UMBC Chemical, Biochemical & Environmental Engineering Department

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/11603/49

Faculty in our department focus their research in nine core areas encompassing biological, environmental, and educational research. Our department offers an undergraduate course of study leading to a B.S. in Chemical Engineering through three tracks of study: (i) Traditional Track, (ii) Biotechnology and Bioengineering Track and (iii) Environmental Engineering and Sustainability track. We also offer both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees through two different graduate programs. Details can be found on our website: http://www.umbc.edu/cbe

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Functionalized poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) enhances drug delivery and provides chemical moieties for surface engineering while preserving biocompatibility
(Elsevier, 2009-10-01) Bertram, James P.; Jay, Steven M.; Hynes, Sara R.; Robinson, Rebecca; Criscione, Jason M.; Lavik, Erin
Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is one of the more widely used polymers for biomedical applications. Nonetheless, PLGA lacks chemical moieties that facilitate cellular interactions and surface chemistries. Furthermore, incorporation of hydrophilic molecules is often problematic. The integration of polymer functionalities would afford the opportunity to alter device characteristics, thereby enabling control over drug interactions, conjugations and cellular phenomena. In an effort to introduce amine functionalities and improve polymer versatility, we synthesized two block copolymers (PLGA-PLL 502H and PLGA-PLL 503H) composed of PLGA and poly(ε-carbobenzoxy-l-lysine) utilizing dicyclohexyl carbodiimide coupling. PLGA-PLL microspheres encapsulated approximately sixfold (502H) and threefold (503H) more vascular endothelial growth factor, and 41% (503H) more ciliary neurotrophic factor than their PLGA counterparts. While the amine functionalities were amenable to the delivery of large molecules and surface conjugations, they did not compromise polymer biocompatibility. With the versatile combination of properties, biocompatibility and ease of synthesis, these block copolymers have the potential for diverse utility in the fields of drug delivery and tissue engineering.
A library of tunable poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(L-lysine) hydrogels to investigate the material cues that influence neural stem cell differentiation
(Wiley, 2009) Hynes, Sara R.; Rauch, Millicent F.; Bertram, James P.; Lavik, Erin
Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the potential to replace the major cell types of the central nervous system (CNS) and may be important in therapies for injuries to and diseases of the CNS. However, for such treatments to be safe and successful, NSCs must survive and differentiate appropriately following transplantation. A number of polymer scaffolds have shown promise in improving the survival and promoting the differentiation of NSCs. To capitalize on the interaction between scaffolds and NSCs, we need to determine the fundamental material properties that influence NSC behavior. To investigate the role of material properties on NSCs, we synthesized a library of 52 hydrogels composed of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(L-lysine) (PLL). This library of hydrogels allows independent variation of chemical and mechanical properties across a wide range of values. By culturing NSCs on this library, we have identified a subset of gels that promotes NSC migration and a further subset that promotes NSC differentiation. By combining the material properties of these subsets with the cell behavior, we determined that mechanical properties play a critical role in NSC behavior with elastic moduli promoting NSC migration and neuronal differentiation. Amine concentration is less critical, but PLL molecular weight also plays a role in NSC differentiation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Using Polymer Chemistry to Modulate the Delivery of Neurotrophic Factors from Degradable Microspheres: Delivery of BDNF
(Springer, 2010-01-01) Bertram, James P.; Rauch, Millicent F.; Chang, Kaliq; Lavik, Erin
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in neuroprotection and repair, but long-term delivery from polymer systems has been challenging. We investigated the role the chemistry of the polymer played in loading and delivery of BDNF via microspheres, which are suitable for minimally invasive administration.
Engineering the CNS Stem Cell Microenvironment
(Taylor & Francis, 2009-11-01) Williams, Cicely A; Lavik, Erin B
The loss of neural tissue underlies the symptomatology of several neurological insults of disparate etiology, including trauma, cerebrovascular insult and neurodegenerative disease. Restoration of damaged neural tissue through the use of exogenous or endogenous neural stem or progenitor cells is an enticing therapeutic option provided one can control their proliferation, migration and differentiation. Initial attempts at CNS tissue engineering relied on the intrinsic cellular properties of progenitor cells; however, it is now appreciated that the microenvironment surrounding the cells plays an indispensible role in regulating stem cell behavior. This article focuses on attempts to engineer the neural stem cell microenvironment by utilizing the major cellular components of the niche (endothelial cells, astrocytes and ependymal cells) and the extracellular matrix in which they are embedded.
