
amount of injection can range from about 1 mg/ml to 200 mg/ml of
HA.
[0058] It will be understood, however, that the specific dosage
level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of
factors including the activity of the specific compound employed,
the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of
administration, route of administration, rate of excretion, drug
combination and the severity of the particular disease undergoing
therapy. The pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared and
administered in dose units. Under certain circumstances, however,
higher or lower dose units may be appropriate. The administration
of the dose unit can be carried out both by single administration
of the composition or administration can be performed in several
smaller dose units and also by multiple administrations of
subdivided doses at specific intervals.
[0059] In one embodiment, the medical condition is osteoarthritis
(OA) and the composition is administered in a joint space, such as,
for example, a knee, shoulder, temporo-mandibular and
carpo-metacarpal joints, elbow, hip, wrist, ankle, and lumbar
zygapophysial (facet) joints in the spine. The viscosupplementation
may be accomplished via a single injection or multiple
intraarticular injections administered over a period of weeks into
the knee or other afflicted joints. For example, a human subject
with knee OA may receive one, two, three, four, or five injections
of about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 ml or more per
knee. For other joints, the administered volume can be adjusted
based on the size on the joint.
[0060] It will be understood, however, that the specific dosage
level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of
factors including the activity of the specific compound employed,
the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of
administration, route of administration, rate of excretion, drug
combination and the severity of the particular disease undergoing
therapy.
[0061] Medical devices of the present invention comprising galvanic
particulates are useful for preventing, reducing, or eliminating
infection at the implant site. It will be appreciated that such
devices will be used with other aspects of infection control
including sterile procedures, antibiotic administration, etc. For
example, mesh coated with galvanic particles (or otherwise
containing galvanic particles) can be used for contaminated hernia
repair or contaminated trauma repair with significantly reduced
concerns about the generation of anti-biotic resistant bacteria
including biofilms. Alternatively, an anti-infective hemostat
containing galvanic particles can be useful for traumatic and
post-surgical bleeding control. The medical devices of the present
invention having galvanic particulates can be used in addition to
conventional methods for infection control, such as oral or IV
administration of antibiotics to enhance the efficacy of the
conventional treatment methods for infection control. Incorporation
in and coating of medical devices with galvanic particles can
improve the biocompatibility of the devices and enhance
tissue-device integration and promote wound repair by suppressing
inflammatory reaction.
[0062] In one embodiment, the medical devices with galvanic
particulates are used to provide the intended therapeutic galvanic
electric stimulation effects to promote tissue regeneration, repair
and growth by applying the galvanic particulates directly to the
target location of the body in need such a therapeutic treatment
(e.g., either topically or inside the body), including soft tissues
(e.g., the skin, mucosa, epithelium, wound, eye and its surrounding
tissues, cartilage and other soft musculoskeletal tissues such as
ligaments, tendons, or meniscus), hard tissues (e.g., bone, teeth,
nail matrix, or hair follicle), and soft tissue-hard tissue
conjunctions (e.g., conductive tissues around periodontal area
involved teeth, bones or soft tissue of the joint). In one
embodiment, the galvanic particulate medical device is administered
alone. In another embodiment, additional galvanic particulates are
administered locally with the galvanic particulate medical device
to the subject (e.g., a human) in need of such treatment via a
surgical procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
[0063] Such therapeutic effects include, but are not limited to:
antimicrobial effects (e.g., antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral,
and anti-parasitic effects); anti-inflammation effects including
effects in the superficial or deep tissues (e.g., reduce or
elimination of soft tissue edema or redness); prevention of
post-surgical tissue adhesion (anti-adhesion); elimination or
reduction of pain, itch or other sensory discomfort (e.g.,
headache, sting or tingling numbness); regeneration or healing
enhancement of both soft and hard tissues; modulation of stem cell
differentiation and tissue development such as modulation of tissue
growth (e.g., enhancing growth rate of the nail or regrowth of hair
loss due to alopecia) or increase soft tissue volume (e.g.,
increasing collagen or elastin in the skin or lips); increasing
adipocyte metabolism or improving body appearance (e.g., effects on
body contour or shape); and increasing circulation of blood or
lymphocytes.
[0064] In one embodiment, the medical devices with galvanic
particulates provide multiple mechanisms of actions to treat
conditions, such as to enhance delivery of an active agents by
iontophoresis and/or electro-osmosis as well as provide electric
stimulation to treat the contacted tissue (e.g., to increase blood
circulation or other benefits). What is meant by an "active agent"
is a compound (e.g., a synthetic compound, a compound isolated from
a natural source or manufactured through bioengineering and
molecular biology methods) that has a therapeutic effect on the
target human tissue or organ and the surrounding tissues (e.g., a
material capable of exerting a biological effect on a human body)
such as therapeutic drugs or biological agents. Examples of such
therapeutic drugs include small molecules, peptides, proteins,
nucleic acid materials, and nutrients such as minerals and
extracts. The amount of the active agent in the carrier will depend
on the active agent and/or the intended use of the composition or
product. In one embodiment, the medical device having the galvanic
particulates further contain a safe and therapeutically effective
amount of the active agent, for example, from about 0.001 percent
to about 20 percent, by weight, such as from about 0.01 percent to
about 10 percent, by weight, of the composition.
[0065] In one embodiment, the medical devices with galvanic
particulates can be combined with an active agent (such as
antimicrobial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, analgesic agents,
and biological agents) to be incorporated into a medical device
(e.g., as a surface coating or embedded within) to enhance or
potentiate the biological or therapeutic effects of that active
agent. In another embodiment, the galvanic particulates can be
incorporated into a medical device to work efficacious or
synergistically with one or more than one active agent administered
by a different route of administration concurrently or sequentially
(e.g., by systemic route such as oral dosing, injection or
infusion) to enhance or potentiate the biological or therapeutic
effects of that active agent. For example, a medical implant with a
galvanic particulate coating can be applied to a patient through a
surgical procedure, whereas a systemic antibiotic therapy can be
administered either prior to or shortly after the procedure as
prophylaxis to prevent or treat any post-surgical infections. In
yet another embodiment, the galvanic particulates can also be
combined with other substances to enhance or potentiate the
activity of the galvanic particulates. Substances that can enhance
or potentiate the activity of the galvanic particulates include,
but are not limited to, organic solvents, surfactants, and
water-soluble polymers. For example, the galvanic particulates of
the present invention can form conjugates or composites with
synthetic or natural polymers including by not limited to proteins,
polysaccharides, hyaluronic acid of various molecular weight,
hyaluronic acid analogs, polypeptides, and collagens of different
origins.
[0066] In one embodiment, the composition contains a chelator or
chelating agent. Examples of chelators include, but are not limited
to, amino acids such as glycine, lactoferrin, edetate, citrate,
pentetate, tromethamine, sorbate, ascorbate, deferoxamine,
derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. Other examples of
chelators useful are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,884 and PCT
Publication No. WO2006056984. In one embodiment, the galvanic
particulates are incorporated into wound dressings and bandages to
provide galvanic electric therapy for healing enhancement and scar
prevention. In one embodiment, the wound exudation fluid and/or
wound cleansing solution serves to activate a galvanic particulate
containing wound dressing/bandage to (i) deliver active agents
pre-incorporated in the wound dressing/bandage and/or (ii) to
generate electrochemically beneficial metal ions followed with
delivery of the beneficial metal ions into the wound and/or (iii)
treat the wound with therapeutic electric current which may
increase blood circulation, stimulate tissue immune response,
and/or suppress tissue inflammation, which may lead to accelerated
healing and reduced scarring.
[0067] In one embodiment, the composition or product contains an
active agent commonly used as for topical wound and scar treatment,
such as topical antibiotics, anti-microbials, wound healing
enhancing agents, topical antifungal drugs, anti-psoriatic drugs,
and anti-inflammatory agents.
[0068] Examples of antifungal drugs include but are not limited to
miconazole, econazole, ketoconazole, sertaconazole, itraconazole,
fluconazole, voriconazole, clioquinol, bifoconazole, terconazole,
butoconazole, tioconazole, oxiconazole, sulconazole, saperconazole,
clotrimazole, undecylenic acid, haloprogin, butenafine, tolnaftate,
nystatin, ciclopirox olamine, terbinafine, amorolfine, naftifine,
elubiol, griseofulvin, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts
and prodrugs. In one embodiment, the antifungal drug is an azole,
an allylamine, or a mixture thereof.
[0069] Examples of antibiotics (or antiseptics) include but are not
limited to mupirocin, neomycin sulfate bacitracin, polymyxin B,
1-ofloxacin, tetracyclines (chlortetracycline hydrochloride,
oxytetracycline-10 hydrochloride and tetrachcycline hydrochloride),
clindamycin phosphate, gentamicin sulfate, metronidazole,
hexylresorcinol, methylbenzethonium chloride, phenol, quaternary
ammonium compounds, tea tree oil, and their pharmaceutically
acceptable salts and prodrugs.
