U.S. patent application number 14/025632 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-16 for polysaccharide-containing block copolymer particles and uses thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is Balint Koroskenyi, Stephen J. McCarthy, Robert J. Nicolosi. Invention is credited to Balint Koroskenyi, Stephen J. McCarthy, Robert J. Nicolosi.
Application Number | 20140017331 14/025632 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41681461 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140017331 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCarthy; Stephen J. ; et
al. |
January 16, 2014 |
POLYSACCHARIDE-CONTAINING BLOCK COPOLYMER PARTICLES AND USES
THEREOF
Abstract
The invention relates to new amphiphilic linear block copolymers
of polysaccharides and polymers. The amphiphilic linear block
copolymers do not form a true solution in water and are able to
form micelles in selective solvents. Also disclosed are particles,
each of which has a shell and a core, and a diameter of about 1 to
1,000 nanometers, and methods of delivering agents or removing
substances, e.g., undesirable substances, from a subject or
environment, by using these particles.
Inventors: |
McCarthy; Stephen J.;
(Tyngsborough, MA) ; Koroskenyi; Balint; (Lowell,
MA) ; Nicolosi; Robert J.; (Nashua, NH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
McCarthy; Stephen J.
Koroskenyi; Balint
Nicolosi; Robert J. |
Tyngsborough
Lowell
Nashua |
MA
MA
NH |
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
41681461 |
Appl. No.: |
14/025632 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12820887 |
Jun 22, 2010 |
|
|
|
14025632 |
|
|
|
|
10324825 |
Dec 19, 2002 |
7763663 |
|
|
12820887 |
|
|
|
|
60341980 |
Dec 19, 2001 |
|
|
|
60424415 |
Nov 7, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
424/499 ;
424/184.1; 435/11; 436/95; 514/1.1; 514/44R; 514/5.9;
514/772.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 7/00 20180101; A61P
9/10 20180101; A61K 9/5153 20130101; A61K 38/28 20130101; A61P
15/00 20180101; A61P 35/00 20180101; A61P 31/04 20180101; A61K
9/1075 20130101; A61P 29/00 20180101; A61P 25/24 20180101; G01N
33/5088 20130101; A61K 47/36 20130101; A61P 31/12 20180101; Y10T
428/2991 20150115; A61P 3/10 20180101; A61P 35/04 20180101; A61K
51/1244 20130101; Y10T 436/144444 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/499 ;
514/772.1; 514/5.9; 424/184.1; 514/1.1; 514/44.R; 435/11;
436/95 |
International
Class: |
A61K 47/36 20060101
A61K047/36; G01N 33/50 20060101 G01N033/50 |
Claims
1-47. (canceled)
48. A method comprising administering to a subject one or more
particles, wherein the particles comprise: an amphiphilic linear
block copolymer, wherein the block copolymer comprises a first
polymer block and a second polymer block, and wherein the first
polymer block comprises a polysaccharide or derivative thereof, and
an agent to be delivered to the subject.
49. The method of claim 48, wherein the particle has a diameter of
1-1000 nanometers.
50. The method of claim 48, wherein the particle has a diameter of
15-100 nanometers.
51. The method of claim 48, wherein the particle has a diameter of
about 1-200 nanometers.
52. The method of claim 48, wherein the polysaccharide comprises
pullulan.
53. The method of claim 48, wherein the polysaccharide comprises
hyaluronic acid.
54. The method of claim 48, wherein the agent is a) encapsulated
within the particle; b) directly infused into the particle; c)
bound to the surface of the particle; or, any combination
thereof.
55. The method of claim 48, wherein the agent comprises a
biologically active substance.
56. The method of claim 55, wherein the biologically active
substance is selected from the group consisting of an antibacterial
agent, an antiviral agent, an anticoagulant, an anticancer agent,
an anti-proliferative agent, an anti-metastatic agent, an
anti-atherosclerotic agent, an anti-angiogenic agent, an
anti-inflammatory agent, a contraceptive, an anti-depressive agent,
insulin, or cholesterol lowering agent.
57. The method of claim 55, wherein the biologically active
substance is selected from the group consisting of: a vaccine, a
nutraceutical, a protein or peptide, a nucleic acid and a small
molecule.
58. The method of claim 48, wherein the agent comprises an imaging
or diagnostic agent.
59. The method of claim 48, wherein the particle further comprises
a sustained release agent for controlled release of the agent.
60. The method of claim 48, wherein the subject is a mammal.
61. The method of claim 48, wherein the agent is delivered by
systemic administration.
62. The method of claim 48, wherein the agent is delivered by
systemic administration for delivery to the brain across the
blood-brain-barrier.
63. The method of claim 48, wherein the particles are administered
orally, topically, transdermally, subcutaneously,
intraperitoneally, intramuscularly, intravenously, nasally,
rectally, vaginally, or opthalmically.
64. The method of claim 48, wherein the particles are administered
directly to the skin of the subject.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 60/341,980 filed on Dec. 19, 2001 and Ser. No.
60/424,415 filed on Nov. 7, 2002, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to novel block copolymers, and
particles and uses thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Over the past decade, there has been a surge of interest in
block copolymers, as well as microparticles and nanoparticles of
these block copolymers. These block copolymers are made of
synthetic polymer blocks such as polystyrene, poly(ethylene oxide),
polyglycolide, polylactide, and polycaprolactone. Examples of the
copolymers include polystyrene-co-vinylpyridine,
polystyrene-co-polyethylene, polystyrene-co-polylactide,
polystyrene-co-polyisoprene, polystyrene-co-polyacrylic acid,
poly(ethylene oxide-aspartate), and polycaprolactone-co-polyamide.
See, e.g., Forster et al., J. Chem. Phys., 1996, 104, 9956-9970; Ma
et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2001, 123, 4627-4628; Talingting et al.,
Macromolecules, 1999, 32, 1593-1601; Kwon et al., J. Control. Rel.,
1994, 29, 17-23; and Stolnik et al., Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev., 1995,
16, 195-214.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present invention is based on the discovery that an
amphiphilic linear block copolymer can be synthesized from a
polysaccharide by reacting it with a polymer such as a polyester,
polycarbonate, polyanhydride, polyamide, polysaccharide,
poly(.beta.-hydroxy acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), protein, or
copolymers of any of these materials.
[0005] In general, the invention features an amphiphilic linear
block copolymer including a first polymer block and a second
polymer block, wherein the first polymer block includes a
polysaccharide or derivative thereof. The amphiphilic linear
copolymer can form micelles in a selective solvent. The solvent can
be or include water, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl acetamide,
dimethyl formamide, chloroform, tetramethyl formamide, carbon
tetrachloride, N-methylpyrolidone, or dichloroethane.
[0006] Another aspect of this invention relates to novel
amphiphilic linear block copolymers each having a first polymer
block and a second polymer block connected covalently at the chain
ends. The first polymer block is hydrophilic (or hydrophobic) and
contains a polysaccharide, while the second polymer block is
hydrophobic (or hydrophilic). The amphiphilic block copolymers do
not form a true solution in water and are able to form micelles in
a selective solvent such as water. Embodiments of these amphiphilic
linear block copolymers include amphiphilic linear diblock or
multiblock copolymers.
[0007] "A selective solvent" refers to a solvent in which an
amphiphilic diblock copolymer forms micelles, each of which has an
interior or core composed of either the hydrophobic or the
hydrophilic block of the copolymer (depending on the nature of the
solvent), and an exterior or shell composed of the other block of
the copolymer. A selective solvent can comprise a single solvent or
a combination of two or more different solvents.
[0008] Suitable hydrophilic polysaccharides can be composed of
simple sugars (or their derivatives) connected by glycosidic bonds,
as known in the art. Such sugars include D-glucose, D-mannose, D-
and L-galactose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-glucoronic acid,
D-galactoronic acid, D-mannuronic acid, D-glucosamine,
D-galactosamine, neuraminic acid, and their derivatives such as
aminated, sulfonated, or carboxymethylated sugars. Other examples
of hydrophilic polysaccharides include pullulan, carrageenan (a
naturally occurring sulfated polysaccharide), glycon,
hydroxycellulose, amylose, chitosan, N,O-carboxymethylchitosan,
algin, and alginic acid, starch, dextran, cyclodextrin, konjac
glucomannan, chitin, pustulan, heparin, curdlan, hyaluronic acid,
and xanthan. These hydrophilic polysaccharides can be modified to
become hydrophobic by introducing a large number of side-chain
hydrophobic groups. Suitable hydrophobic polysaccharides include
chitin, cellulose acetate, pullulan acetate, konjac acetate,
amylose acetate, and dextran acetate.
[0009] The polymer contained in the hydrophobic polymer block can
be a degradable polymer. Suitable degradable polymers include
polyesters (e.g., polylactide and polyglycolide), polycarbonates
(e.g., poly(1,3-dioxan-2-one)), polyanhydrides (e.g., poly(sebacic
anhydride)), polyamides (e.g., polycaprolactam), polysaccharides
(e.g., hydroxyethylstarch), poly(.beta.-hydroxy acid)s (e.g.,
poly(.beta.-hydroxyalkanoate)), poly(vinyl alcohol)s, proteins
(e.g., collagen), or their copolymers (e.g., polydepsipeptide, a
poly(amide-co-ester)). Suitable hydrophobic polyesters include
those well known in the art, such as polycaprolactone and their
copolymers, e.g., poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide).