Exogenous modulation of intrinsic optic nerve neuroprotective activity
(Springer, 2010-08-01) Grozdanic, Sinisa D.; Lazic, Tatjana; Kuehn, Markus H.; Harper, Matthew M.; Kardon, Randy H.; Kwon, Young H.; Lavik, Erin; Sakaguchi, Donald S.
BackgroundTo characterize the molecular and functional status of the rat retina and optic nerve after acute elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP).MethodsRetinal ischemia was induced in rats by increasing the IOP (110 mmHg/60 minutes). Microarray analysis, quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to characterize retinal tissue. PLGA microspheres containing neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF, or CNTF) or empty microspheres were injected into the vitreous of operated animals 1 day after elevation of IOP. Pupil light reflex (PLR) parameters and electroretinograms (ERG) were monitored at multiple time points during the 60-day postoperative recovery period.ResultsMolecular analysis showed a significant intrinsic up-regulation of CNTF at 10 and 25 days after induction of the acute ocular hypertension (p=0.0067). Molecular tissue analysis of GDNF and its receptors (GDNFR1, GDNFR2), and BDNF and its receptor (trkB) showed no change in expression. Animals that received CNTF microspheres had no significant functional recovery compared to animals which received blank microspheres (p>0.05). Animals that received GDNF or BDNF microspheres showed significant PLR recovery (p<0.05 and p<0.001 respectively) compared to non-treated animals.ConclusionsContinuous release of neurotrophic growth factors (NGFs) significantly protects optic nerve function in the experimental model of retinal ischemia observed by PLR analysis.
New platform for controlled and sustained delivery of the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478 using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres
(Taylor & Francis, 2010-05-01) Robinson, Rebecca; Bertram, James P.; Reiter, Jill L.; Lavik, Erin
Inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) reduces tumour growth and metastases and promotes axon regeneration in the central nervous system. Current EGFR inhibition strategies include the administration of reversible small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, to be effective in vivo sustained delivery is required. This study explored the feasibility of encapsulating the tyrphostin 4-(3-chloroanilino)-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline (AG1478) in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres using three different emulsion methods: solid-in-oil-in-water, oil-in-water and oil-in-water with co-solvent. Addition of a co-solvent increased loading and release of AG1478 and significantly (p < 0.001) decreased microsphere size. Co-solvent addition also prolonged AG1478 release from 6 months to over 9 months. Once released AG1478 remained bioactive and inhibited EGFR in immortalized rat fibroblasts and EGFR-amplified human carcinoma cells. These results demonstrate that AG1478 can be encapsulated in PLGA with sustained release and retain bioactivity; thereby providing a new platform for controlled administration of EGFR TKIs.
Engineering therapies in the CNS: What works and what can be translated
(Elsevier, 2012-06-25) Shoffstall, Andrew J.; Taylor, Dawn M.; Lavik, Erin
Engineering is the art of taking what we know and using it to solve problems. As engineers, we build tool chests of approaches; we attempt to learn as much as possible about the problem at hand, and then we design, build, and test our approaches to see how they impact the system. The challenge of applying this approach to the central nervous system (CNS) is that we often do not know the details of what is needed from the biological side. New therapeutic options for treating the CNS range from new biomaterials to make scaffolds, to novel drug-delivery techniques, to functional electrical stimulation. However, the reality is that translating these new therapies and making them widely available to patients requires collaborations between scientists, engineers, clinicians, and patients to have the greatest chance of success. Here we discuss a variety of new treatment strategies and explore the pragmatic challenges involved with engineering therapies in the CNS.
Nanospheres Delivering the EGFR TKI AG1478 Promote Optic Nerve Regeneration: The Role of Size for Intraocular Drug Delivery
(ACS, 2011-06-28) Robinson, Rebecca; Viviano, Stephen R.; Criscione, Jason M.; Williams, Cicely A.; Jun, Lin; Tsai, James C.; Lavik, Erin
Promoting nerve regeneration involves not only modulating the postinjury microenvironment but also ensuring survival of injured neurons. Sustained delivery of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has been shown to promote the survival and regeneration of neurons, but systemic administration is associated with significant side effects. We fabricated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres and nanospheres containing the EGFR TKI 4-(3-chloroanilino)-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline (AG1478) for intravitreal administration in a rat optic nerve crush injury model. Upon administration, less backflow from the injection site was observed when injecting nanospheres compared to microspheres. Two weeks after intravitreal delivery, we were able to detect microspheres and nanospheres in the vitreous using coumarin-6 fluorescence, but fewer microspheres were observed compared to the nanospheres. At four weeks only nanospheres could be detected. AG1478 microspheres and nanospheres promoted optic nerve regeneration at two weeks, and at four weeks evidence of regeneration was found only in the nanosphere-injected animals. This observation could be attributed to the ease of administration of the nanospheres versus the microspheres, which in turn led to an increased amount of spheres delivered to the vitreous in the nanosphere group compared to the microsphere group. These data provide evidence for use of PLGA nanospheres to deliver AG1478 intravitreally in a single administration to promote nerve regeneration.