[0070] Examples of antimicrobials include but are not limited to
octenidine, salts of chlorhexidine, such as Iodopropynyl
butylcarbamate, diazolidinyl urea, chlorhexidene digluconate,
chlorhexidene acetate, chlorhexidene isethionate, and chlorhexidene
hydrochloride. Other cationic antimicrobials may also be used, such
as benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, triclocarbon,
polyhexamethylene biguanide, cetylpyridium chloride, methyl and
benzothonium chloride. Other antimicrobials include, but are not
limited to halogenated phenolic compounds, such as
2,4,4',-trichloro-2-hydroxy diphenyl ether (Triclosan);
parachlorometa xylenol (PCMX); and short chain alcohols, such as
ethanol, propanol, and the like.
[0071] Examples of anti-viral agents for viral infections such as
herpes and hepatitis, include, but are not limited to, imiquimod
and its derivatives, podofilox, podophyllin, interferon alpha,
acyclovir, famcyclovir, valcyclovir, reticulos and cidofovir, and
salts and prodrugs thereof.
[0072] Examples of anti-inflammatory agents, include, but are not
limited to, suitable steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as
corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, hydroxyltriamcinolone
alphamethyl dexamethasone, dexamethasone-phosphate, beclomethasone
dipropionate, clobetasol valerate, desonide, desoxymethasone,
desoxycorticosterone acetate, dexamethasone, dichlorisone,
diflorasone diacetate, diflucortolone valerate, fluadrenolone,
fluclarolone acetonide, fludrocortisone, flumethasone pivalate,
fluosinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, flucortine butylester,
fluocortolone, fluprednidene (fluprednylidene)acetate,
flurandrenolone, halcinonide, hydrocortisone acetate,
hydrocortisone butyrate, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone
acetonide, cortisone, cortodoxone, flucetonide, fludrocortisone,
difluorosone diacetate, fluradrenalone acetonide, medrysone,
amciafel, amcinafide, betamethasone, chloroprednisone,
chloroprednisone acetate, clocortelone, clescinolone, dichlorisone,
difluprednate, flucloronide, flunisolide, fluoromethalone,
fluperolone, fluprednisolone, hydrocortisone valerate,
hydrocortisone cyclopentylpropionate, hydrocortamate, meprednisone,
paramethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, beclomethasone
dipropionate, betamethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone, and salts
are prodrugs thereof. In one embodiment, the steroidal
anti-inflammatory for use in the present invention is
hydrocortisone. A second class of anti-inflammatory agents which is
useful in the compositions of the present invention includes the
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
[0073] Examples of wound healing enhancing agents include
recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and other
growth factors, ketanserin, iloprost, prostaglandin E.sub.1 and
hyaluronic acid, scar reducing agents such as mannose-6-phosphate,
analgesic agents, anesthetics, hair growth enhancing agents such as
minoxadil, hair growth retarding agents such as eflornithine
hydrochloride, antihypertensives, drugs to treat coronary artery
diseases, anticancer agents, endocrine and metabolic medication,
neurologic medications, medication for cessation of chemical
additions, motion sickness, protein and peptide drugs.
[0074] In one embodiment, the galvanic particulates are used, with
or without other antifungal active agents, to treat and prevent
fungal infections. In another embodiment, the galvanic particulates
are used, with or without other antibacterial active agents, to
treat and prevent bacterial infections, including, but not limited
to, infections of tissue injuries of intern or surface of the body
due to surgical procedures such as acute wounds, and chronic wounds
due to various illnesses (venous ulcers, diabetic ulcers and
pressure ulcers).
[0075] In another embodiment, the galvanic particulates are used,
with or without other antiviral active agents, to treat and prevent
viral infections of the skin and mucosa, including, but not limited
to, molluscum contagiosum, warts, herpes simplex virus infections
such as cold sores, kanker sores and genital herpes.
[0076] In another embodiment, the galvanic particulates are used,
with or without other antiparasitic active agents, to treat and
prevent parasitic infections, including, but not limited to,
hookworm infection, lice, scabies, sea bathers' eruption and
swimmer's itch.
[0077] In one embodiment, the particulates are administered to help
treat ear infections (such as those caused by streptococcus
pneumoniae), rhinitis and/or sinusitis (such as caused by
Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus
aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae), and strep throat (such as
caused by Streptococcus pyogenes).
[0078] In one embodiment, the particulates are ingested by an
animal (e.g., as animal feed) or a human (e.g., as a dietary
supplement) to help prevent outbreaks of food borne illnesses
(e.g., stemming from food borne pathogens such as Campylobacter
jejuni, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica).
[0079] In one embodiment, the invention features a method of
killing pathogens including drug resistant microorganisms by
contacting the microorganism with a composition containing a
galvanic particulate including a first conductive material and a
second conductive material, wherein both the first conductive
material and the second conductive material are exposed on the
surface of the particulate, and wherein the difference of the
standard potentials of the first conductive material and the second
conductive material is at least about 0.2 V. In one embodiment, the
particle size of said particulate is from about 10 nanometers to
about 1000 micrometers, such as from about 1 micrometer to about
100 micrometers. In one embodiment, the second conductive material
is from about 0.01 percent to about 10 percent, by weight, of the
total weight of the particulate. In one embodiment, the drug
resistant microorganism is a bacteria, such as MRSA and VRE. In one
embodiment, the particulates are administered via a nasal spray,
rinse solution, or ointment.
[0080] In one embodiment, the galvanic particulates can be used to
reduce the visibility of skin facial wrinkles, reduce atrophy, or
increase collagen stimulation. The galvanic particulates may be
used either alone or in conjunction with other components well
known in the art, such as subcutaneous fillers, implants,
periodontal implants, intramuscular injections, and subcutaneous
injections, such as bio-absorbable polymers. For example, the
galvanic particulates may be used in conjunction with collagen
and/or hyaluronic acid injections.
[0081] In another embodiment, the galvanic particulates can be
incorporated into biodegradable scaffolds for tissue engineering
and organ printing with techniques known in the art.
[0082] In another embodiment, the galvanic particles can be
incorporated into aqueous gels for tissue adhesion prevention. For
example, galvanic particulates in carboxyl methylcellulose aqueous
solution or gel may be applied to a trauma site and surrounding
tissue to reduce adhesion scar formation.
[0083] In another embodiment, the galvanic particles can be
incorporated into aqueous gels for osteoarthritis treatment to
eliminate or reduce pain and inflammation via intra-articular
injection.
[0084] In another embodiment, the galvanic particles can be
incorporated into an aqueous gel or an anhydrous gel for wound
treatment to eliminate or reduce pain caused by inflammation, and
to prevent or treat infection, to enhance healing rate and/or
strength, and to reduce scarring.
[0085] Galvanic particulates may also be combined with an aqueous
composition, such as aqueous gels or emulsions. The particulates
may be mixed with an aqueous gel at the point of use. The galvanic
particles may be present in the aqueous gel in the amount of about
0.01 weight % to about 0.5 weight %, and preferably about 0.01
weight % to about 0.25 weight %. In another embodiment, a mixture
of galvanic particulates and suitable polymers in a dry form may be
hydrated at the point of use. The suitable polymers include, but
are not limited to carboxylmethylcellulose, hyaluronic acid, PEG,
alginate, chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, dextran sulfate, and
polymer blend and their salts thereof. Suitable aqueous solvents
are water, physiological saline, phosphate-buffered saline, and the
like. In another embodiment, the polymer(s) as gelling agent may be
present in the aqueous gel in the amount of about 0.01 weight % to
about 20 weight %, and preferably about 0.1 weight % to about 5
weight %.
[0086] In another embodiment, the galvanic particulates can be
incorporated to the surface coating of a breast implant to improve
the biocompatibility of implants and provide anti-microbial and
anti-inflammatory benefits to eliminate or reduce capsular
contracture.
[0087] In another embodiment, the medical devices of the present
invention comprising galvanic particulates can be used with other
energy-based medical devices and treatments to increase the
therapeutic efficacy of either or both devices. The energy-based
treatments include, but are not limited to, ultrasound device or
therapy, magnetic treatment, electromagnetic device or therapy,
radiofrequency treatment, thermal treatment (heating or
cooling).
[0088] The novel medical devices of the present invention
containing galvanic particulates can be used in various
conventional surgical procedures, including but not limited to open
and minimally invasive surgical procedures, for implanting medical
devices and other implants such as wound closure following a
surgical procedure, wound closure of traumatic injuries, catheter
insertion, application of hemostats, stent implantation, insertion
of vascular grafts and vascular patches, implanting surgical
meshes, implanting bone implants, orthopedic implants and soft
tissue implants, implanting bone grafts and dental implants,
cosmetic surgery procedures, including implanting breast implants,
tissue augmentation implants, and plastic reconstruction implants,
inserting drug delivery pumps, inserting or implanting diagnostic
implants, implanting tissue engineering scaffolds, and other
surgical procedures requiring long term or permanent implants. The
devices of the present invention are implanted using surgical
procedures in a conventional manner to obtain the desired result,
and in addition, the use of the novel devices of the present
invention provides for improved surgical outcomes by reducing
infection and biofilm formation, suppressing inflammation and
enhancing tissue repair and regeneration.