[0010] In another aspect, the invention features a method of making
an amphiphilic linear block copolymer by obtaining a first molecule
including a polysaccharide with ring hydroxyl groups; protecting
the ring hydroxyl groups of the polysaccharide; coupling the
protected polysaccharide with a second molecule; and removing the
protecting groups on the ring-hydroxyl groups. The second molecule
can be a degradable polymer including a polyester, polycarbonate,
polyanhydride, polyamide, polysaccharide, poly(.beta.-hydroxy
acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), or a protein, or copolymers thereof.
The second molecule can be a monomer, and the monomer polymerizes
into a polymer.
[0011] Examples of protecting groups for ring hydroxyls include
chloroacetyl chloride, chloroacetyl bromide, chloroacetic
anhydride, dichloroacetic chloride, dichloroacetic bromide,
dichloroacetic anhydride, trichloacetyl chloride, trichloacetyl
bromide, or trichloroacetic anhydride. The protecting groups on the
ring hydroxyl groups can be removed by hydrolysis.
[0012] Another method of making an amphiphilic linear block
copolymer includes obtaining a nitrophenyl carbonate derivative of
the second polymer block; and reacting the glycosidic hydroxyl of a
polysaccharide of the first polymer block with the nitrophenyl
carbonate derivative of the second polymer block to form the block
copolymer.
[0013] Another method of making an amphiphilic linear block
copolymer includes converting the reducing end of the
polysaccharide chain of the first polymer block into a glycosyl
amine obtaining a nitrophenyl carbonate derivative of the second
polymer block, and reacting the glycosyl amine with the nitrophenyl
carbonate derivative of the second polymer block to from the
amphiphilic block copolymer.
[0014] "A protecting group" refers to a compound that is used to
protect a functional group, e.g., hydroxy, from unwanted reactions,
and can be easily removed when it is no longer needed. See, e.g.,
Greene et al., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3rd Edition,
New York, 1999, for a list of suitable protecting groups.
[0015] A further aspect of the invention features a particle
including the linear amphiphilic copolymer wherein the particle has
a diameter of 1-1000 nanometers, a core made of one block of the
copolymer, and a shell made of another block of the copolymer. In
some embodiments, the particle may include one or more of the
following features. The particle includes a copolymer of a
polysaccharide and polycaprolactone. In various embodiments, the
particle can have a diameter of 15-100 nm. The shell of the
particle can include the first polymer block, and the first polymer
block can be crosslinked. In some embodiments, the core of the
particle can be removed.
[0016] The new particles can be either microparticles or
nanoparticles. The terms "microparticles" and "nanoparticles" refer
to particles having a diameter of about 200-1,000 nanometers and
about 1-200 nanometers, respectively. The size to volume ratio for
a particle of size 1 nm is about 1000 times greater than that for a
particle of size 1 .mu.m. This large increase in surface area
facilitates a much higher absorption of drugs that are loaded into
nanoparticles relative to those loaded into microparticles.
[0017] In another aspect, the invention features a copolymer
wherein the first polymer block can be biologically active, e.g.,
having antibacterial, antiviral, anticoagulative, anti-cancer,
anti-proliferative, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-angiogenic,
anti-metastatic, or cholesterol-lowering activity. The copolymer
having biological activity can include the first polymer block.
[0018] Still another aspect of this invention relates to a method
of delivering an agent to a subject such as a mammal (e.g., a human
or an animal such as a dog, cat, horse, cow, or pig) or other
animals such as fish or birds, by using the above-described
particles of amphiphilic diblock copolymers. The agent can be
contained within or bound to the surface of the particles. The
agent can be a radiodiagnostic substance (e.g., a marker that can
be observed by magnetic resonance imaging), a drug, a prodrug, a
biologically active substance (e.g., DNA, RNA, a gene sequence, or
a protein such as insulin), a material that contains ionizable
groups, or a cell, and is encapsulated within or infused into the
particles. The core may also contain nutraceuticals such as
vitamins (e.g., vitamins E, C, or D) and sterols. Further, the core
can contain, in addition to the pharmaceutical and/or nutraceutical
to be delivered, a sustained release agent, e.g., phosphatidyl
choline or lysophasphatidyl choline, for the controlled release of
the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical.
[0019] In certain embodiments, the agent can be delivered by
systemic administration for delivery to the brain across the
blood-brain-barrier. Particles of sufficiently small size and
adequate hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity can travel through the
blood-brain barrier (BBB). The solubility of particles increases
directly as their hydrophilicity and transport across Membranes,
particularly across the BBB, increases directly as their
hydrophobicity increase. Thus, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical
agents can be loaded into nanoparticles particles and can be
delivered to the brain.
[0020] In another aspect, the invention features a method of
transdermally delivering an agent to a subject, by administering to
the subject one or more particles of amphiphilic block copolymer by
contacting the particles to the surface of the subject's skin,
wherein the agent is contained within or bound to the surface of
the particles. The subject can be a mammal, for e.g., human. The
agent can include a biologically active substance, e.g., an
antibacterial agent, an antiviral agent, an anticoagulant, an
anticancer agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, a contraceptive, a
neutraceutical, an inhibitor of an enzyme, an anti-depressive
agent, a nucleic acid, vaccine, insulin, or a DNA vaccine.
[0021] Also within the scope of the invention is a method of
removing a substance, e.g., an undesirable substance, from a fluid
by using the particles described herein. The fluid can be within a
subject, e.g., a human, or in an environment (e.g., in a pond,
lake, stream, or the air). The fluid can be a liquid, such a water,
blood, lymph, or cerebrospinal fluid. The fluid can also be air.
The method includes administering to the subject, or introducing
into the environment, a sufficient amount or number of the
particles to sequester the substance, and then removing the
particles, thereby removing the substance, which is sequestered
within the particles. The substances sequestered can be
cholesterol, a bile acid, fat, a metal ion (e.g., Cu.sup.2+),
metals, such as mercury or lead, a toxin (e.g., pesticide,
hydrocarbon, or other poison), a complex ion (e.g., phosphate), a
bacteria, a virus, a nucleic acid or a pollutant in water or soil.
Preferably, the shells of these particles carry charges that would
strengthen the binding of the substance to be removed by the
particles.
[0022] In another aspect, the invention features a method of
imaging a disorder in a subject by labeling one or more particles
of amphiphilic block copolymer with a reporter group and with a
targeting agent that binds to a target associated with the
disorder; administering the labeled particles to the subject under
conditions and in an amount sufficient to bind to the target; and
imaging the reporter group, thereby imaging the disorder, e.g.,
cancer.
[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present
invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All
publications, patent applications, patents, and other references
mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
In case of conflict, the present specification, including
definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and
examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
[0024] One advantage of the new copolymers and particles is that,
by using a polysaccharide as one block of the copolymers, the
particles are not toxic to a subject. In addition, the new
copolymers can be readily prepared from renewable resources. Other
advantages include ease of cross-linking of the hydrophilic
polysaccharide, ease of derivatization (e.g., introducing
functional groups such as carboxyl and amine groups), and the
possibility for fine-tuning of the hydrophilicity of the new linear
block copolymers.
[0025] Another advantage is that nanoparticles provide new methods
for noninvasive and localized administration of pharmaceutically or
biologically desirable substances. It also enables delivery of
substances to the brain, since the particles are sufficiently small
in size, and have other characteristics, such as a hydrophobic
nature, which can be accomplished by functionalizing the particles
with fatty acids that enable them to pass through the blood-brain
barrier (BBB). The hydrophobicity of the nanoparticles can be
increased by attachment of fatty acids to the surface, which
increases the ability of the particles to cross the BBB.
[0026] The details of several embodiments of the invention are set
forth in the description below. Other features, aspects, and
advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description,
and from the accompanying claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a particle as described herein. This
particle has a core composed of a polymer block and a shell
composed of another polymer block.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a particle as described herein. This
particle has an exterior portion (e.g., a shell), and an interior
portion (e.g., a core), which encompasses a hollow center.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a particle having a hollow core and a
crosslinked shell. The particle is able to swell in a selective
solvent.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a particle swollen in a selective
solvent. The particle has a hollow core and a crosslinked
shell.
[0031] FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematics that illustrate micelle
formation during synthesis of micro- and nano-particles.
[0032] FIG. 6 is an atomic force microscopy image of cationic
crosslinked hollow nanoparticles prepared from
pullulan-b-polycaprolactone.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustrating the binding of fatty
acids to a cationic nanoparticle.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a bar graph showing the size distribution of
nanoparticles of pullulan-polycaprolactone copolymer.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a schematic showing a cationic nanoparticle
sequestering bile acids.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a plot of .alpha.-tocopherol levels in the blood
(of hamster) following topical application of a nanoparticle
preparation containing .alpha.-tocopherol over time.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a dose-response study of topical administration
of Celebrex.RTM. as an anti-inflammatory agent and its nanoparticle
preparation. The values above the bars indicate the concentration
of Celebrex in the solution.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a plot of estradiol levels in the blood (of
hamster) following oral delivery of micelle and nanoparticle
preparation containing estradiol over time.