Intravenous Hemostatic Nanoparticles Increase Survival Following Blunt Trauma Injury
(ACS, 2012-11-12) Shoffstall, Andrew J.; Atkins, Kristyn T.; Groynom, Rebecca E.; Varley, Matthew E.; Everhart, Lydia M.; Lashof-Sullivan, Margaret M.; Martyn-Dow, Blaine; Butler, Robert S.; Ustin, Jeffrey S.; Lavik, Erin
Trauma is the leading cause of death for people ages 1–44, with blood loss comprising 60–70% of mortality in the absence of lethal CNS or cardiac injury. Immediate intervention is critical to improving chances of survival. While there are several products to control bleeding for external and compressible wounds, including pressure dressings, tourniquets, or topical materials (e.g., QuikClot, HemCon), there are no products that can be administered in the field for internal bleeding. There is a tremendous unmet need for a hemostatic agent to address internal bleeding in the field. We have developed hemostatic nanoparticles (GRGDS-NPs) that reduce bleeding times by ~50% in a rat femoral artery injury model. Here, we investigated their impact on survival following administration in a lethal liver resection injury in rats. Administration of these hemostatic nanoparticles reduced blood loss following the liver injury and dramatically and significantly increased 1 h survival from 40 and 47% in controls (inactive nanoparticles and saline, respectively) to 80%. Furthermore, we saw no complications following administration of these nanoparticles. We further characterized the nanoparticles’ effect on clotting time (CT) and maximum clot firmness (MCF) using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), a clinical measurement of whole-blood coagulation. Clotting time is significantly reduced, with no change in MCF. Administration of these hemostatic nanoparticles after massive trauma may help staunch bleeding and improve survival in the critical window following injury, and this could fundamentally change trauma care.
Intravenous hemostats: challenges in translation to patients
(RSC, 2013-10-25) Lashof-Sullivan, Margaret; Shoffstall, Andrew; Lavik, Erin
Excessive bleeding and the resulting complications are a leading killer of young people globally. There are many successful methods to halt bleeding in the extremities, including compression, tourniquets, and dressings. However, current treatments for internal hemorrhage (including from head or truncal injuries), termed non-compressible bleeding, are inadequate. For these non-compressible injuries, blood transfusions are the current treatment standard. However, they must be refrigerated, may potentially transfer disease, and are of limited supply. In addition, time is of the essence for halting hemorrhage, since more than a third of civilian deaths due to hemorrhage from trauma occur before the patient even reaches the hospital. As a result, particles that can cross-link activated platelets through the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor expressed on activated platelets are being investigated as an alternative treatment for non-compressible bleeding. Ideally, these particles would interact specifically with platelets to stabilize the platelet plug. Initial designs used biologically derived microparticles with red blood cell fragment or albumin cores decorated with RGD or fibrinogen, which bind to GPIIb/IIIa. More recently there has been research into the use of fully synthetic nanoparticles with liposomal or polymer cores that crosslink platelets through a targeting peptide bound to the surface. Some of the challenges for the development of these particles include appropriate sizing to prevent blocking the capillaries of the lungs, immune system evasion to prevent strong reactions and increase circulation time, and storage and resuspension so that first responders can easily use the particles. In addition, the effectiveness of the variety of animal bleeding models in predicting outcomes must be examined before test results can be fully understood. Progress has been made in the development of particles to combat hemorrhage, but issues of immune sensitivity and storage must be resolved before these types of particles can be translated for human use.