[0089] One skilled in the art will recognize that, both in vivo and
in vitro trials using suitable, known and generally accepted cell
and/or animal models are predictive of the ability of an
ingredient, composition, or product to treat or prevent a given
condition. One skilled in the art will further recognize that human
clinical trials including first-in-human, dose ranging and efficacy
trials, in healthy patients and/or those suffering from a given
condition or disorder, may be completed according to methods well
known in the clinical and medical arts.
[0090] The following examples are illustrative of the principles
and practice of this invention, although not limited thereto.
Numerous additional embodiments within the scope and spirit of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art once
having the benefit of this disclosure.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Galvanic Particulate Preparation Based on Displacement
Chemistry
[0091] (a) In Pure Aqueous Media: 0.1% copper coated zinc galvanic
particulates were manufactured by electroless plating of copper
onto zinc powder. 10 g of .ltoreq.45-micron zinc powder was spread
evenly onto a vacuum filter buchner funnel with a 0.22 micron
filter. 5 g of copper acetate solution was then poured evenly onto
the zinc powder, and allowed to react for approximately 30 seconds.
A suction was then applied to the filter until the filtrate was
completely suctioned out. The resulting powder cake was then
loosed, and 10 g of deionized water was added and then suctioned
off 10 g of ethanol was then added to the powder under suction. The
powder was then carefully removed from the filter system and
allowed to dry in a desiccator.
[0092] (b) In Ethanol Containing Media: 0.1% copper coated zinc
galvanic particulates were manufactured by electroless plating of
copper onto zinc powder. 10 g of .ltoreq.45-micron zinc powder was
weighed into a glass jar. 0.61% w/w copper acetate was dissolved
into 200 proof ethanol. The resulting copper solution is a faint
blue color. 5 g of copper acetate solution was then poured evenly
onto the zinc powder, and allowed to react until the copper
solution became clear. This reaction continued for approximately 48
hours at room temperature, when the solution turned clear. The
composite was spread evenly onto a vacuum filter buchner funnel
with a 0.22 micron filter. Vacuum suction was then applied to the
filter until the filtrate was completely suctioned out. The
resulting powder cake was then loosed, and 10 g of deionized water
was added and then suctioned off 10 g of ethanol was then added to
the powder under suction. The powder was then carefully removed
from the filter system and allowed to dry in a desiccator.
[0093] (c) In Pure Aqueous Media: Approximately 0.1% copper coated
magnesium galvanic particulates were manufactured by electroless
plating of copper onto magnesium powder using the same method
described in the Example 1(a), except substituting zinc powder with
magnesium powder.
[0094] (d) In Pure Aqueous Media: Approximately 0.1% iron coated
magnesium galvanic particulates were manufactured by electroless
plating of iron onto magnesium powder using same method described
in the Example 1(a), except substituting zinc powder with magnesium
powder and the copper lactate solution with a ferrous chloride
solution.
Example 2
Coating Galvanic Particulates onto Hydrocolloid Substrate
[0095] (a) Coating Process by Powder Sieving Deposition Onto a
Substrate: First, the surface area of the self-adhesive
hydrocolloid was measured and the amount of required galvanic
particulates was calculated based on a 1.2 mg/cm.sup.2 surface
coating. The galvanic particulates of Example 1(a) were placed into
a sieve #325 (45 micron) with the hydrocolloid sheet placed below
the sieve. The sieve was gently shaken to produce an even coating
of powders onto the hydrocolloid surface. A PET release liner was
placed onto the galvanic particulate-coated hydrocolloid surface.
The release liner is removed prior to use.
[0096] (b) Coating Process by Electrostatic Powder Deposition Onto
a Substrate: Feasibility of coating the galvanic particulates onto
a substrate with the electrostatic powder deposition technique was
demonstrated using a commercial high voltage powder electrostatic
coating system (HV Powder Coating System, purchased from Caswell,
Inc., Lyons, N.Y.). The galvanic particulate and hydrocolloid
materials, and sample preparation procedure were same as Example
2a. The voltage setting of the HV Powder Coating System was set at
45 kV, and compressed air was controlled at 15 psi
(pounds-per-inch). The simple and high speed coating process
resulted in a uniform coating of the galvanic powder on the
hydrocolloid sheet was uniform.
Example 3
In Vitro Efficacy of Galvanic Particulates Against MRSA, Yeast, and
Bacteria
[0097] Galvanic particulates containing-agar discs were made by
suspending the galvanic particulates from Example 1(a) in 2 ml of
47.degree. C. sterile distilled water mixed with 8 ml of melted
agar. The mixture was then poured into a 100.times.15 mm petri
dish. The mixture solidified in the petri dish, and the galvanic
particulates were immobilized and evenly distributed in the agar.
Smaller agar discs were cut out from the galvanic
particulate-containing agar with a sterile cork borer (inner D=12.2
mm), and used for further testing of the galvanic particulates.
[0098] The agar discs (D=12.2 mm, thickness=1.2 mm), containing the
galvanic particulates at a concentration of either 0.5% or 1%, were
placed on an agar plate surface inoculated with about 6 log CFU of
indicator microorganisms. The plates were incubated at 37.degree.
C. for 24 hours. The zone of inhibition (distance in mm from edge
of disc and edge of clear no growth zone) was measured with a
digital caliper. Duplicate samples were used for this test. The
results are depicted in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Zone of Zone of inhibition inhibition
Strains Class (mm) 0.5% (mm) 1% MRSA (Methicillin Gram+ Bacteria
1.3 2.9 Resistant Staphylococcus aureus 33593) MRSE (Methicillin
Gram+ Bacteria 1.8 3.6 Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis 51625)
Candida albicans 10231 Yeast 0.9 2.0 Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gram-
Bacteria 0.4 1.2 9027 Corynebacterium Gram+ Bacteria 1.0 1.4
aquaticum 14665 Corynebacterium jeikeium Gram+ Bacteria 1.9 3.3
43734 Staphylococcus Gram+ Bacteria 1.0 1.3 haemolyticus 29970
Micrococcus lylae 27566 Gram+ Bacteria 1.0 2.3 *Results are means
of duplicate samples
[0099] These results indicated that galvanic particulates were
inhibitory against a wide-range of microorganisms, including
antibiotic resistant bacteria (MRSA and MRSE), yeast (Candida
albicans), and odor-producing species (Corynebacterium aquaticum,
C. jeikeium, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Micrococcus lylae, S.
epidermidis). This in vitro efficacy shows the promises of using
galvanic particulates for wound infection products, vaginal health
products, and odor-reducing products.
Example 4
Efficacy of Galvanic Particulates Against MRSA and C. albicans
Versus Metal Salt Controls
[0100] Agar discs containing copper-zinc galvanic particulates from
Example 1(a) or zinc acetate at a concentration of 0.1%, 0.5%, or
1% were exposed to about 6 log CFU of MRSA or C. albicans in saline
in microwell plate and incubated at 37.degree. C. and 200 rpm for
24 hrs. Plate count was performed to enumerate the viable
microorganisms after the incubation. Log reduction was defined as
the log difference of the inoculum before and after the incubation
with the test articles (e.g., a log reduction of 6 for the inoculum
of 6 log means all the inoculum were killed, and a log reduction of
3 for the inoculum of 6 log means 50% of the inoculum were killed).
The results are set forth below in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 LOG REDUCTION C. albicans MRSA Concentration
of Galvanic Zinc Galvanic Zinc test material particulates Acetate
particulates Acetate 0.10% 6.5 2.2 2.4 1.7 0.50% 6.5 2.9 6.7 3.2
1.00% 6.5 4.7 6.7 5.1
Results show that the galvanic particulates have significantly more
antimicrobial potency that zinc acetate, a metal salt control.
Example 5
Comparison of Antimicrobial Activity Against MRSA and VRE of
Galvanic Particulates Versus Copper Metal and Zinc Metal
Powders
[0101] Agar discs with either galvanic particulates from Example
1(a) copper metal powders, zinc metal powders, or a control TSA
only agar disc were inoculated with either 10e3 VRE or 10e5 MRSA.