[0039] FIG. 13 is a plot of intra-venous delivery via the heart of
tritiated cholesterol into rats.
[0040] FIG. 14 is a bar graph that shows the distribution of
radioactive cholesterol 24 hours after injection into a hamster
heart, in saline and in nanoparticle form.
[0041] FIG. 15 is a bar graph that shows tritiated cholesterol
distribution following oral administration, in saline and in
nanoparticle form, expressed as a % of saline standard.
[0042] FIG. 16 is a graph that shows the glucose response of rats
following topical application of insulin in conventional form and
as a cationic nanoparticle preparation.
[0043] FIG. 17 is a graph that shows the glucose response of rats
following topical application of insulin in conventional form and
as an anionic nanoparticle preparation.
[0044] FIG. 18 is a graph that shows the insulin response of rats
following topical application of insulin in conventional form and
as an anionic nanoparticle preparation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] The present invention includes novel linear amphiphilic
block copolymers, particularly, amphiphilic diblock copolymers.
Each of the copolymers contains a polysaccharide. The invention
also includes microparticles and nanoparticles made from the
amphiphilic copolymers.
[0046] Polysaccharides having ring hydroxyl groups are generally
hydrophilic. Extensive modifications of these polysaccharides have
been carried out, most predominantly by substitution of the
hydroxyl groups. Various substituted derivatives of these
polysaccharides are also found in naturally occurring
polysaccharides, e.g., chitosan (an aminated polysaccharide),
alginic acid (a carboxylated polysaccharide), and carrageenan (a
sulfated polysaccharide). All of these polysaccharides can be used
in the new copolymers.
[0047] The microparticles and nanoparticles are fabricated from a
polymer, which can be a homopolymer or copolymer, including block
and graft copolymers. The method of fabrication can be emulsion
polymerization, self-assembly, or any other method that produces
nanoparticles. In one embodiment, the shape of the microparticle
and nanoparticle can be spherical. Each of the particles has an
outer portion or shell made from the hydrophilic (or hydrophobic,
depending on the surrounding liquid) block of the copolymer and an
interior portion or core made of the hydrophobic (or hydrophilic)
block of the copolymer. When a polysaccharide forms the shell, it
is optionally crosslinked, chemically (e.g., by using a
multifunctional molecule to react with hydroxy groups on the
hydrophilic polysaccharide) or physically (e.g., by using a charged
ion, such as Ca.sup.2+, to interact with ionic groups, such as
carboxylic groups, on the hydrophilic polysaccharide). The
cross-linking reaction can be accomplished using thermal energy or
UV radiation. The interior portion (i.e., the core) of each
particle can further contain a hollow space within, resulting in
either a particle having two levels, i.e., a crosslinked shell and
a hollow core within, or a particle having three levels, i.e., the
exterior portion or shell, the interior portion or core, and a
hollow portion within the core. Further, the core can be physically
or chemically crosslinked.
Synthesis of Amphiphilic Linear Block Copolymers
[0048] Each of the novel amphiphilic linear block copolymers, e.g.,
diblock copolymers, includes a hydrophilic polymer block containing
a polysaccharide and a hydrophobic polymer block containing a
polyester or polysaccharide. Alternatively, each of the novel
copolymers includes a hydrophobic polymer block containing a
polysaccharide and a hydrophilic polymer block containing a
polyester or polysaccharide. The hydrophilic polymer block can
further contain other types of hydrophilic polymers such as a
polyalkylene oxide (e.g., polyethylene oxide). Likewise, the
hydrophobic polymer block can also contain other types of
hydrophobic polymers such as polyamides (e.g., polycaprolactam).
Different synthetic schemes might be required for polysaccharides
that do not contain ionic groups in the sugar rings (i.e., a
charge-free polysaccharide) and for polysaccharides that contain
ionic groups on the sugar rings (i.e., a charged
polysaccharide).
[0049] To synthesize an amphiphilic diblock copolymer, a suitable
hydrophilic polysaccharide (e.g., amylose or pullulan) can be first
treated with a protecting group (e.g., chloroacetyl chloride) to
protect ring hydroxyl groups on the polysaccharide. The protected
polysaccharide can then be coupled at one end with a suitable
hydrophobic polymer (e.g., a polyester or a polyamide) or
polysaccharide bearing a hydroxyl group on the chain end.
Alternatively, the protected polysaccharide can be subjected to
copolymerization also at only one end with a monomer, which
polymerizes into a hydrophobic polymer (e.g., a polyester or a
polysaccharide), to obtain a new amphiphilic diblock copolymer.
After the coupling reaction or the copolymerization, the protecting
groups on the hydrophilic polysaccharide are removed, e.g., by
hydrolysis under mild conditions.
[0050] Alternatively, the polysaccharides can be used for the
coupling reaction without protecting the hydroxyl groups. In this
case, the glycosidic hydroxyl of the polysaccharide is either used
directly or converted into a glycosyl amine, which is then reacted
with the nitrophenyl carbonate derivative of the hydrophobic
polymer.
[0051] For a charged hydrophilic polysaccharide, an esterification
step can precede the protecting step before the polysaccharide is
subject to a coupling reaction with a hydrophilic polyester or
polysaccharide, or subject to a graft copolymerization process. For
instance, grafting of alginic acid (which contains a carboxyl group
in each repeating saccharide unit) and carrageenan (which contains
sulfate groups) can be preceded by esterification with ethanol. The
carboxyl and sulfonyl groups will be first converted into the
appropriate acid halides by reaction with PCl.sub.5, followed by
reaction with ethanol under basic catalysis. Each of the
esterificated polysaccharides can then be subjected to graft
copolymerization at one end of the polysaccharide, e.g., with
.epsilon.-caprolactone in the presence of a tin(II) octanoate
catalyst. See, e.g., Choi et al., Macromolecules 1999, 32,
7402-7408; Ydens et al., Macromolecules 2000, 33, 6713-6721; and
Donabedian et al., Macromolecules, 1998, 31, 1032-1039.
[0052] Ionic groups may be present in the polysaccharide before the
copolymer synthesis or can also be introduced onto a hydrophilic
polysaccharide after the copolymer has been synthesized. For
instance, carboxymethyl polysaccharide derivatives can be prepared
by carboxymethylation of a polysaccharide with chloroacetic acid in
an aqueous solution containing 80% isopropanol or ethanol under
basic conditions. The reaction can be carried out, e.g., at
80.degree. C. for 1.5-2 hours. See, e.g., Oka et al., Japan Patent
No. 46029504. Sulfonation can be efficiently achieved, for example,
with chlorosulfonic acid in pyridine at 100.degree. C. for 1 hour.
See, e.g., Yamamoto et al., Carbohydr. Polym., 1994, 14, 53-63. The
products can be thoroughly dialyzed with deionized water to remove
residual reactants.
[0053] Alternatively, derivatization (e.g., carboxymethylation or
sulfonation) of a hydrophilic polysaccharide can be carried out on
the shells of crosslinked particles as the last step of the
synthesis.
[0054] A large number of hydroxyl groups are required to impart
hydrophilicity so that the amphiphilic copolymers can form micelles
in a solution. Thus, if the synthesis involves protection of the
hydroxyl groups, mild deprotection before micelle formation is
necessary to restore the hydrophilic character of the
polysaccharide chain, as well as to provide available sites for
cross-linking. The hydrolysis, which can be carried out in basic
conditions at room temperature, may cleave some of the
polycaprolactone block, or some repeating units of the
polycaprolactone block, off the polysaccharide. However, this can
be advantageous for the micelle formation as shorter
polycaprolactone blocks will remain, which helps assembling the
block copolymers.
[0055] Additionally, the shell and or/core can be tailored to
respond to environmental changes, for example, a change in
temperature or change in pH. For example, N-isopropyl amide
derivatives are likely to exhibit a lower critical solution
temperature (LCST) below which the substance is soluble in water
and above which it loses its solubility (e.g., Cho et al. Polymer
41, 5713, 2000). pH dependence of solubility is characteristic of
polymers containing ionizable groups. For instance, carboxyl- or
sulfonyl-containing polymers have better solubility in basic media,
while polymers containing amine groups are more soluble at acidic
pHs (e.g., Needham et al. Macromolecules 31, 5084, 1998).
[0056] The new amphiphilic diblock copolymers can be characterized
by techniques well known in the art. For example, molecular weight
can be determined by gel permeation chromatography, molecular
composition can be determined by mass spectrometry, proton or
carbon nucleic magnetic resonance spectrometry, or infrared
spectrometry, and the viscosity can be determined by using a
capillary or viscometer.
Applications of Novel Amphiphilic Linear Block Copolymers
[0057] The new amphiphilic block copolymers can be used in a
variety of applications. For example, they can be used as
surfactants, because of their amphiphilic nature. They can also be
used as food or beverage additives in food processing, or as
matrices in tissue engineering, as they are not toxic and can be
biodegraded into nontoxic lower carbohydrates. They can also be
used in or as coatings, emulsifiers, or compatibilizers.