Short Term Interactions with Long Term Consequences: Modulation of Chimeric Vessels by Neural Progenitors
(PLOS, 2012-12-27) Williams, Cicely; Rauch, Millicent Ford; Michaud, Michael; Robinson, Rebecca; Xu, Hao; Madri, Joseph; Lavik, Erin
Vessels are a critical and necessary component of most tissues, and there has been substantial research investigating vessel formation and stabilization. Several groups have investigated coculturing endothelial cells with a second cell type to promote formation and stabilization of vessels. Some have noted that long-term vessels derived from implanted cocultures are often chimeric consisting of both host and donor cells. The questions arise as to whether the coculture cell might impact the chimeric nature of the microvessels and can modulate the density of donor cells over time. If long-term engineered microvessels are primarily of host origin, any impairment of the host's angiogenic ability has significant implications for the long-term success of the implant. If one can modulate the host versus donor response, one may be able to overcome a host's angiogenic impairment. Furthermore, if one can modulate the donor contribution, one may be able to engineer microvascular networks to deliver molecules a patient lacks systemically for long times. To investigate the impact of the cocultured cell on the host versus donor contributions of endothelial cells in engineered microvascular networks, we varied the ratio of the neural progenitors to endothelial cells in subcutaneously implanted poly(ethylene glycol)/poly-L-lysine hydrogels. We found that the coculture of neural progenitors with endothelial cells led to the formation of chimeric host-donor vessels, and the ratio of neural progenitors has a significant impact on the long term residence of donor endothelial cells in engineered microvascular networks in vivo even though the neural progenitors are only present transiently in the system. We attribute this to the short term paracrine signaling between the two cell types. This suggests that one can modulate the host versus donor contributions using short-term paracrine signaling which has broad implications for the application of engineered microvascular networks and cellular therapy more broadly.
Tissue engineering the retinal ganglion cell nerve fiber layer
(Elsevier, 2013-06-01) Kador, Karl E.; Montero, Ramon B.; Venugopalan, Praseeda; Hertz, Jonathan; Zindell, Allison N.; Valenzuela, Daniel A.; Uddin, Mohammed S.; Lavik, Erin; Muller, Kenneth J.; Andreopoulos, Fotios M.; Goldberg, Jeffrey L.
Retinal degenerative diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, affect millions of people worldwide and ultimately lead to retinal cell death and blindness. Cell transplantation therapies for photoreceptors demonstrate integration and restoration of function, but transplantation into the ganglion cell layer is more complex, requiring guidance of axons from transplanted cells to the optic nerve head in order to reach targets in the brain. Here we create a biodegradable electrospun (ES) scaffold designed to direct the growth of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons radially, mimicking axon orientation in the retina. Using this scaffold we observed an increase in RGC survival and no significant change in their electrophysiological properties. When analyzed for alignment, 81% of RGCs were observed to project axons radially along the scaffold fibers, with no difference in alignment compared to the nerve fiber layer of retinal explants. When transplanted onto retinal explants, RGCs on ES scaffolds followed the radial pattern of the host retinal nerve fibers, whereas RGCs transplanted directly grew axons in a random pattern. Thus, the use of this scaffold as a cell delivery device represents a significant step towards the use of cell transplant therapies for the treatment of glaucoma and other retinal degenerative diseases.
A tunable synthetic hydrogel system for culture of retinal ganglion cells and amacrine cells
(Elsevier, 2013-08-01) Hertz, Jonathan; Robinson, Rebecca; Valenzuela, Daniel A.; Lavik, Erin; Goldberg, Jeffrey L.
The central nervous system consists of complex groups of individual cells that receive electrical, chemical and physical signals from their local environment. Standard in vitro cell culture methods rely on two-dimensional (2-D) substrates that poorly simulate in vivo neural architecture. Neural cells grown in three-dimensional (3-D) culture systems may provide an opportunity to study more accurate representations of the in vivo environment than 2-D cultures. Furthermore, each specific type of neuron depends on discrete compositions and physical properties of their local environment. Previously, we developed a library of hydrogels composed of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(l-lysine) which exhibit a wide range of mechanical properties. Here, we identified specific scaffolds from this library that readily support the survival, migration and neurite outgrowth of purified retinal ganglion cells and amacrine cells. These data address important biological questions about the interaction of neurons with the physical and chemical properties of their local environment and provide further insight for engineering neural tissue for cell-replacement therapies following injury.