The zone of inhibition was evaluated. Results, reported in Table 3,
indicated that 1% copper-zinc galvanic particulates inhibited
growth of the inoculum completely, while the control, copper metal
powder, and zinc metal powder discs showed no inhibition.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 MRSA (10e3 MRSA (10e5 Test material
inoculum) inoculum) Control: TSA agar disc only No inhibition No
inhibition 1% w/w Copper metal No inhibition No inhibition 1% w/w
Zinc metal No inhibition No inhibition 1% w/w Copper-zinc galvanic
Inhibition Inhibition particulates
Example 6
Comparison of Antimicrobial Activity Against C. albicans and MRSA
of Galvanic Particulates Versus Copper Acetate and Zinc Acetate
[0102] Zone of inhibition testing was performed on agar discs
containing copper-zinc galvanic particulates from Example 1(a) at
0.5%, Zn acetate at 0.5%, and Cu acetate at 0.1%. The discs were
placed on TSA agar surface, inoculated with about 6 log CFU of MRSA
or C. albicans, and incubated at 37.degree. C. for 24 hr. It was
found that with both MRSA and C. albicans, the 0.5% galvanic
particulates showed a significant, visible zone of inhibition. The
0.5% zinc acetate showed a smaller zone of inhibition,
approximately one half the radius of the zone produced with the
0.5% galvanic particulates. The 0.1% copper acetate did not show
any visible zone of inhibition with MRSA nor C. albicans.
Example 7
Comparison of Galvanic Particulates and Zinc Acetate and Copper
Acetate by Agar Disc Microwell Assay
[0103] Agar discs containing 0.1% copper coated zinc galvanic
particulates from Example 1(a) or zinc acetate at 1% or copper
acetate at 0.1% were exposed to about 6 log CFU of MRSA or C.
albicans in saline in microwell plates, and incubated at 37.degree.
C., 200 rpm for 24 hr. Plate count was performed to enumerate the
viable microorganisms after the incubation. Log reduction was
defined as the log difference of the inoculum before and after the
incubation with the test articles. The results are depicted below
in Table 4.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 LOG REDUCTION C. albicans MRSA 1% Galvanic
Particulates 6.4 6.7 1% Zinc Acetate 4.7 5.1 0.1% Copper Acetate
0.3 0.2
Example 8
Evaluation of the Long-Lasting, Sustained Efficacy of Galvanic
Particulates Compared to Zinc Acetate
[0104] Agars discs containing either galvanic particulates as
described in Example 1(a) or zinc acetate at 1% were placed on TSA
agar surface inoculated with about 6 log CFU of MRSA or C. albicans
and incubated at 37.degree. C. for 24 hr (day-1). After the
incubation the agar discs were observed for zone of inhibition,
then removed from the plates and placed onto a newly inoculated TSA
plates with the same inoculum and incubated for 24 hr (day-2). It
was found that on day 1, both the galvanic particulate disc and
zinc acetate disc produce a zone of inhibition against C. albicans
and MRSA, and the zone produced by the galvanic particulates was
larger than that of the zinc acetate disc. However, on day 2 only
the disc containing the galvanic particulates demonstrated a
visible zone of inhibition; the disc containing the zinc acetate
did not show any inhibition. This demonstrates that the galvanic
particulates have antimicrobial or inhibitory effects over
sustained periods of time.
Example 9
Immunomodulation of Human T-Cell Cytokine Release Stimulated with
PHA
[0105] The ability of the galvanic particulates from Example 1(a)
to modulate immune responses was illustrated by their ability to
reduce the production of cytokines by activated human T-cells
stimulated with the T-cell receptor (TCR) activating agent
phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) in the following assay.
[0106] Human T-cells were collected from a healthy adult male via
leukopheresis. The T-cells were isolated from peripheral blood via
Ficol gradient, and the cells were adjusted to a density of
1.times.10.sup.6 cells/mL in serum free lymphocyte growth medium
(ExVivo-15, Biowhittaker, Walkersville, Md.). Human T-cells were
stimulated with 10 .mu.g/mL PHA in the presence or absence of test
compounds following published method (Hamamoto Y., et al. Exp
Dermatol 2:231-235, 1993). Following a 48-hour incubation at
37.degree. C. with 5% CO.sub.2, supernatant was removed and
evaluated for cytokine content using commercially available
multiplex cytokine detection kit. The results are depicted in Table
5.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Cytokine Release Percent (%) Treatment IL-2
(pmol/ml) Reduction Unstimulated 2.8 .+-. 4.0 N/A (Negative
control) PHA Stimulated 563.2 .+-. 60.0 N/A (Positive Control) PHA
+ Copper Metal (100 ug/ml) 498.9 .+-. 64.4 11.4% PHA + Zinc Metal
(100 ug/ml) 456.8 .+-. 11.1 18.9% PHA + Zinc Chloride (100 ug/ml)
566.3 .+-. 20.6 -0.6% PHA + Copper (II) Acetate (100 ug/ml) 312.9
.+-. 96.8 44.4% PHA + Galvanic particulates 10.15 .+-. 3.5 98.2%
(100 ug/ml) Hydrocortisone (Pos. Control 7.69 .+-. 5.64 98.6% 100
ug/ml) (where IL-2 = Interleukin-2 (Cytokine)).
[0107] The galvanic particulates were found to be able to modulate
the release of inflammatory mediators induced by T-cell
stimulation. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activity was
greater than that of copper metal powder, zinc metal powder, copper
ion (Copper (II) Acetate), or zinc ions (Zinc Chloride) alone.
Example 10
Inhibition of NF-kB Activation
[0108] Nuclear Factor Kappa Beta (NF-kB) is a transcription factor
that binds to the NF-kB binding site on the promoter region of
pro-inflammatory genes, such as COX-2 and Nitric Oxide Synthase
(iNOS) (Bell S, et al (2003) Cell Signal.; 15(1):1-7). NF-kB is
involved in regulating many aspects of cellular activity, in
stress, injury and especially in pathways of the immune response by
stimulating synthesis of pro-inflammatory proteins, such as
Cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2), thus leading to inflammation (Chun K S, t
al. (2004) Carcinogenesis 25:445-454.; Fenton M J (1992) Int J
Immunopharmacol 14:401-411). NF-kB itself is induced by stimuli
such as pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. TNF-alpha and IL-1beta),
bacterial toxins (e.g. LPS and exotoxin B), a number of
viruses/viral products (e.g. HIV-1, HTLV-I, HBV, EBV, and Herpes
simplex), as well as pro-apoptotic and necrotic stimuli (e.g.,
oxygen free radicals, UV light, and gamma-irradiation) Inhibition
of NF-kB activation is likely to reduce inflammation by blocking
the subsequent signaling that results in transcription of new
pro-inflammatory genes.
[0109] Solar ultraviolet irradiation activates the transcription
factor NF-kB, inducing the production of matrix metalloproteinases
that can lead to degradation of matrix proteins such as elastin and
collagen. Inhibitors of NF-kB are likely to inhibit the subsequent
signaling that results in the presence of MMPs in the dermal
matrix, and the more of the pathway that is inhibited, the more
likely there will be no induction of MMPs. Recently inhibition of
the NF-kB pathway has shown to result in a subsequent induction in
collagen synthesis (Schreiber J, et al. (2005) Surgery.
138:940-946). Thus, inhibition of NF-kB activation may also provide
anti-aging benefits to skin by increasing collagen synthesis.
[0110] To evaluate the activity of galvanic particulates from
Example 1(a) in blocking NF-kB activation, FB293 cells, a stable
transfected human epithelial cell line containing the gene reporter
for NF-kB was obtained from Panomics (Fremont, Calif.), were used.
FB293 cells were plated at a density of 5.times.10.sup.4 cells/mL
in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10%
fetal bovine serum (Invitrogen, San Diego, Calif.). FB293 cells
were stimulated with 50 ng/mL 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate
(TPA)(Sigma St Louis, Mo.) in the presence or absence of galvanic
particulates. Following a 24 hour incubation at 37.degree. C. with
5% CO.sub.2, cells were lysed with 40 .mu.l of reporter lysis
buffer (Promega, Madison, Wis.). A 20-.mu.l aliquot of the lysate
was assayed using a luciferase assay kit (Promega) and counted for
10 seconds in a Lmax luminometer (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale,
Calif.) with the data represented as the relative light
unit/second. Galvanic particulates were found to inhibit NF-kB
activation as shown in Table 6.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 NF-kB Gene Reporter Activation Percent
(Luminescence) Inhibition Untreated 4.06 .+-. 0.6 -- TPA (10 ng/ml)
Stimulated 28.46 .+-. 2.21 -- TPA + Galvanic particulates 3.20 .+-.
1.98 88.7% (100 ug/ml) UV (10 kJ) Stimulated 11.45 .+-. 1.89 -- UV
(10 kJ) + Galvanic 5.51 .+-. 1.74 51.6% particulates (100
ug/ml)
Galvanic particulates, thus, were found to substantially reduce
NF-kB activation. This example demonstrates that galvanic
particulates can modulate the production of inflammatory mediators,
which contribute to inflammation of the skin. This example also
demonstrates that galvanic particulates may also protect elastin
and collagen fibers from damage and degradation that can lead to
aging of the skin.
Example 11
Anti-Inflammatory Activity on Release of UV-Induced
Pro-Inflammatory Mediators on Reconstituted Epidermis
[0111] The effect of galvanic particulates was evaluated for
topical anti-inflammatory activity on human epidermal equivalents.