Preparation of Particles of Amphiphilic Linear Block Copolymers
[0058] Another use of the new block copolymers is to prepare
particles such as micelles as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. These
particles can be prepared by emulsion polymerization,
self-assembly, or other known techniques for producing micro- or
nanoparticles. For example, these particles (i.e., microparticles
or nanoparticles) of an amphiphilic block copolymer, e.g., a
diblock copolymer, can be prepared according to the following
procedure.
[0059] An amphiphilic diblock copolymer is first dissolved in a
solvent, e.g., N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) or dimethyl sulfoxide
(DMSO). To this solution is gradually added water or an aqueous
solution or buffer (selective solvent) until micellization begins.
Alternatively, micellization can be induced by slowly cooling the
solution. Micelle formation may also be induced by directly
dissolving the amphiphilic diblock copolymer in a solvent, such as
water. Depending on the solvent, the shells of the micelles may
consist of the hydrophilic or the hydrophobic block of the
copolymer. Specifically, if the solvent is hydrophilic, then the
shells contain hydrophilic blocks of the amphiphilic copolymer, and
the hydrophobic blocks form the core, as illustrated in FIG. 5A.
Likewise, to form reversed micelles having a shell of hydrophobic
polymer blocks and a core of hydrophilic blocks, as illustrated in
FIG. 5B, a hydrophobic solvent is required. The mixture thus
obtained is stirred, e.g., for 5, 8, 10, or 15 hours, for the
formation of micelles, and then dialyzed against water to remove
the organic solvent, thereby stabilizing the micelles.
Freeze-drying will produce solid micelles. The shells of the
micelles thus obtained can then be crosslinked, e.g., with
glutaraldehyde under slightly acidic conditions, or with
epichlorohydrin or epoxy bifunctional ethylene glycol under
slightly basic conditions, to give product particles.
Polysaccharide can be crosslinked under close to neutral conditions
by using a diacyl chloride such as adipoyl chloride in a nonprotic
solvent such as N-methylpyrrolidone. See, e.g., Orienti et al.,
Arch. Pharm. Med. Chem., 2000, 333, 421-424. Different degrees of
cross-linking of the particles can be obtained and tested by
swelling and drug (e.g., insulin) protection studies. Adjusting the
degree of cross-linking can control solubility and degradation rate
of the particles. The morphology of the particles can be
characterized by atomic force microscopy or scanning electron
microscopy.
[0060] The particle size can be measured in either a dry or swollen
state by using a microscope such as atomic force microscope or in
solution using dynamic laser light scattering. Depending on the
molecular weight of the copolymer, the particles can have a
diameter of about 1-200 nanometers (nanoparticles) or about
200-1,000 nanometers (microparticles). FIG. 6 is an atomic force
microscopy image of nanoparticles with an average diameter of 126
nm and an average height of 11.3 nm. These dimensions are for
nanoparticles, which have been dried onto mica and therefore are
expected to be "flattened" during this step. These sizes allow the
particles to be used in various pharmaceutical compositions and
applications.
Particle Core Removal
[0061] The particles of the novel amphiphilic linear block
copolymers can be made hollow by removing the core, e.g., by acidic
or basic hydrolysis, by ozonolysis or by enzymatic degradation of
the polymer blocks forming the core. For example, a
polycaprolactone core can be removed by hydrolysis under basic
conditions, which gives better results than acidic hydrolysis. See,
e.g., Zhang et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2000, 122, 3642-3651. For
instance, an aqueous mixture of the crosslinked spheres can be
stirred at room temperature at about pH 12 for up to 14 days or
more to hydrolyze the core. The core can also be removed by
ozonolysis if the core-forming polymer contains double bonds in the
main chain, e.g. polyisoprene (Wooley et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 121,
3805, 1999).
[0062] An agent can be introduced into the space created by
removing the core. These agents can be, for example, a drug or a
cell. The hollow particles can also be used with or without an
added agent, e.g., to sequester an undesirable substance from a
specific environment, e.g., within an animal or human subject, or
in contaminated water or soil, or both. Alternatively, certain
agents can be infused into the cores, and thus the cores need not
be removed. In other embodiments and depending on their size, the
cores of the new particles can be hollow, and thus need not be
removed to create a space for containing an agent.
[0063] Thus, the core itself can be hollow or filled. The shell of
each particle can be partially or fully crosslinked, before,
during, or after the agent is introduced.
Loading the Particles with Agents
[0064] A variety of agents can be incorporated into the new
particles. For instance, if required, the particles first can be
made hollow by removing their cores, e.g., by chemical hydrolysis,
ozonolysis, or by enzymatic degradation. Subsequently, the agent
can be introduced into the hollow particles. Alternatively, the
agent can be directly infused or perfused into the particles
without removing the cores, e.g., during self-assembly of the
particles. The type of agents that can be loaded into the particles
include drugs, vitamins, nutraceuticals, cells, reporter groups
such as radiolabeled agents, biologically active substances such as
DNA, RNA, genes or active fragments, proteins, peptides, small
organic and inorganic molecules, enzymes, antibiotics, vaccines,
and polysaccharides. Particles loaded with nutraceuticals, such as
plant sterols, can be incorporated into food substances, for
example the nutraceutical-loaded particles can be dissolved into
liquids such as beverages.
[0065] Generally, an agent can be incorporated into particles by
first letting the particles swell in a solvent (e.g., water), and
then adding the agent to the solvent so that the agent can diffuse
into the cores of the swollen particles. For instance, particles of
a new amphiphilic diblock copolymer containing carboxylic groups
can be first incubated in a pH 8-12 aqueous solution for maximal
swelling. The particles can then be added to a basic buffered
saline which contains an agent, such as a drug, e.g., insulin,
which is an acid-sensitive protein, so that the drug can diffuse
into, thereby becoming incorporated in, the cores of the swollen
particles. The mixture is then incubated for an extended period of
time to achieve maximal incorporation. The pH of the incubation
medium is then reduced to cause the particles to contract and to
trap the drug within. Sodium phosphate can be added with
acid-sensitive drugs to further protect them from acid by
functioning as a buffer system. Other additives, particularly
hypoglycemic agents, can also be incorporated into the particles
along with insulin. Other acid-sensitive agents can also be
incorporated into particles in a similar manner.
[0066] By using radiolabeled insulin, one can determine the
incorporation level by counting the particles with a gamma
counter.
[0067] Optionally, prior to adding the agent, the shells of the
swollen particles can be partially crosslinked. After the agent has
diffused into the cores of the particles, the partially crosslinked
shells are then further or fully crosslinked so that the pores of
the shells become smaller, making it more difficult for the
incorporated agent to diffuse out of the particles.
[0068] When the shells of the particles are not crosslinked, one
can incorporate a hydrophobic agent into the particles during
self-assembly.
Delivery of the Particles
[0069] The agent-loaded particles can be used in a dry form or as a
mixture with a solvent. Depending on their solubility, these
particles can be used to deliver the agent either systemically or
site-specifically. For example, when the particles carry ionic
groups on the shells, they are soluble in blood and can be used for
systemic delivery of an agent. When the shells of the particles
contain hydrophobes, these particles become water insoluble and are
suitable for site-specific delivery of an agent. These particles
can also be used to form a pharmaceutical composition and can be
administered via a parenteral route, e.g., topically,
subcutaneously, transdermally, intraperitoneally, intramuscularly,
and intravenously. The pharmaceutical composition, when prepared in
an appropriate form, can also be administered nasally (e.g., as a
nasal spray to form a mist), orally, rectally, vaginally, or
ophthalmically.
[0070] The particles can thus be used to deliver biologically
active substances such as nucleic acids, e.g., in the form of DNA
vaccines, through mucosal and transdermally. In other examples,
acid-sensitive agents such as insulin can be delivered orally by
first loading insulin into nanoparticles containing carboxylic
groups in the shell. The drug in the core is protected from acid in
the stomach due to contraction of the particles under acidic
conditions and is released only in the intestine, where alkaline
conditions cause the particles to swell, opening up the pores and
releasing the drug. Targeted delivery can thus be achieved.
Imaging and Treatment of Diseases
[0071] The particles can be labeled with a targeting agent and used
as imaging or diagnostic agents by homing to targets in the body
associated with a particular disorder. For example, nanoparticles
can be used to image or detect malignant tumors. Cancer cells are
thought to have a large number of receptors for cytokines such as
interleukin 13 (IL-13). Thus, nanoparticles can be labeled with
IL-13 (the targeting agent) to bind to the target receptors, and
with a reporter group such as x-ray imaging agents (e.g.,
radio-opaque molecules), magnetic resonance imaging agents (e.g.,
superparamagnetic molecules such as gadolinium), or radioactive
markers, and then used to image or detect cancer cells by simple
systemic administration and imaging using standard in vivo imaging
techniques.
[0072] Another example of a good target for imaging or detecting
cancer cells is the large number of folate receptors on cancer
cells. Thus, nanoparticles can be labeled with folate as a
targeting agent to bind to the target receptors and then used to
detect the presence of cancer cells or to image those cells.