Tuning Ligand Density on Intravenous Hemostatic Nanoparticles Dramatically Increases Survival Following Blunt Trauma
(ACS, 2013-08-12) Shoffstall, Andrew J.; Everhart, Lydia M.; Varley, Matthew E.; Soehnlen, Eric S.; Shick, Adam M.; Ustin, Jeffrey S.; Lavik, Erin
Targeted nanoparticles are being pursued for a range of medical applications. Here we utilized targeted nanoparticles (synthetic platelets) to halt bleeding in acute trauma. One of the major questions that arises in the field is the role of surface ligand density in targeted nanoparticles’ performance. We developed intravenous hemostatic nanoparticles (GRGDS-NP1) and previously demonstrated their ability to reduce bleeding following femoral artery injury and increase survival after lethal liver trauma in the rat. These nanoparticles are made from block copolymers, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-b-poly l-lysine-b-poly(ethylene glycol). Surface-conjugated targeting ligand density can be tightly controlled with this system, and here we investigated the effect of varying density on hemostasis and biodistribution. We increased the targeting peptide (GRGDS) concentration 100-fold (GRGDS-NP100) and undertook an in vitro dose–response study using rotational thromboelastometry, finding that GRGDS-NP100 hemostatic nanoparticles were efficacious at doses at least 10 times lower than the GRGDS-NP1. These results were recapitulated in vivo, demonstrating efficacy at eight-fold lower concentration after lethal liver trauma. 1 h survival increased to 92% compared with a scrambled peptide control, 45% (OR = 14.4, 95% CI = [1.36, 143]), a saline control, 47% (OR = 13.5, 95% CI = [1.42, 125]), and GRGDS-NP1, 80% (OR = 1.30, n.s.). This work demonstrates the impact of changing synthetic platelet ligand density on hemostasis and lays the foundation for methods to determine optimal ligand concentration parameters.
Examining lethality risk for rodent studies of primary blast lung injury
(Biomed Sci Instrum, 2014) Hubbard, William Brad; Hall, Christina; Siva Sai Suijith Sajja, Venkata; Lavik, Erin; VandeVord, Pamela
While protective measures have been taken to mitigate injury to the thorax during a blast exposure, primary blast lung injury (PBLI) is still evident in mounted/in vehicle cases during military conflicts. Moreover, civilians, who are unprotected from blast exposure, can be severely harmed by terrorist attacks that use improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Since the lungs are the most susceptible organ due to their air-filled nature, PBLI is one of the most serious injuries seen in civilian blast cases. Determining lethality threshold for rodent studies is crucial to guide experimental designs centered on therapies for survival after PBLI or mechanistic understanding of the injury itself. Using an Advanced Blast Simulator, unprotected rats were exposed to a whole body blast to induce PBLI. The one-hour survival rate was assessed to determine operating conditions for a 50% lethality rate. Macroscopic and histological analysis of lung was conducted using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results demonstrated lethality risk trends based on static blast overpressure (BOP) for rodent models, which may help standardized animal studies and contribute to scaling to the human level. The need for a standardized method of producing PBLI is pressing and establishing standard curves, such as a lethality risk curve for lung blasts, is crucial for this condensing of BOP methods.
Steroid-Loaded Hemostatic Nanoparticles Combat Lung Injury after Blast Trauma
(ACS, 2015-04-21) Hubbard, W. Brad; Lashof-Sullivan, Margaret M.; Lavik, Erin; VandeVord, Pamela J.
In response to the lack of therapeutics for internal bleeding following a traumatic event, we synthesized hemostatic dexamethasone nanoparticles (hDNP) to help alleviate internal hemorrhaging. hDNP consist of a block copolymer, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-poly(l-lysine)-poly(ethylene glycol) conjugated to a peptide, glycine-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine (GRGDS). These particles were evaluated as treatment for primary blast lung injury in a rodent model. Animals were randomly placed into test and control groups, exposed to blast and given immediate injection. Recovery was assessed using physiological parameters and immunohistochemistry. We found that dexamethasone-loaded hemostatic nanoparticles alleviate physiological deprivation caused by blast injury and reduce lung injury damage.
Olfactory Ensheathing Cells Promote Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells and Robust Neurite Extension
(Springer Nature, 2014-12-01) Sethi, Rosh; Sethi, Roshan; Redmond, Andy; Lavik, Erin
The goal of this study was to gain insight into the signaling between olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) and neural stem cells (NSCs). We sought to understand the impact of OECs on NSC differentiation and neurite extension and to begin to elucidate the factors involved in these interactions to provide new targets for therapeutic interventions.