Epidermal equivalents (EPI 200 HCF), multilayer and differentiated
epidermis consisting of normal human epidermal keratinocytes, were
purchased from MatTek (Ashland, Mass.). These epidermal equivalents
were incubated for 24 hours at 37.degree. C. in maintenance medium
without hydrocortisone. Equivalents were topically treated (2
mg/cm.sup.2) with galvanic particulates (1 mg/ml) from Example 1(a)
in 70% ethanol/30% propylene glycol vehicle 2 hours before exposure
to solar ultraviolet light (1000W-Oriel solar simulator equipped
with a 1-mm Schott WG 320 filter; UV dose applied: 70 kJ/m.sup.2 as
measured at 360 nm). Equivalents were incubated for 24 hours at
37.degree. C. with maintenance medium then supernatants were
analyzed for IL-8 cytokine release using commercially available
kits (Upstate Biotechnology, Charlottesville, Va.). The results are
depicted in Table 7.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Mean +/- Std Percent Inhibition Treatment
(Dose, as % Dev of IL-1A of Skin w/v) Release (ng/ml) Inflammation
Untreated, No UV 223.5 .+-. 168.0 -- UV (60 KJ), Vehicle 944.9 .+-.
205.3 -- Treated UV (60 KJ) + Galvanic 477.7 .+-. 177.9** 50.4%
particulates (1 mg/ml) **Indicates significant difference from UV,
Vehicle treated using a student's t-Test with significance set at P
< 0.05.
[0112] Based on this example, topical application of galvanic
particulates was able to significantly reduce the UV-stimulated
release of inflammatory mediators. Therefore, galvanic particulates
would be expected to provide an effective the anti-inflammatory
benefit when applied to skin.
Example 12
Stimulation of Hydrogen Peroxide Production by Galvanic
Particulates
[0113] Hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2) has strong oxidizing
properties and is therefore a powerful bleaching agent. Hydrogen
peroxide is also an effective anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and
anti-viral compound that is even effective against methicillin
resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates (Flournoy D J,
Robinson M C. (1990) Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 12:541-544).
In addition, rinsing the oral cavity with a solution of hydrogen
peroxide results in a significant reduction of aerobic and
anaerobic bacteria in saliva (Matula C, Hildebrandt M, Nahler G.
(1988) J Int Med Res.; 16:98-106). The reduction in bacteria in the
oral cavity can help reduce the incidence of gingivitis.
[0114] Peroxides have been used in tooth whitening for more than
100 years, and hydrogen peroxide is one of the most commonly used
active agents used in tooth whitening. (Li Y. (1996) Food Chem.
Toxicol. 34:887-904). Hydrogen peroxide is also an effective
vasoconstrictor that can reduce the appearance of dark circles, and
result in a skin whitening effect. (Stamatas G N, Kollias N.
(2004). J Biomed Opt. 9:315-322; Goette D K, Odom R B. (1977) South
Med J. 70:620-622.).
[0115] The ability of galvanic particulates from Example 1(a) to
induce the production of hydrogen peroxide was illustrated in the
following assay. Human keratinocyte cells were seeded in assay
plates at identical densities and incubated for 48 hours at
37.degree. C. with 5% CO.sub.2. To detect hydrogen peroxide
production, keratinocytes were loaded for a 30-minute incubation
period with 5 .mu.M of the hydrogen peroxide-sensitive fluorescent
probe 5-(and -6)-chloromethyl-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein
diacetate, acetyl ester (CM-H2DCFDA, Invitrogen Carlsbad, Calif.).
Cells were treated with galvanic particulates or zinc or copper
metal powders alone over increasing amounts of time. Treatment of
control wells with 0.03% hydrogen peroxide served as a positive
control. Hydrogen peroxide production was quantitated using a
fluorescent plate reader set at wavelengths 485 excitation/530
emission. The results are depicted in Tables 8 and 9.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Compound Baseline 30 Minutes 60 Minutes 200
Minutes 240 Minutes Untreated 42.3 .+-. 9.3 61.4 .+-. 13.9 88.1
.+-. 29.5 215.4 .+-. 125.8 243.9 .+-. 138.9 Galvanic 77.3 .+-. 16.2
385.5 .+-. 98.6** 726.6 .+-. 158.6** 877.6 .+-. 186.3** 842.2 .+-.
176.2** particulates (1%) H.sub.2O.sub.2(0.03%) 98.1 .+-. 4.4 416.6
.+-. 61.3** 591.4 .+-. 82.7** 1117.5 .+-. 153.8** 1214.8 .+-.
149.7** **Indicates significant difference from baseline hydrogen
peroxide levels at that timepoint using a student's t-Test with
significance set at P < 0.05.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Compound 60 Minutes Copper Metal (0.1%) 62.7
.+-. 4.27 Zinc Metal (0.1%) 76.4 .+-. 10.31 Galvanic particulates
(0.1%) 190.5 .+-. 0.84
[0116] Based on this example, galvanic particulates were able to
significantly induce the production of hydrogen peroxide.
Furthermore, the production of hydrogen peroxide generated by
galvanic particulates was substantially greater than that of copper
metal powders or zinc metal powders alone. Therefore, galvanic
particulates would be expected to provide an effective skin
lightening, tooth whitening, and anti-bacterial activity when
applied to skin.
Example 13
Anti-Fungal Effect
[0117] The galvanic particulates of Example 1(a) were evaluated in
an in vitro onychomycosis model similar to that described in Yang,
et al. Mycopathologia 148: 79-82, 1999. In order to simulate the
foot onychomychosis, cow hoofs were used. Hoofs were punched into
plates of 1.3 cm in diameter and then sterilized in an autoclave.
The hoof plates were placed in sterile Petri dishes with their
external face on sterile filter paper soaked with one of the
antifungal preparations or with sterile water as controls. An agar
block from a dermatophyte culture was implanted on the internal
face. The whole apparatus was placed in a larger Petri dish
containing sterile water to prevent dehydration. After inoculation,
the dermatophytes were moistened with 5 microliters of Sabouraud
broth on a daily basis. The broth was deposited with a
micro-pipette on the internal face of the hoof plate at the base of
the agar block. The experimental material was placed on the hoof
system at day 0, and the fungal growth was monitored daily, to
determine the first day that the fungus grew through the nail. The
date of appearance and amount of growth breakthrough was recorded.
Hydrocolloid coated with 3.6 mg/cm.sup.2 galvanic particulates was
compared to untreated control. All samples were replicated 3
times.
[0118] The results are displayed in Table 10 and showed that the
first breakthrough of fungal growth with the untreated control was
2 days, while the first breakthrough with the galvanic particulates
was 5 days. This indicates that the galvanic particulates inhibit
fungal growth or have anti-fungal activity.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Growth of T. rubrum Through a Caw Hoof
Plate as a Nail Plate Model Days for T. rubrum Growth Breakthrough
Test Condition the Hoof Plate Zn--Cu Galvanic Particulate coated on
5 Hydrocolloid (3.6 mg/cm.sup.2) Negative Control (No Treatment)
2
Example 14
Controlling rate of Reaction, Quality, and Activity of Galvanic
Particulates
[0119] Changing the conditions of the metal plating of one metal
onto another can affect the activity of galvanic particulates. The
polarity of the reaction medium and presence of other agents such
as complexing and chelating agents, therefore, can be adjusted to
create galvanic particulates of varying properties, including but
not limited to coating thickness, coating density, coating pattern,
and/or rate of reaction. The ability to control the rate of plating
copper onto zinc powders is illustrated with the following example.
The process described in Example 1(b) was performed with various
types of 0.61% w/w copper acetate solutions outlined in Table 11,
where the reaction time refers to the time it took for the copper
to completely deposit onto the zinc powder, indicated by the copper
salt solution changing from blue to clear.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 reaction time % water % ethanol (hr) 0 100
48.00 10 90 5.67 15 85 0.50 17 83 0.52 18 82 0.50 20 80 0.00
[0120] Based on this example, the rate of the coating reaction can
be regulated by the polarity of the metal salt solution. Example 14
shows that the activity of the resulting galvanic particulates is
affected by manufacturing conditions.
Example 15
Preparation of 35/65 (mol/mol)
Poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-polyglycolide (PCL/PGA) solution
[0121] A 10% (w/v) 35/65 PCL/PGA solution was prepared by
dissolving the polymer in 1,4-dioxane. 360 ml of 1,4-dioxane was
transferred into a 500-ml flask and was then was preheated to
70.degree. C. Forty grams of 35/65 PCL/PGA was slowly added into
the solvent with stirring. The mixture was stirred for about 4
hours until a homogenous solution is formed. The polymer solution
was filtered through a coarse ceramic filter and stored at room
temperature. Solutions containing 7.5%, 5%, 2.5% and 1% 35/65
PCL/PGA were prepared following similar procedures.