[0073] Furthermore, bioactive nanoparticles labeled with a
targeting agent can be used to treat disorders, such as cancer. For
example, .sup.99Technetium can be incorporated into nanoparticles
to make them bioactive, and when labeled with a targeting agent
such as IL-13 or folate, these bioactive particles can be used to
bind to and destroy cancer cells, because .sup.99Technetium is a
chemo-therapeutic agent. Other radioactive and chemotherapeutic
agents can be similarly bound to the surface or loaded into
particles that are also labeled with a targeting agent that allows
them to home to a particular site, such as a tumor, that is
associated with a particular disorder. Other disorders and their
associated targets and targeting agents are known.
Biologically Active Particles
[0074] Particles, such as nanoparticles, can be biologically
active, either by the nature of their polymers or by the addition
of a biologically active agent (e.g., antibacterial, antiviral,
anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, or anticancer agent).
[0075] Certain polymers that can be used in the new copolymers and
particles are known to have anti-microbial activity. For example,
chitosan has good biocidal properties (Blowes, P. C. et al, WO Pat.
049219A1; Begin, A. et al., Int. J. Biol. Macromol 1999, 26(1),
63-67; Uraki, et al., Kichin, Kitosan, Kenkyu 1998, 4(2), 150-151).
Further, it has been shown that imparting quaternary ammonium
groups with permanent cationic charge gives more effective
antimicrobial agents (Kato, Y. et al., JP Pat. No. 10295785). In
addition to naturally antibacterial polysaccharides, other
polysaccharides can also be functionalized to obtain such
properties. Generally, glycidyl trimethylammonium chloride or
diethylammonium ethyl chloride can be used for the amination of
carbohydrates. The former results in permanent ammonium ions while
the latter can be deprotonated to give neutral amine. These
reagents can also be used to increase the functionality of
chitosan.
[0076] Numerous natural polysaccharides have also been shown to
have antiviral activity (Premanathan, M. et al., Antiviral Res.
1999, 44(2), 113-122; Zhou, J. H. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,072).
These are usually sulfated polysaccharides (Lee, J. et al., Chem.
Pharm. Bull. 2001, 49(1), 108-110), mostly obtained from seaweed.
Since the activity is due to the presence of the sulfate group,
synthetic polysaccharides have also been rendered antiviral by
introducing anionic groups (Yoshida, T. et al., Carbohydr. Polym.
2000, Volume Date 2001, 44(2), 141-150), and the activity can be
increased by incorporating more sulfate groups. The literature
describes studies of antiviral activity mainly on HIV virus
(Suzuki, F. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,325; Baba, M. et al., Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 1988, 85(16), 6132-6; Hashimoto, K. et al.,
Antiviral Chem. Chemother., 1996, 7(4), 189-196), but also on
herpes simplex and a more limited number of tests have been done on
less common types of enveloped viruses, such as rubella, influenza
A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, measles, human
cytomegalovirus, Junin and Tacaribe virus, simian immunodeficiency
virus, rabies, African swine fever, etc.
[0077] The exact mechanism of action is unknown. However, numerous
tests indicate that sulfated polysaccharides inhibit the adhesion
of virus to cells and the early steps of virus replication, such as
internalization and uncoating. The inhibitory function depends on
the charge density and the shape of the molecule, but is
independent of the sugar repeating units. In fact, sulfated
synthetic polymers have also given positive tests. While the
inhibition described above is general, regardless of the structure
of the polysaccharide, infection initiated by transfection of cells
with viral RNA is affected only by certain sulfated
polysaccharides, and the efficiency varies with the virus strain.
For the above reasons, the sulfated polysaccharide must be present
before virus adhesion.
[0078] Sulfated polysaccharides show other beneficial biological
properties as well. They include anticoagulant, antithrombotic
(Alban, S. et al., in book titled, "Carbohydrates in drug design",
Marcel Dekker, New York, pp. 209-276, 1997), anti-inflammatory
(Arfors, K.-E. et al., J. Lab. Clin. Med. 1993, 121, 201-202),
anti-adhesive (Ley, K. et al., "Am. J. Physiol. 1991, 260,
H1667-H1673), antiproliferative, antiatherosclerotic,
antiangiogenetic, antimetastatic, and complement-inhibiting
activities (Engelberg, H. et al., Seminars in Thrombosis and
Hemostasis 1991, 17, 5-8). In addition, sulfated polysaccharides
are known to decrease blood cholesterol levels via inhibiting
pancreatic cholesterol esterase (Lange, III. et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,063,210). Thus, all of these activities can be created in the new
copolymers and particles by using any one or more of these
biologically active polymers in the preparation of the new
copolymers and particles.
Sequestering of Substances
[0079] Particles of a new amphiphilic diblock copolymer can also be
used to remove undesirable substances from the fluids in the body
or from the environment or from a contained liquid. This can be
done by binding agents onto the surface of the particles, so that
these agents can interact with the undesirable substance and remove
it from the fluid. The sequestered substance can then be
transferred into the cores of the particles. For example, cationic
nanoparticles exhibit selective interaction with bile acids. Thus,
the positively charged cationic nanoparticles will bind and thus
remove negatively charged bile acids from the entero-hepatic
circulation and excrete them into the feces. This is represented
schematically in FIG. 9.
[0080] In another example individuals with chronic renal failure
often suffer from hyperphosphatemia as a result of the inability of
kidneys to excrete excess phosphate. Cationic nanospheres can bind
the negatively charged phosphate ions and reduce the
hyperphosphatemia. Other examples of substances that can be removed
using nanoparticles include bile acids, toxins, metal ions, and
complex ions (e.g., phosphates). Because crosslinking prevents
particles from disintegrating, particles having crosslinked shells
are more stable. Thus, crosslinked particles are safer and more
effective in removing undesirable substances from a body or
environment and trapping them. In addition, particles having ionic
groups on the shells are more effective at attracting and trapping
charged substances than particles having no charges on the shells.
Further, the larger the surface areas of these particles, the more
efficient they are in removing and trapping undesirable substances.
For example, bile acids (anionic materials) bind to cationic
nanoparticles and are trapped inside the cationic nanoparticles. In
addition, one could make cationic or anionically charged
nanoparticles for chromatographic applications that can be used to
separate, identify, quantitate, or extract negatively or positively
charged products, respectively, of synthetic reactions.
[0081] Specifically, the low pH (acidic) environment of the stomach
facilitates swelling of particles in which the shells are
crosslinked. The swelling increases the size of the pores on the
surface of the particles, allowing agents, for example bile acids,
to enter the particles through the enlarged pores on the surface
and diffuse into the cores of the particles. When the particles
travel to the small intestine, which has an alkaline environment
(high pH), the pores on the surface of the particles contract in
size, thus preventing release of the agents, and traps the agents
in the core of the particles. Thus, excess bile acids can be
removed from enterohepatic circulation.
[0082] The sequestering efficacy of specific particles of the new
amphiphilic diblock copolymers can be preliminarily determined in
vitro or in vivo by methods well known in the art. Appropriate in
vitro studies can be used to reasonably predict the in vivo results
of the efficacy of the particles in capturing a substance.
[0083] The invention is further described in the following
examples, which are only illustrative and do not in any way limit
the scope of the invention described in the claims.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Hydrolysis of Pullulan
[0084] 300 g pullulan (Pfanstiehl Laboratories, Inc., average
molecular weight 200,000) was dissolved in 3 L of water. 6 mL of
concentrated hydrochloric acid was added to obtain a 0.02 M
solution. The solution was stirred at 60.degree. C. for 4 days. The
product was precipitated with methanol and dried under vacuum. The
recovered 257 g pullulan was dissolved in 2600 mL water and heated
to 60.degree. C. To the aqueous solution thus obtained, 5.2 mL of
concentrated hydrochloric acid was added and the solution was
stirred at 60.degree. C. for 4 days. After it cooled to room
temperature, the product was precipitated with methanol and dried
under vacuum to give 181.07 g pullulan (M.sub.n=4700,
M.sub.w=6500).
Example 2
Hydrolysis of Pullulan
[0085] Pullulan (300 g, TCI America, MW-200,000) was dissolved in 3
L of distilled water and heated to 60.degree. C. and a concentrated
solution of hydrochloric acid (6.0 ml) to obtain a 0.02 M solution.