Intravenously administered nanoparticles increase survival following blast trauma
(PNAS, 2014-07-15) Lashof-Sullivan, Margaret M.; Shoffstall, Erin; Atkins, Kristyn T.; Keane, Nickolas; Bir, Cynthia; VandeVord, Pamela; Lavik, Erin
Explosions account for 79% of combat-related injuries, leading to multiorgan hemorrhage and uncontrolled bleeding. Uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of death in battlefield traumas as well as in civilian life. We need to stop the bleeding quickly to save lives, but, shockingly, there are no treatments to stop internal bleeding. A therapy that halts bleeding in a site-specific manner and is safe, stable at room temperature, and easily administered is critical for the advancement of trauma care. To address this need, we have developed hemostatic nanoparticles that are administered intravenously. When tested in a model of blast trauma with multiorgan hemorrhaging, i.v. administration of the hemostatic nanoparticles led to a significant improvement in survival over the short term (1 h postblast). No complications from this treatment were apparent out to 3 wk. This work demonstrates that these particles have the potential to save lives and fundamentally change trauma care.
A hydrogel-endothelial cell implant mimics infantile hemangioma: modulation by survivin and the Hippo pathway
(Springer Nature, 2015-05-11) Tsuneki, Masayuki; Hardee, Steven; Michaud, Michael; Morotti, Raffaella; Lavik, Erin; Madri, Joseph A.
Microvascular endothelial cells cultured in three-dimensional hydrogel scaffolds form a network of microvessel structures when implanted subcutaneously in mice, inosculate with host vessels, and over time remodel into large ectatic vascular structures resembling hemangiomas. When compared with infantile hemangiomas, similarities were noted, including a temporal progression from a morphological appearance of a proliferative phase to the appearance of an involuted phase, mimicking the proliferative and involutional phases of infantile hemangioma. Consistent with the progression of a proliferative phase to an involuted phase, both the murine implants and human biopsy tissue exhibit reduced expression of Ajuba, YAP, and Survivin labeling as they progressed over time. Significant numbers of CD45+, CD11b+, Mac3+ mononuclear cells were found at the 2-week time point in our implant model that correlated with the presence of CD45+, CD68+ mononuclear cells observed in biopsies of human proliferative-phase hemangiomas. At the 4-week time point in our implant model, only small numbers of CD45+ cells were detected, which again correlated with our findings of significantly diminished CD45+, CD68+ mononuclear cells in human involutional-phase hemangiomas. The demonstration of mononuclear cell infiltration transiently in the proliferative phase of these lesions suggests that the vascular proliferation and/or regression may be driven in part by an immune response. Gross and microscopic morphological appearances of human proliferative and involutional hemangiomas and our implant model correlate well with each other as do the expression levels of Hippo pathway components (Ajuba and YAP) and Survivin and correlate with proliferation in these entities. Inhibitors of Survivin and Ajuba (which we have demonstrated to inhibit proliferation and increase apoptosis in murine hemangioendothelioma cell tissue culture) may have potential as other beneficial treatments for proliferating infantile hemangiomas. This implant model may have potential as a modest through-put screen for testing and development of therapeutics targeted at the proliferative phase of infantile hemangiomas, reducing the subsequent postinvolutional scarring or deformities sometimes associated with these lesions.
Controlled release of photoswitch drugs by degradable polymer microspheres
(Taylor & Francis, 2015-09-14) Groynom, Rebecca; Shoffstall, Erin; Wu, Larry S.; Kramer, Richard H.; Lavik, Erin
Background: QAQ (quaternary ammonium-azobenzene-quaternary ammonium) and DENAQ (diethylamine-azobenzene-quaternary ammonium) are synthetic photoswitch compounds that change conformation in response to light, altering current flow through voltage-gated ion channels in neurons. These compounds are drug candidates for restoring light sensitivity in degenerative blinding diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Purpose: However, these photoswitch compounds are cleared from the eye within several days, they must be administered through repeated intravitreal injections. Therefore, we are investigating local, sustained delivery formulations to constantly replenish these molecules and have the potential to restore sight. Methods: Here, we encapsulate QAQ and DENAQ into several molecular weights of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) through an emulsion technique to assess the viability of delivering the compounds in their therapeutic window over many weeks. We characterize the loading efficiency, release profile and bioactivity of the compounds after encapsulation. Results: A very small burst release was observed for all of the formulations with the majority being delivered over the following two months. The lowest molecular weight PLGA led to the highest loading and most linear delivery for both QAQ and DENAQ. Bioactivity was retained for both compounds across the polymers. Conclusion: These results present encapsulation into polymers by emulsion as a viable option for controlled release of QAQ and DENAQ.

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