Example 16
Preparation of Galvanic Particulate/Polymer Coated Polypropylene
Mesh Using Cast-on-Mesh Process
[0122] Polypropylene mesh at a size of 5''.times.6'' was placed in
a Teflon-coated metal tray (5''.times.6''). Ten milliliters of 7.5%
(w/v) 35/65 PCL/PGA solution in 1,4-dioxane (prepared in Example 1)
were mixed with 500 mg galvanic particulates 0.1% Cu on Zn prepared
as described in Example 1b and placed into the tray with the mesh.
The galvanic particulate suspension was quickly and evenly spread
over the whole mesh. The coated mesh was air dried overnight and
stored in nitrogen environment. Meshes coated with different amount
of galvanic particulate were prepared following a similar
procedure.
[0123] The coated mesh prototype was evaluated by scanning electron
microscopy (SEM). The prototype sample was coated with a thin layer
of carbon prior to SEM analysis to minimize charging of the sample.
The carbon layer was applied using the Cressington 108C automatic
carbon coater. The SEM analysis was performed using the JEOL
JSM-5900LV SEM. Images were captured using the standard SEM SEI
detector and the BEI (backscatter) detector. Overall the analysis
indicates a different morphology for the top and bottom surfaces of
the prototype (see FIG. 1). The morphology of side A shows the
presence of the mesh adhered to a solid film-like underlayer. The
observed morphology indicates that the galvanic particulate is
uniformly distributed throughout the film-like underlayer of the
prototype. The images indicate that the galvanic particles are well
adhered to the sample, with some completely encapsulated within the
polymer layer. The SEM images suggest some minor aggregation of the
galvanic particles with a particle size diameter 100 um, although
the size of most of the bead-like particles ranged from 5 to 10 um.
The morphology of side B shows a smooth film-like surface with the
presence of the galvanic particulates uniformly distributed
throughout the film-like layer.
Example 17
Preparation of Galvanic Particulates/Polymer Coated Polypropylene
Mesh Using Hot Attachment
[0124] Polypropylene meshes were coated with 35/65 PCL/PGA solution
by dip-coating with 5%, 2.5% and 1% 35/65 PCL/PGA solutions that
were prepared in Example 15. The coated mesh was air dried
overnight in a fume hood. A polymer coated mesh at a size of
3.times.6 inches was placed on an 8'' sieve and then stored in the
nitrogen environment until use. Approximately 50 grams of galvanic
particulate was transferred into a separate metal sieve (No. 635)
and preheated to 120.degree. C. in a nitrogen-purging oven about 5
minutes. Place the heated galvanic particulate loaded sieve above
the mesh and manually shake the galvanic particulate loaded sieve
and pass over the mesh area to allow the hot galvanic particulate
to attach the mesh. The powder that did not attach to the mesh was
removed by shaking the sieve with the mesh. The amount of galvanic
particulate on the mesh was measured by weighting the polymer
coated mesh before and after galvanic particulate coating. About
10, 7 & 5 mg/in.sup.2 of particulates attachment were achieved
for coated meshes with 5%, 2.5% and 1% PCL/PGA solutions
respectively.
[0125] The prototype sample was coated with a thin layer of carbon
prior to SEM analysis to minimize charging of the sample. The
carbon layer was applied using the Cressington 108C automatic
carbon coater. The SEM analysis was performed using the JEOL
JSM-5900LV SEM. Images were captured using the standard SEM SEI
detector and the BEI (backscatter) detector.
[0126] The SEM images of prototypes prepared using hot attachment
process are shown in FIG. 2. Overall the analysis indicates an open
mesh structure with a similar surface morphology for the top and
bottom surfaces of the prototype. The SEM images show the presence
of the galvanic particles attached to the polypropylene strands of
the mesh structure. The galvanic particles appear to be highly
concentrated within the strand-entangled regions of the mesh. The
analysis also shows the galvanic particles adhered along the
surface of the polypropylene strands throughout the mesh sample.
The SEM images suggest some minor aggregation of the galvanic
particles with a particle size diameter.ltoreq.100 um, although the
size of most of the bead-like particles ranged from 5 to 10 um.
Example 18
Preparation of Galvanic Particulate/Polymer Coated Polypropylene
Mesh Using Microspray
[0127] In this experiment, a C-341 Conformal Coater with SC-300
swirl applicator from Asymtek (Carlsbad, Calif.) (a division of
Nordson Corporation) was employed to atomize and deposit galvanic
particulates onto a 3''.times.6'' polypropylene mesh. The mesh
sample was weighed and fixed to a 14''.times.17'' platform inside
the unit, approximately 1.5'' under the spray head. Forty-five
milliliters of 10% 35/65 PCL/PGA solution containing 575 milligrams
of galvanic particulate was loaded into the nozzle. Air pressure on
the spray unit was set to 50 PSI and nozzle translation speed was
fixed at 5 inches per second. The mesh sample was lightly sprayed
on both sides with the suspension, allowed to dry overnight, and
weighed again to calculate the total mass of metal applied. Two
additional mesh pieces were coated with heavier amounts of galvanic
particulates. This was achieved by adjusting the nozzle opening to
allow more fluid to pass through the spray head. The illustrations
below capture the increasing dosage of galvanic particulate at
500.times. magnification (see FIG. 3).
Example 19
Anti-Microbial Activity of Galvanic Particulate Coated Mesh
[0128] Antimicrobial activity of galvanic particulate coated meshes
prepared in Examples 16, 17, and 18 were evaluated using a
BacT/ALERT system (BioMerieux, Inc Durham, N.C.). The fully
automated BacT/ALERT system was used to detect Staphylococcus
aureus (SA) growth over a 14-day study at 35.degree. C. by
continuous monitoring of CO.sub.2 production using an optical
colorimetric sensory system. Briefly, each of the prototype samples
of approximately 3''.times.6'' were aseptically rolled into a 3''
lengthwise bundle using sterile forceps and transferred into a.
BacT/ALERT sample bottles containing 9 mL of aerobic casein and soy
based broth culture medium. Upon transfer into the BacT/ALERT
sample bottles, the prototype galvanic particulate coated mesh
samples, designated in Table 12 below, were uncoiled to rest
against the interior walls of each sample bottle. One mL aliquots
of SA were inoculated into each sample bottle to produce a total
media volume of 10 mL containing approximately 2.times.10.sup.5
CFU/mL for antimicrobial efficacy testing. The 1 mL SA inoculums
were taken from a BacT/ALERT sample bottle designated SA-1
dilution, produced by inoculating 1 mL from an overnight SA
BacT/ALERT culture bottle into a new BacT/ALERT bottle containing
40 mL of media. The sample bottle designated SA-1 dilution was then
serially diluted by inoculating 1 mL into new BacT/ALERT sample
bottles containing 40 mL of media to produce additional SA positive
control sample bottles designated SA-2, -3 and -4 dilutions
respectively. The BacT/ALERT time-to-detection growth results of
these SA positive control sample bottles are shown in Table 14
below. The absence of SA growth in the galvanic particulate coated
mesh BacT/ALERT samples shown in Table 12 demonstrates the
antimicrobial activity of the galvanic particulate coated mesh
prototype samples. This inhibition of SA growth can be attributed
to the galvanic electricity and/or electrochemically generated
species generated by the galvanic particulate coatings.
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 ePowder Polymer Density Positive Growth
Time- Sample # Concentration (%) (mg/Inch.sup.2) to-detection
(Days) Cast ePowder Suspension 1 7.5 15.2 Neg. 2 7.5 3.1 Neg. 3 7.5
0.75 Neg. Dip-Coating and Post heated ePowder attachment 1 5 18.2
Neg. 2 5 19.7 Neg. 3 1 8.3 Neg. 4 1 7.4 Neg. Microspray 1 10 1.7
Neg. 2 10 7.8 Neg. 3 10 21.1 Neg. Positive Controls SA -1 dilution
NA NA 0.16 SA -2 dilution NA NA 0.26 SA -3 dilution NA NA 0.44 SA
-4 diluiton NA NA 0.62
Example 20
Anti-Inflammatory Activity on Release of UV-Induced
Pro-Inflammatory Mediators on Reconstituted Epidermis
[0129] The effect of galvanic particulate coated mesh prepared in
Example 17 and having galvanic particulate in the amount of about 7
mg/in.sup.2 was evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity on human
epidermal equivalents. Epidermal equivalents (EPI 200 HCF),
multilayer and differentiated epidermis consisting of normal human
epidermal keratinocytes, were purchased from MatTek (Ashland,
Mass.). Upon receipt, epidermal equivalents were incubated for 24
hours at 37.degree. C. in maintenance medium without
hydrocortisone. A circular biopsy punch was used to create a 8 mm
diameter sample for testing both the galvanic particulate coated
mesh and mesh that was uncoated. The coated mesh and uncoated mesh
were placed on top of the skin equivalents respectively for 2 hours
before exposure to solar ultraviolet light (1000W-Oriel solar
simulator equipped with a 1-mm Schott WG 320 filter; UV dose
applied: 70 kJ/m.sup.2 as measured at 360 nm). Equivalents were
incubated for 24 hours at 37.degree. C. with maintenance medium
then supernatants were analyzed for IL-1a cytokine release using
commercially available kits (Upstate Biotechnology,
Charlottesville, Va.). Results are shown in Table 13 below.