The solution was stirred at 60.degree. C. After the desired
reaction time (as specified in Table 1), the solution was poured
into 1 gallon of methanol. The white precipitate was separated by
filtration, washed with methanol and dried in vacuum overnight. The
molecular weights measured with gel permeation chromatography are
listed in Table 1. In table 1, M.sub.n refers to the number average
MW, M.sub.w=weight average MW, M.sub.z is the z average MW, M.sub.p
is the p average MW, and MWD is the molecular weight
distribution.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Molecular weights of hydrolyzed pullulan
Time, days M.sub.n M.sub.w M.sub.z M.sub.p MWD 2 12620 24010 38660
20633 1.90 4 7338 12835 19582 11851 1.75 6 6015 9785 14422 9615
1.63
Example 3
Synthesis of a Pullulan-co-Polycaprolactone
[0086] 1 gram of pullulan obtained from Example 1 (K=4700, K=6500)
was dissolved in 20 ml of N,N-dimethylforamide (DMF) by heating the
mixture until complete dissolution. To the DMF solution was added
sodium hydride obtained from 1.2 g 60% dispersion in mineral oil by
washing the dispersion with tetrahydrofuran (THF). The mixture was
heated at 80.degree. C. for 2 hours under argon gas and
subsequently cooled in an ice bath. To this mixture, 3 mL of
chloroacetyl chloride was then added dropwise. The resultant
mixture was heated at 80.degree. C. for 2 hours and cooled to room
temperature again, and then poured into ice water to give a first
precipitate. The first precipitate was washed with water and dried
under vacuum. Alternatively, 5.0 g of pullulan obtained from
Example 1 was dissolved in 75 mL of N,N-dimethyl acetamide (DMA) by
heating the mixture until complete dissolution. To this solution
there was added sodium hydride obtained from 6.0 g 60% dispersion
in mineral oil by washing the dispersion with THF. The mixture thus
obtained was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours before it was
cooled in an ice bath and 15.0 mL chloroacetyl chloride was added
dropwise. The resultant mixture was stirred at room temperature for
4 hours and subsequently poured into ice-cold water to give a first
precipitate. The first precipitate was washed with water and dried
under vacuum.
[0087] 2 grams of the first precipitate was mixed with 4 ml of a
30% solution of HBr in glacial acetic acid. The mixture was stirred
at room temperature for 1 hour and poured into ice water to give a
second precipitate. The second precipitate was washed with water
and dried in a vacuum.
[0088] 4.5 grams of a polycaprolactone (average m.w. ca. 10,000,
Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.) was dissolved in 20 ml of dry THF. 20
grams of drierite and 116 mg of silver oxide were added to the
polycaprolactone solution and stirred for 1 hour at room
temperature. 26 mg of iodine was then added to the mixture. To this
mixture, a solution of 2 grams of the second precipitate in 6 ml of
dry THF was added dropwise. This mixture was stirred at room
temperature for 24 hours while it was protected from light. The
resultant mixture was filtered on a glass filter and the solvent
was removed under reduced pressure to give the diblock
chloroacetopullulan-co-polycaprolactone. The amphiphilic diblock
pullulan-co-polycaprolactone was obtained by mixing the product
with 100 ml methanol and stirring it with 18.7 ml aqueous 0.82 M
sodium hydroxide solution for 1 hour. The product was filtered and
dried.
Example 4
Synthesis of a Pullulan-co-Polycaprolactone
[0089] A 3-neck flask was charged with 9.0 grams chloroacetic acid
and 144 ml trifluoroacetic anhydride and heated to reflux.
Hydrolyzed pullulan (30.0 grams) was added portionwise. The mixture
was refluxed for 8 hours, then allowed to cool and poured into
ice-cold water, neutralized with a saturated solution of sodium
bicarbonate. The first precipitate, (chloroacetopullulan), was
washed with cold water and freeze-dried.
[0090] The first precipitate (10.0 grams), (chloroacetopullulan),
was dissolved in 10.0 ml glacial acetic acid and stirred with 5.0
ml 30% solution of hydrogen bromide in acetic acid for 20 minutes.
The second precipitate, (chloroacetobromopullulan), was
precipitated with ice-cold water, washed with water, and
freeze-dried.
[0091] A 3-neck flask equipped with a mechanical stirrer was
charged with 40.0 grams polycaprolactone (MW.about.2,000), 30 grams
Drierite, 0.555 grams silver (I) oxide, 0.235 grams silver (I)
carbonate and 120 ml freshly distilled dry methylene chloride. The
mixture was protected from light and stirred for 1 hour, then 0.252
grams iodine was added. A solution of 20.0 grams of the second
precipitate, (chloroacetobromopullulan), in 50.0 ml freshly
distilled dry acetone. The mixture was stirred for 10 days under
argon. The product was filtered on course filter paper, then on
glass fiber with the aid of tetrahydrofuran. The solvent was
evaporated under vacuum. The third precipitate,
(chloroacetopullulan-co-polycaprolactone), was deprotected by first
dispersing it in 200 ml methanol, then adding a mixture of 800 ml
methanol and 26 ml cc. ammonium hydroxide solution and stirring the
mixture for 10 minutes. The fourth precipitate was then filtered,
and the deprotection was repeated. The product,
(pullulan-co-polycaprolactone), was filtered and dried in vacuum,
and then Soxhlete extracted with toluene for 2 days.
Example 5
Synthesis of Pullulan Glycosylamine
[0092] Hydrolyzed pullulan (2.0 grams) was dissolved in 100 ml
distilled water and the solution was saturated with ammonium
hydrogen carbonate. The solution was kept saturated by maintaining
the presence of solid ammonium hydrogen carbonate and stirred at
room temperature for 6 days. The product was freeze-dried and
dissolved in a small amount of water several times, and finally
freeze-dried. The percentage glycosyl amine functionality (F.sub.n)
was determined by .sup.1H NMR spectroscopy to be F.sub.n=94.3%.
Example 6
Synthesis of Polycaprolactone 4-Nitrophenyl Carbonate
[0093] Polycaprolactone (20.0 grams, Aldrich, MW-2000) was
dissolved in 80.0 ml N-methyl pyrolidone.
4-(Dimethylamino)-pyridine (800 mg) was added and allowed to
dissolve. Pyridine (20.0 ml) and 12.0 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate
were added and the mixture was stirred for 24 hours. The solution
was poured into cold methanol, centrifuged, decanted, washed with
methanol several times, and dried in vacuum. The percentage chain
end functionality (F.sub.n) was determined by .sup.1H NMR
spectroscopy to be F.sub.n=100%.
Example 7
Synthesis of Pullulan-co-Polycaprolactone
[0094] Pullulan glycosylamine (0.50 grams, Mn=6379) was dissolved
in 5.00 ml N-methyl pyrrolidone. 4-(Dimethylamino)-pyridine (10 mg)
was added, followed by 0.50 grams polycaprolactone 4-nitrophenyl
carbonate (MW.about.2000). The mixture was stirred for 24 hours,
then precipitated with cold diethyl ether. The precipitate was
washed with diethyl ether and dried in vacuum. The product was
extracted with toluene by stirring it in 20 ml toluene for 24
hours, then centrifuging, decanting and washing 3 times with
toluene. The product was dried in vacuum. The composition of the
product was determined by .sup.1H NMR spectroscopy to have a
polycaprolactone content of 16% by weight (52 mol %).
Example 8
Synthesis of Pullulan-co-Polycaprolactone
[0095] Pullulan (4.0 grams, Mn=18,800, Mw=31,400) was swollen in 20
ml N-methyl pyrrolidone. 4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP, 411 mg)
was added and the mixture was stirred until all of the DMAP
dissolved. The mixture was briefly heated to dissolve the pullulan,
and then allowed to cool. Polycaprolactone 4-nitrophenyl carbonate
(3.0 grams, 58% of the chain ends functionalized, MW.about.2000)
was added and the mixture was stirred for 48 hours. The product was
poured into 100 ml anhydrous denatured ethanol. The precipitate was
filtered, washed thoroughly with anhydrous denatured ethanol and
dried in vacuum. It was then extracted with toluene by stirring it
in 100 ml toluene for 24 hours. The mixture was centrifuged and the
solid was washed with toluene three times, then dried in vacuum.
The extraction was repeated for 3 hours, followed by centrifuging
and washing three times. The product was dried in vacuum. The
polycaprolactone content, determined by .sup.1H NMR spectroscopy,
was 9.6 wt %.
Example 9
Preparation of Particles of Polysaccharide-co-Polycaprolactone
[0096] The diblock polysaccharide (Pullulan)-co-polycaprolactone
obtained from Example 3 was dissolved in DMSO and the solution was
allowed to cool slowly. The product was dialyzed in distilled water
and freeze-dried to obtained particles of the copolymer. The
protocol followed is as described in Example 3. As illustrated in
FIG. 8, about 63% of the particles in the swollen state were in the
size range of about 15 to 20 nm, and about 38% of the particles in
the swollen state were in the 20 to 25 nm range. Very few
nanoparticles were outside of this range, showing the specificity
of size ranges that can be achieved using the methods described
herein. The size and uniformity of the nanoparticles varies as the
molecular weight and uniformity of the block copolymer,
respectively, used to prepare the nanoparticles.
Example 10
Preparation of Particles of Pullulan-co-Polycaprolactone
[0097] The Pullulan-co-polycaprolactone block copolymer (50 mg)
obtained from Example 3 was dissolved in 2.0 ml DMSO. The solution
was stirred overnight. Distilled water (10 ml) was added dropwise,
then the solution was dialyzed. This results in particles of size
less than .about.100 nm.
Example 11
In Vitro Study of Insulin Release
[0098] Particles containing radiolabeled insulin, i.e.,
.sup.125I-insulin, are incubated in an acidic solution (e.g., pH
1.5) that mimics the environment of the stomach. The radioactivity
is detected in the particles and in the incubation medium at
different time points by centrifuging the solution containing the
particles and counting the packed fraction at the bottom of the
tube (the particles) and the supernatant, to determine whether and
how much of the radiolabeled insulin remains in the particles
following treatment with the acidic solution.
