Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group

Papers in Scientific Journals

All-trans retinoic acid release from biodegradable polyester microcapsules

Abstract

Tissue engineering strategies frequently include a scaffold, living cells and bioactive substances to promote cell growth and guide cell differentiation. The encapsulation in carriers enables protects the bioactivity of those substances upon implantation, avoids being transported by the body fluids and also allows controlling the re- lease rate. Encapsulation materials are preferably biodegradable polymers. In this work, all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) was used as a model bioactive agent; since it was shown that atRA enhances the expression of osteocalcin, a specific osteogenic marker.

atRA was encapsulated into polyester microcapsules by a water/ oil/water double emulsion/solvent evaporation technique. The polyesters used in this study are poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) and poly(butylene terephthalate-co-adipate) (PBTA). The kinetics of atRA release was studied in phosphate buffered saline solution of pH 7.4 at 378C under orbital shaking.

 

Encapsulation efficiencies (EE) of 94.0%, 95.4% and 95.8% were obtained for PBS, PBSA and PBTA, respectively. The high EE is probably due to the low water solubility of atRA which is entrapped in the organic phase and does not dissolve into the aqueous phase.

atRA was released from PBS and PBSA steadily with an aver- age release of 12.6% and 9.9%, respectively, after 4 weeks. Release from PBTA showed a burst of 12.8% within the first 24 hours, fol- lowed by a slower release stage, reaching 34.0% after 4 weeks.

The results obtained in this study demonstrate the interest of this strategy and show the potential of the proposed microcapsules as carriers for the controlled release of bioactive agents.

 

Journal
Tissue Engineering Part A
Volume
14
Issue
5
Pagination
806-806
Keywords
All-trans retinoic acid release, microcapsules
Rights
Restricted Access
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Status
published
Year of Publication
2008
Date Published
2008-11-05
Search Google ScholarGenerate BibTexDownload RTF
This website uses cookies. By using this website you consent to our use of these cookies. For more information visit our Policy Page.