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 Mean +/- Std Percent Inhibition Treatment
(Dose, as % Dev of IL-1A of Skin w/v) Release (ng/ml) Inflammation
Untreated, No UV 1.18 .+-. 0.18 -- UV (60 KJ), Uncoated 306.83 .+-.
80.79 -- Mesh UV (60 KJ) + Galvanic 181.41 .+-. 53.05** 50.4%
Particulate coated mesh **Indicates significant difference from UV
+ Uncoated Mesh treated using a student's t-Test with significance
set at P < 0.05.
[0130] Based on the example application the galvanic particulate
coated mesh was able to significantly reduce the UV-stimulated
release of inflammatory mediators. Therefore, galvanic particulate
coated mesh would be expected to provide an effective
anti-inflammatory benefit.
Example 21
Preparation of Galvanic Particulates Loaded Carboxyl
Methylcellulose (CMC) Gel
[0131] A 2.5% (w/v) aqueous solution of carboxylmethylcellulose
(CMC) (7HFPH, Aqualon Chemical Company, Wilmington, Del.) in
phosphate buffer was prepared and sterilized via autoclaving.
Galvanic particles containing 99.25% zinc and 0.75% copper were
sterilized by gamma irradiation at a dosage of 25KGy. A CMC gel
containing 1 mg/ml and 0.25 mg/ml galvanic particles was prepared
by mixing the sterile CMC gel and galvanic particles in the same
day of animal testing
Example 22
Rabbit Double Uterine Horn (DUH) Model Study
[0132] The goal of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of test
articles applied at the site of injury at the end of surgery on the
reduction of adhesion formation over 21-day period.
[0133] As shown in table 14, sixty female New Zealand White
rabbits, 2.4-2.7 kg, were used in the study. Ten rabbits were
randomized into six treatment groups (table below) prior to
initiation of surgery. Rabbits were anesthetized with a mixture of
55 mg/kg ketamine hydrochloride and 5 mg/kg Rompum intramuscularly.
Following preparation for sterile surgery, a midline laparotomy was
performed. The uterine horns were exteriorized and traumatized by
abrasion of the serosal surface with gauze until punctate bleeding
developed. Ischemia of both uterine horns was induced by removal of
the collateral blood supply. The remaining blood supply to the
uterine horns was the ascending branches of the utero-vaginal
arterial supply of the myometrium. At the end of surgery, no
treatment, vehicle control (4 mL), and CMC gels containing galvanic
powder described in Example 22 were administered. The horns were
then returned to their normal anatomic position and the midline
incision was sutured with 3-0 Vicryl suture.
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 14 Animal Group Number Treatment Number
Surgical Control Surgery Only 10 Vehicle Control Vehicle Control
(2.5% CMC gel) 10 Treatment 1 1 mg/ml galvanic particulates in 2.5%
10 CMC gel Treatment 2 0.25 mg/ml galvanic particulates in 2.5% 10
CMC gel
[0134] After 21 days, the rabbits were euthanized and the
percentage of the area of the horns adherent to various organs was
determined. In addition, the tenacity of the adhesions was scored.
The results are shown in Table 15. It was demonstrated that there
were no biocompatibility issues or adverse clinical observations
noted post-surgery; no inflammation was observed at necropsy; and
galvanic particulates loaded CMC gels showed a reduction of
adhesion at both non surgical and surgical sites.
TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 15 Group Percentage Adhesion Free # Score
.ltoreq. 1.5/Total Surgical Control 0.0 0/10 Vehicle Control 21.25
3/10 Treatment 1 41.25 7/10 Treatment 2 36.25 9/10
Example 23
Preparation of Galvanic Particulate-Coated Cured Silicone
Elastomer
[0135] This example describes how a silicone breast implant may be
coated with the galvanic particulates. A 12''.times.12'' bi-layer
sheet of uncured/cured silicone elastomer (0.012'' thick) was
coated with 0.1% Cu/Zn galvanic particulates. The top layer of the
elastomer sheet is catalyzed, but uncured. The bottom layer of the
sheet is fully cured. This material is referred to as "vulc/unvulc
sheeting". A 100 ppi (pores per square inch) 12''.times.12'' sheet
of polyurethane foam is folded over on itself and approximately 1/2
tsp of galvanic particulates was placed onto the top surface of the
foam. The foam is gently tapped to let the galvanic particulates
distribute evenly into the foam. The unvulc/vulc sheeting is placed
on an aluminum pan vulc (cured) side down and the corners taped to
the pan to prevent movement of the sheet. The folded foam
containing the distributed galvanic particulates is swept
back-and-forth across the unvulc (uncured) surface to leave a thin,
fairly even layer of galvanic particulates. A fresh sheet of foam
is then folded and the folded edge is used to sweep the powdered
surface until no additional powder is removed. A Teflon tube is
then used to roll the coated surface two to three times to increase
the adhesion of the remaining powder to the unvulc (uncured)
surface. The resulting coated silicone elastomer sheet is then
placed on an aluminum tray and cured for 2 hours at 325.degree. F.
The final sheet is then packaged and dry-heat sterilized.
Example 24
Preparation of Galvanic Particulates in Gel
[0136] (a) 1 percent (w/v) aqueous solution of
carboxylmethylcellulose (CMC) (7HFPH, Aqualon Chemical Company,
Wilmington, Del.) in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 was prepared and
sterilized via autoclaving for use as the gel carrier. 100 mg of
0.75 percent copper coated zinc galvanic particulates were weighed
and loaded into a sterile 12 ml syringe and capped. Galvanic
particulates in the syringe were gamma irradiated at a dosage of 25
kGy. Following sterilization, galvanic particulates were mixed with
10 ml of sterile CMC also loaded in a sterile 12 ml syringe by
connection with a 3-way luer lock valve and using aseptic sterile
techniques. Galvanic particulates and CMC were mixed 30 times to
form a 10 mg/ml galvanic particulate in CMC gel. This 10 mg/ml
galvanic particulate/CMC solution was further diluted to 1 mg/ml by
adding 1 ml of 10 mg/ml galvanic particulate/CMC to an additional 9
ml of sterile CMC gel. A sterile 3-way valve was used to transfer
both 10 mg/ml galvanic particulate/CMC and sterile CMC into fresh
12 ml sterile syringes connected by a 3-way luerlock valve. The 1
mg/ml galvanic particulate/CMC gel was obtained after the solutions
were mixed 30 times. A 0.25 mg/ml galvanic particulate/CMC solution
was obtained by further diluting the 1 mg/ml galvanic
particulate/CMC. 2.5 ml of 1 mg/ml galvanic particulate/CMC was
added to an additional 7.5 ml of sterile CMC gel. A sterile 3-way
valve was used to transfer both 1 mg/ml galvanic particulate/CMC
and CMC into fresh 12 ml sterile syringes. The solutions were mixed
30 times to provide the 0.25 mg/ml galvanic particulate/CMC gel.
(b) A hyaluronic acid (HA) gel, sold under the tradename ORTHOVISC
(Anika Therapeutics, Inc.) and distributed by DePuy Mitek, Inc. was
used as the carrier. 20 mg of 0.75 percent copper coated zinc
galvanic particulates were weighed and loaded into a sterile 3 ml
syringe and capped. Galvanic particulates in the syringe were gamma
irradiated at a dosage of 25 kGy. Following sterilization, galvanic
particulates were mixed with 2 ml of sterile HA by connection with
a 3-way luer lock valve and using aseptic sterile techniques.
Galvanic particulates and HA were mixed 30 times to form a 10 mg/ml
galvanic particulate/HA gel. This 10 mg/ml galvanic particulate/HA
solution was further diluted to 1 mg/ml galvanic particulate/HA by
adding 0.2 ml of 10 mg/ml galvanic particulate/HA to an additional
1.8 ml of sterile HA gel. A sterile 3-way valve was used to
transfer both 10 mg/ml galvanic particulate/HA and HA into fresh 3
ml sterile syringes connected by a 3-way luer lock valve. The
solution was mixed 30 times to provide a 1 mg/ml galvanic
particulate/HA gel. A 0.25 mg/ml galvanic particulate/HA solution
was obtained by further diluting the 1 mg/ml galvanic
particulate/HA. 0.5 ml of 1 mg/ml galvanic particulate/HA was added
to an additional 1.5 ml of sterile HA gel. A sterile 3-way valve
was used to transfer both 1 mg/ml galvanic particulate/HA and HA
into fresh 3 ml sterile syringes connected by a 3-way luer lock
valve and mixed 30 times to provide the 0.25 mg/ml galvanic
particulate/HA.