[0099] The same experiment is carried out in a pH 10.0 solution,
which mimics the environment of the small intestine where
absorption of insulin into the blood stream occurs. At pH 10.0,
particles containing radiolabeled insulin swell, thereby increasing
their pore size and releasing the radiolabeled insulin into the
medium. The amount of insulin released from the particles is
determined by centrifuging the incubation medium and measuring the
radioactivity of the particles and the supernatant at different
time points after introduction into the alkaline solution.
Example 12
In Vivo Study of Insulin Release
[0100] Cationic and anionic nanoparticle preparations of insulin
were performed as follows: 2 mL of crosslinked hollow nanoparticle
solution was incubated for 24 hours with 25 mg of insulin. The
preparation was dialyzed and the final insulin concentration was
calculated to be 9.7 .mu.g/mL. One animal was used for each
experiment. Before the administration of insulin as a nanoparticle
preparation, a regular glucose tolerance test was performed and the
glucose and insulin levels were measured. This measurement was
repeated after the delivery of insulin loaded in nanoparticles.
Before application of the nanoparticle preparations, each animal
was given a straight glucose tolerance test (GTT). For this test,
animals were fasted at least 18 hours beforehand, and gavaged with
0.4 grams of glucose. Blood samples were taken at time points 10
minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 2 hours. Prior to the
applications of nanoparticle preparations, animals were fasted for
at least 18 hours before the experiment. Animals were shaved to
expose the skin of the back, gavaged with 0.4 grams of glucose and
then the appropriate nanoparticle preparations of insulin were
applied to the exposed skin.
[0101] FIG. 16 shows the insulin response of rats following topical
application of anionic nanoparticle preparation of insulin relative
to no exogenous application of insulin. The "without nanoparticle
preparation" curve reflects the insulin level in the blood,
produced by the secretion of insulin in response to the initial
dose of glucose received by the rat. The plot indicates a higher
level of insulin in blood when a nanoparticle preparation of
insulin is applied. This would lead to lower glucose levels in the
blood as seen in FIGS. 17 and 18. For FIGS. 17 and 18, blood
samples were taken at 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 2
hours. FIGS. 17 and 18 show plots of blood glucose concentration
with time using cationic and anionic nanoparticle preparations of
insulin, respectively, relative to inherent insulin secretion of
the animal in response to the initial dose of glucose that animal
received. As seen from the plots, blood glucose levels are lower,
and are more stable (i.e., vary less with time), when insulin is
administered as a nanoparticle preparation relative to its inherent
glucose response.
Example 13
In Vivo Study of Treating Diabetes with Particles Containing
Insulin
[0102] The streptozoticin mouse model of diabetes is used in an in
vivo study of the efficacy of particles of a new amphiphilic
diblock copolymer in delivering an incorporated agent.
[0103] Specifically, after diabetes has been demonstrated by
measurements of glucose tolerance in the mice, particles containing
a radiolabeled insulin, i.e., .sup.125I-insulin, along with 25 mg
cold insulin, were added to either the drinking water or the diet
for the animals for 4 weeks. The blood glucose and insulin levels
are measured at 2 and 4 weeks, and are compared to those observed
in animals in which non-insulin containing particles are added to
the drinking water or the diet.
Example 14
In Vitro Study of Sequestering Ability of New Particles
[0104] FIG. 9 is a schematic showing cationic nanoparticles
sequestering bile acids. A bile acid solution containing the sodium
salt of "cold" cholate is prepared in a simulated colonic solution
of NaCl and Na.sub.2CO.sub.3 and adjusted to pH 6.8 with HCl. The
sodium salt of "cold" cholic acid is mixed with carboxyl-.sup.14C
radiolabeled cholic acid and an aliquot of this working solution is
then added to 5 mg of particles of an amphiphilic diblock
copolymer. The mixture is incubated in a shaking water bath at
37.degree. C. for an extended period of time with the pH value
maintained at 6.8. The mixture is filtered through Whatman #2 and
the filtrate is taken for determination of its radioactivity.
Alternatively, the mixture is centrifuged, and an aliquot of the
supernatant can be removed from the top and placed into a
scintillation vial. After the addition of 5 ml scintillation fluid,
the solution is allowed to stand overnight. Finally, the vial is
placed in a scintillation counter and radio counts are
recorded.
Example 15
In Vivo Study of Sequestering Ability of New Particles
[0105] An in vivo study in hamsters is conducted to determine the
efficacy of the new particles of the new amphiphilic diblock
copolymers in sequestering bile acid from a body according to a
binding assay described in Kowala et al., Atherosclerosis, 1991,
91, 35-49; Wilson et al., Metabolism, 1998, 47, 959-964; and Wilson
et al., Atherosclerosis, 1998, 140, 315-324
Example 16
Encapsulation of .alpha.-Tocopherol
[0106] .alpha.-Tocopherol (50 mg) was dissolved in 4.0 ml of methyl
sulfoxide. Pullulan-co-polycaprolactone block copolymer (100 mg)
was added. The mixture was heated in a microwave oven at 260 W for
35 seconds, then stirred at room temperature overnight. The
solution was filtered using a 0.45.mu. syringe filter. Distilled
water (10 ml) was added dropwise and the solution was dialyzed. A
slightly cloudy solution was obtained (20 ml), which had a measured
.alpha.-tocopherol content of 1 mg/ml.
[0107] The following experiments were done to demonstrate uptake of
tocopherol when delivered transdermally using pullulan
nanoparticles.
[0108] One hamster was isolated and fasted overnight; a fasting
blood sample was collected. Two days later, another fasting blood
sample was collected. Plasma was isolated from these 2 samples for
the measurement of baseline levels of tocopherol. Two days after
the second baseline fasted blood sample was collected, the animal
was fasted again, and the skin on the back was exposed. 1 mL of a
nanoparticle preparation of tocopherol, prepared as described above
was applied topically to the skin at the back of the animal. This
sample was previously analyzed to contain 910 .mu.g/mL of
tocopherol. Blood samples were collected at 1, 3, 5, 22, 44, and 95
hours after topical application. Plasma was extracted from each
sample, and analyzed for vitamin E quantity using a HPLC system.
Sample concentrations were calculated by comparison to a standard
sample of known concentration of tocopherol.
[0109] FIG. 10 gives a time plot of the amount of tocopherol in the
blood following topical delivery of tocopherol using nanoparticles.
As can be seen from the plot, topical administration of tocopherol
using nanoparticles results in a high bioavailability in blood of
the tocopherol. This represents a very high enrichment in the blood
of tocopherol after just one-5 minute administration of tocopherol
topically. In addition, tocopherol being fat soluble can only be
delivered in an oil mixture until now. Now you can deliver
tocopherol in a water base by using our nanoparticles. The ability
to deliver these nanospheres in water orally will be a major
breakthrough as this cannot be done now except as a large micelle
which cannot be used in water because of its cloudy nature.
Example 17
Encapsulation and Anti-Inflammation Studies of Celebrex.RTM.
[0110] Pullulan-co-polycaprolactone (200 mg) was mixed with 100 mg
Celebrex.RTM. (celecoxib, is chemically designated as
445-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-ylp
benzenesulfonamide and the mixture was dissolved in 2.0 ml methyl
sulfoxide. The mixture was stirred with dropwise addition of 10 ml
distilled water. The solution was dialyzed in a regenerated
cellulose dialysis tube having a molecular weight cut-off between
6000-8000 daltons. After dialysis, the solution was filtered. The
solution contained 22.58 .mu.g/ml of Celebrex.RTM. as measured by
UV spectroscopy.
[0111] Croton oil was applied to the left and right ears of five
animals to cause inflammation. Two hours later, a nanoparticle
preparation of Celebrex or conventional form of Celebrex.RTM. was
applied topically to the left or right ear. After 6 hours of
exposure (FIG. 11) shows that Celebrex.RTM. in nanoparticle form,
at a dosage of 0.85 mg/ml causes a greater reduction in ear
swelling (65%) than a 200 mg dose (60%), of Celebrex.RTM. delivered
in conventional form, the highest dosage of Celebrex.RTM. used in
this experiment. Thus, Celebrex.RTM. in nanoparticle form is
significantly more effective as a topical anti-inflammatory at
significantly lower doses.
Example 18
Encapsulation of Acetylsalicylic Acid
[0112] Pullulan-co-polycaprolactone (200 mg) was mixed with 100 mg
acetylsalicylic acid and the mixture dissolved in 2.0 ml methyl
sulfoxide. The mixture was stirred with dropwise addition of 10 ml
of distilled water. The solution was dialyzed in a regenerated
cellulose dialysis tube having a molecular weight cut off between
6000-8000 daltons. After dialysis, the solution was filtered. The
solution contained 23.27 .mu.g/ml of acetylsalicylic acid as
measured by UV spectroscopy.
Example 19
Encapsulation of Estradiol
[0113] Pullulan-co-polycaprolactone block copolymer (100 mg) was
mixed with 20 mg estradiol and dissolved in 1 ml of hot methyl
sulfoxide. The mixture was filtered using a 0.45 .mu.L syringe
filter. The solution was cooled to room temperature and 5 ml water
was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred overnight, then
dialyzed in a regenerated cellulose dialysis tube having a
molecular weight cut off between 6000-8000 daltons. The solution
was filtered using a 0.45 .mu.L syringe filter. The encapsulated
estradiol concentration was determined to be 4200 pg/ml.