Example 25
Efficacy of Galvanic Particulate in CMC Gel on Pain Relief in a Rat
Monoarthritis Model Induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)
[0137] Pain relief of galvanic particulates was evaluated in a
rodent Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) model of inflammatory joint
pain. Ninety male albino Wistar rats sold under the tradename
SPRAGUE DAWLEY (CD [Crl:CD(SD)] strain), approximately 8 weeks old
were randomized into 6 groups, each having 15 animals. The efficacy
of galvanic particulates was tested in 3 groups: 2.5 mg/ml galvanic
particulate/CMC, 1 mg/ml galvanic particulate/CMC, and 0.25 mg/ml
galvanic particulate/CMC (each prepared on the same day the
treatment was administered as described in Example 1). The other 3
groups included negative control, vehicle control (1 percent
carboxyl methylcellulose (CMC)) and morphine as positive control
for pain relief. Prior to injection of an induction article, the
animals were anesthetized to effect with isoflurane. Monoarthritis
was induced on day 0 on the animals of all groups by a 50
microliter injection of Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) containing
M. tuberculosis at 2 mg/ml into the right ankle articular cavity.
On day 5, 50 microliters of the treatment group (vehicle and test
articles) were administered intra-articularly into the right ankle
joint. The effect of galvanic particulates on pain relief was
evaluated with an incapacitance test for weight bearing difference
between the injected ankle and its counter lateral ankle. Briefly,
the weight borne on each hind paw was measured in triplicates
employing a latency period of 5 s and the percentage weight borne
on the affected right limb expressed. The improvement of weight
bearing percent from the day of treatment was calculated for each
time point by subtracting the percentage of weight bearing on day 4
from those on days 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14. The mean improvement
in deficiency was then obtained by averaging the improvement of
weight bearing percent from all time points in each treatment group
(FIG. 4).
[0138] All three concentrations of galvanic particulates in CMC gel
showed a statistically significant improvement over the negative
control and the CMC gel alone with 1 mg/ml galvanic particulate/CMC
exhibiting the greatest improvement. These data demonstrate that
the galvanic particulate/CMC gel was useful in relieving joint pain
in the arthritic condition.
Example 26
Efficacy of Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Galvanic
Particulates in Two Different Formulations in a Rat Monoarthritis
Model Induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)
[0139] One hundred five male albino Wistar rats sold under the
tradename SPRAGUE DAWLEY (CD [Crl:CD(SD)] strain), approximately 8
weeks old were divided into seven groups with N of 15 animals in
each group. The seven groups included: Group 1, no treatment
(Negative); Group 2, Vehicle 1 [1 percent carboxylmethylcellulose
(CMC) gel]; Group 3, 1 mg/ml galvanic particulates/CMC; Group 4,
0.25 mg/ml galvanic particulates/CMC; Group 5, Vehicle 2
(hyaluronic acid gel); Group 6, 1 mg/ml galvanic particulates/HA;
and Group 7, Morphine, the positive control for the study. The
galvanic particulate in gel formulations were prepared as described
in Example 1 on the same day the treatment was administered. Prior
to injection of an induction article, the animals were anesthetized
to effect with isoflurane. On day 1, all rats were administered,
via intra-articular injection into the right ankle joint space,
Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) at 2 mg/mL M. tuberculosis to
induce monoarthritis in the injected ankle. On day 5 post CFA
injection when significant arthritis was induced, one treatment
group of 15 rats received nothing as the Negative control group. A
50 microliter dose of vehicle (CMC or HA) alone or galvanic
particulates in gel treatment groups was given to the same joint
cavity as the CFA. The last group of 15 rats was administered the
positive control article, morphine sulphate, at a dose level of 3
mg/kg. The positive control article was administered once daily via
subcutaneous injection at a dose volume of 2 mL/kg/day.
[0140] The pain level and efficacy of treatments on reduction of
pain were assessed through weight bearing measurements of the hind
limbs on Days -1, 1, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 19, 22, 25, and 28 as
described in Example 25. Modulation of inflammatory reaction by
various treatments was also evaluated by paw volume measurement on
day 29, the end of study. The paw volume was measured for both hind
limbs using a plethysmometer. Swelling of the right hind paw was
calculated by subtracting the volume of left hind paw and the
difference was plotted.
[0141] The 1 mg/ml galvanic particulates in both CMC (Group 4) and
HA (Group 6) gel had a statistically significant improvement in
weight bearing deficiency of the affected right hind limb when
compared with Negative (Group 1) and either vehicle controls
(Groups 2 and 5), although not as potent as the Morphine treated
group (Group 7, FIG. 5). The results of 1 mg/ml galvanic
particulates in CMC (Group 4) are consistent with those in Example
25, confirming that galvanic particulates in a gel carrier are
useful for pain relief.
[0142] With respect to the paw volume measurements, galvanic
particulates in a gel carrier demonstrated an improvement in right
hind limb swelling. The 1 mg/ml galvanic particulates in HA (Group
6) had a statistically significant improvement over either Negative
(Group 1), vehicle control (Group 5), or Morphine treated group
(Group 7) (FIG. 6). The 1 mg/ml galvanic particulates in CMC (Group
4) also showed a marginal improvement when compared to its
corresponding vehicle group (Group 2). The reduction in swelling of
the affected right hind limbs indicated that galvanic particulates
in a gel carrier, especially in HA, are useful in reducing
inflammatory reactions, thus pain level, consistent with
improvement in weight bearing of the affected hind limb as
described above in this example as well as in Example 25.
Example 27
Efficacy of Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Galvanic
Particulate in Ha Formulation in a Rat Monoarthritis Model Induced
by Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)
[0143] A total of ninety male albino Wistar rats sold under the
tradename SPRAGUE DAWLEY (CD [Crl:CD(SD)] strain), approximately 8
weeks old were randomized to 6 groups with 15 rats in each group.
All animals were anesthetized to effect with isoflurane prior to
injection of the induction article. Animals in all groups were
administered the induction article once on Day 0 via
intra-articular injection into the right ankle joint space at a
dose volume of 50 microliters Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) with
2 mg/mL M. tuberculosis. One treatment group of 15 male rats served
as the negative control and was untreated (Group 1). Three
treatment groups of 15 male rats were administered 50 microliters
of the test articles (2.5, 1, or 0.25 mg/mL galvanic particulates
in HA gel carrier prepared as described in Example 1 on the day the
treatment was administered, Groups 3, 4, and 5). An additional
group of 15 animals served as the vehicle control HA and received
50 microliters of the vehicle (Group 2). The test articles and
vehicle were administered once on Day 5 via intra-articular
injection into the right ankle joint space. A treatment group of 15
male rats was administered the positive control article morphine
sulphate at a dose level of 3 mg/kg (Group 7), once daily, prior to
the functional measurements. Weight bearing measurements were
conducted on Days -1, 1, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 19, 22, 25, and
28. Paw volumes were measured and recorded on Day 29, the last day
of the study.
[0144] Weight bearing measurements of the hind limbs were made
prior to the arthritis induction and at intervals beginning at Day
1 after the arthritis induction and on days as indicated above. The
mean improvement of weight bearing deficiency data demonstrate that
galvanic particulates at both 1 (Group 4) and 0.25 (Group 5) mg/ml
in HA had a statistically significant improvement in pain reduction
in the affected paw (FIG. 7), which was consistent with the results
in both Examples 25 and 26.
[0145] After CFA induction, all animals exhibited swelling in the
right hind limb starting from day 5 (data not shown). Galvanic
particulates in the gel carrier showed a trend of improvement in
the reduction of swelling when compared to negative control (Group
1), HA carrier (Group 2), and Morphine (Group 6) (FIG. 8) although
not statistically significant. This result, consistent with the
observation in Example 26, suggests that galvanic particulates in a
gel carrier may be useful in the reduction of swelling in
osteoarthritis.
Example 28
Recovery of Galvanic Particulates in Injection Syringe after Gel
Mixing Preparation
[0146] In a separate study, the recovery of galvanic particulates
after mixing with HA gel following the procedure as illustrated in
Example 24 was measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass
Spectrometry (ICP) to obtain actual dose delivered in a CFA
preclinical study as described in Example 27. Briefly, galvanic gel
prepared at 0.25, 1, and 2.5 mg/ml was sampled and analyzed with
ICP method to determine the actual concentration of galvanic
particulates in HA gel through detecting elemental Zn ions. The
concentrations of galvanic particulates analyzed with this method
showed 1.37.+-.0.44 mg/ml for prepared 2.5 mg/ml galvanic
particulate gel [(55.+-.17) % recovery], 0.48.+-.0.14 mg/ml for
prepared 1 mg/ml gel [(48.+-.14) % recovery] and 0.15.+-.0.01 mg/ml
for prepared 0.25 mg/ml gel [(60.+-.0.06) % recovery]. Since the
prepared galvanic gel at both intended dosage of 0.25 and 1 mg/ml
are effective in pain relief as shown in Example 27, the effective
dose of galvanic particulates could be as low as 0.15 mg/ml.
[0147] Although this invention has been shown and described with
respect to detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by
those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail
thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of
the claimed invention.
* * * * *