[0114] Pullulan-co-polycaprolactone block copolymer nanoparticles
encapsulated with estradiol were calculated to contain 57 .mu.g/ml
of estradiol while the micelle preparation, was calculated to
contain 88 .mu.g/ml of estradiol.
[0115] Blood samples were obtained from each hamster prior to
treatment application, for baseline estradiol concentrations.
Hamsters receiving oral applications were gavaged with 1 mL of the
appropriate preparations. Blood samples were centrifuged in order
to obtain plasma. Each plasma sample was analyzed using a
Coat-A-Count Estradiol Assay kit. Concentration of estradiol in
each plasma sample was calculated based on a standard estradiol
concentration curve, which was obtained using calibrators included
in the kit. Blood samples were obtained at 3, 24, 48, and 72 hours
after oral delivery. Results are shown in FIG. 12. Oral delivery of
estradiol as nanoparticle preparations yields a higher
bioavailability (120 pg/mL) in blood than when delivered by
micelles (75 pg/mL).
Example 20
Synthesis of Shell-Crosslinked Hollow Nanoparticles
[0116] Pullulan-co-polycaprolactone block copolymer (2.14 grams)
was dissolved in 5.0 ml methyl sulfoxide. The solution was stirred
for 2 hours. Distilled water (80 ml) was added dropwise, then the
solution was dialyzed. To the thus obtained solution (121 ml), 388
.mu.l epichlorohydrin was added, followed by 121 ml 6 M sodium
hydroxide solution. The mixture was stirred for 24 hours. The
solution was acidified to pH.about.6.5 with 10 M hydrochloric acid.
The solution was then dialyzed. The diameter of the resultant
nanospheres as measured by TEM was approximately 60 nm.
Example 21
Synthesis of Cationic Nanoparticles
[0117] 2-(Diethylamino)ethyl chloride hydrochloride (0.4 grams) was
mixed with 0.5 ml of a 50% sodium hydroxide solution. The mixture
was allowed to stand for 10 min, then 50 ml of a 1 mg/ml solution
of crosslinked hollow nanoparticles was added. The mixture was
stirred at 70.degree. C. for 2 hours. The solution was then
dialyzed using regenerated cellulose dialysis tube of molecular
weight cut off of 6000-8000 daltons. The degree of substitution was
0.146 (The average number of hydroxyl groups substituted per
repeating unit was 0.146) as measured by .sup.1H nuclear magnetic
resonance spectroscopy.
Example 22
Synthesis of Anionic Nanoparticles
[0118] Chloroacetic acid (1.134 grams) was mixed with 2.0 ml of a
50% solution of sodium hydroxide and the mixture was allowed to
stand for 10 min. A 4 mg/ml solution of crosslinked hollow
nanoparticles (12.5 ml) was added and the mixture was stirred at
70.degree. C. for 12 hours. The mixture was dialyzed in regenerated
cellulose dialysis tube of MWCO=6-8000. The degree of substitution
was measured by .sup.1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to
be 0.48 (The average number of hydroxyl groups substituted per
repeating unit was 0.48).
Example 23
Oral Delivery of Radiolabeled Cholesterol
[0119] A stock solution of tritiated cholesterol was counted and
concluded to contain 800,000 CPM in 10 .mu.L. A volume of 10 .mu.L
of .sup.3H cholesterol was incubated with 1 mL of crosslinked
hollow nanoparticles, and left to dialyze overnight, at room
temperature, in a shaker. The nanoparticle preparation was dialyzed
for 12 hours, and counted after dialysis. 50 .mu.L of the
nanoparticle preparation contained 2300 CPM. A saline preparation
of .sup.3H cholesterol was made using 5 .mu.L of stock cholesterol
solution and 3 mL of saline. 50 .mu.L of this solution was counted,
and contained 2800 CPM. Two rats were isolated for this experiment;
one gavaged with the saline preparation, while the other was
gavaged with the nanoparticle preparation. Blood was drawn,
centrifuged, and counted for the following time points: baseline, 5
minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 4 hours, and 24
hours.
Example 24
Intravenous Delivery of Radiolabeled Cholesterol via Injection of
Nanoparticle Preparation into the Heart
[0120] A stock solution of tritiated cholesterol was counted and
concluded to contain 15,000,000 DPM (disintegrations of isotope per
minute). Each preparation was dialyzed before being used for the
experiment. The dialyzed water was counted for DPMs lost in the
dialysis water. The water was changed twice, and each time, 1.5 L
of water was replaced, for a total of 3 L of water. In the first
change, 221 DPM were counted in 1 mL of water. In the second
change, 207 DPM were counted in 1 mL of water, for a total of
642,000 DPM lost in the dialysis water. The final nanoparticle
preparation was counted and contained 3,000,000 DPM/mL. Saline
preparations were made as controls for each nanoparticle
preparation. Three mL of saline was added to 20 .mu.L of tritiated
cholesterol. When counted, this preparation was found to contain
9,800,000 DPM/mL. 500 .mu.L of the previous saline preparation was
added to 1.5 mL of saline. This contained 2,000,000 DPM/mL.
[0121] Four rats were isolated for this experiment. Each rat
received an injection of 1 mL of each solution directly into the
heart. Blood samples were taken at time points 5 min, 15 min, 30
min, and 60 min. Results are shown in FIG. 13. As seen from the
plot, cholesterol level in the blood was significantly higher (1200
DPM in 1 hour) following IV delivery of tritiated cholesterol using
nanoparticles relative to the control, i.e., in saline (50 DPM in 1
hour). At the conclusion of the experiment, the animals were
sacrificed and tissues were isolated for further analysis of the
presence of tritiated cholesterol. The following tissues were
isolated: liver, brain, heart, adrenal gland, kidney, and small
intestine. These tissues were counted as the blood was counted, on
a liquid scintillation counter.
[0122] The results from the counts in the blood and brain are shown
in FIG. 14. As seen from FIG. 14 cholesterol was delivered more
effectively (40%) to the brain when delivered as a nanoparticle
preparation, by crossing the blood brain barrier relative to
control, i.e., delivered in saline (20%). FIG. 15 shows that
cholesterol uptake in blood is rapid (delivery complete in one
hour) when delivered by nanoparticles and further shows that
cholesterol delivered as nanoparticles reaches the liver and
brain.
Example 25
Particles with Antibacterial Properties
[0123] Cationic crosslinked hollow nanoparticles were prepared
according to Example 21, and were tested against gram negative
Psedumonas Aeruginosa and gram positive Staphylococcus Aureus
bacteria. 3 mL of a nanoparticle solution was added to two plastic
tubes and allowed to set and coat the tubes for .about.26 hours.
The nanoparticle solution was drained and 3 mL of a gram positive
bacterial solution was added to one tube and 3 mL of a gram
negative bacterial solution to the other tube. The control
experiment was set up by adding 3 ml of the bacterial solutions to
plastic tubes untreated with the nanoparticle solution. All four
tubes were allowed to sit for 6 days to allow for formation of a
biofilm on the walls of the tubes. At the end of 6 days, a
bacterial stain was added to the four tubes. The presence of
bacteria was tested using a microscope. No bacteria were present in
the two tubes that had been previously treated with the
nanoparticle solution, whereas bacteria were present in the two
tubes not previously treated with the nanoparticle solution. The
results demonstrate that the nanoparticles have antibacterial
properties.
Example 26
Oxidation of Pullulan
[0124] Oxidized pullulan was obtained using standard oxidation
techniques. For example, hydrolyzed pullulan (M.sub.n=18,800) was
dissolved in 200 ml water. Sodium bromide (1.6 g was added to the
pullulan solution. The solution was cooled in an ice bath and 95 ml
5% sodium hypochlorite solution was added. Oxidation was initiated
by adding 50 mg TEMPO. The pH of the solution was kept at 10.8 with
0.82 M sodium hydroxide solution. After 3 hours, 10 ml ethanol was
added and the product was precipitated with acetone, filtered and
washed with acetone. The product was dried in vacuum. The .sup.13C
NMR spectrum of the product indicated the presence of carboxyl
groups (176 ppm), indicating the oxidation of the pullulan. A block
copolymer of the oxidized pullanan and polycaprolactone was
prepared in a similar manner as described in Example 8.
Example 27
Block Copolymer of Oxidized Pullulan and Polycaprolactone
[0125] Insulin (25 mg) was dissolved in 2.0 ml of methyl sulfoxide,
and added to 50 mg of a copolymer of oxidized pullulan and
polycaprolactone prepared according to method described in example
27. The mixture was stirred overnight. Water (10 ml) was added
slowly, dropwise, and the solution was dialyzed against distilled
water for 24 hours using a dialysis membrane of MWCO=6-8,000. The
solution was filtered using a 0.45 micron syringe filter. The
solution contained 15.6 microgram/ml insulin.
Other Embodiments
[0126] It is to be understood that while the invention has been
described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the
foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the
scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the
appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are
within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *